Parent Resources

Archived DPI Autism and Family Engagement Webinars

All DPI Autism and WSPEI webinars are now directly linked from the autism and for families page at DPI! Here are some examples of previous webinars you can watch for FREE at: http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/program/autism

To assist students, families, and educators in finding information about services for students with disabilities in college, DPI created an online database of disability resource center contacts across Wisconsin. This database was created through collaboration between DPI and the Wisconsin Community of Practice on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities and the site is maintained through the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative.

Preparing Students with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities for Life in College

As a companion to the IHE Database, DPI collected 400 video clips of students who attend or graduated from college as well as families, educators, and disability resource center staff at colleges around Wisconsin who shared their ideas, knowledge, and advice on how to support students, families, and educators to assist all students to be college and career ready. These videos were separated into 17 playlists available on the DPI Resources to the Field YouTube channel. Please share these videos and incorporate them in presentations, meetings, and discussions to help prepare students with disabilities for life in college.

Special Education Scholarship Program

Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) allows a student with a disability, who meets certain eligibility requirements, to receive a state-funded scholarship to attend a participating private school. The Special Needs Scholarship Program is governed by Wisconsin Statute115.7915 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter PI 49. Source: http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/special-needs-scholarship

PIER

PIER is a not-for-profit group which is an informational and support resource for individuals, families and professionals to help a child, youth, or adult with special needs.

They have many activities available for parents and families. Please check out their website for their activity calendar and ever-changing list of activities and trainings.

Coulee Region C.O.R.E

The Coulee Region C.O.R.E. group organizes and coordinates trainings, social events, volunteer opportunities for families who have children with disabilities, and others in the community who are supportive of inclusion. They have a Facebook page (Coulee Region C.O.R.E. supporters) where they share information about other family friendly events throughout the state and in the communities where group members reside. Please click on the link to view the brochure for more information about the Coulee Region C.O.R.E. group.

Family Engagement Newsletters

Wisconsin Facets has updated its website to house archived copies of the Family Engagement Newsletters. Please go to

http://www.servingongroups.org/resources to view the archived copies of the newsletters.

Monthly Updates

If you would like to receive the monthly update provided by the Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training, & Support (WI FACETS) please visit their website at: http://www.servingongroups.org/newsletter-signup

Informational Links

An Introduction to Special Education (English)

A resource for parents introducing special education and how it works.

Special Education in Plain Language

A user-friendly interactive handbook on Special Education Laws, Policies and Practices in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative

Information Especially for Parents - Important links and information provided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Special Education Rights for Parents & Children

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Federal law concerning the education of students with disabilities, requires schools to provide parents of a child with a disability with a notice containing a full explanation of the procedural safeguards available under the IDEA and U.S. Department of Education regulations.

CESA5

Cooperative Educational Service Agency 5, a wide array of resources for parents and teachers.

Special Education At the DPI

Welcome to the Special Education Team's homepage. The Special Education Team is a part of the Division for Learning Support, which also includes Student Services, Prevention & Wellness; Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; and Wisconsin Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired.

Autism Society of Wisconsin

Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin (Madison Area)

Autism Speaks - Wisconsin

Mile Bluff Medical Center Mauston Autism Support Group

National Down Syndrome Society

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin

Down Syndrome Association - La Crosse Chapter

Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin Madison

Dedicated to the advancement of knowledge of human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Paula Kluth: Toward Inclusive Classrooms & Communities

Juneau County Family Resource Center

Early Head Start at Juneau County Family Resource Center