• Local Chapters
• Advocacy
• Public Policy
• Autism Waiver
• Education
• Community Resources
• Events
• Autism Source

Local Chapters

Autism Society chapters are your best source of information and support. Most chapters are volunteer-led by parents, care providers and other professionals. The Autism Society has chapters in nearly every state reaching out to individuals with autism and their families with information, support, and encouragement.

Contact a Wisconsin Autism Society chapter.

Visit Autism Source to find local doctors, service providers and other useful resources in your area.

Advocacy

Disability Rights Wisconsin

Disability Rights Wisconsin is a statewide resource for individuals, families, service professionals and others concerned with disability issues. Designated by the Governor to ensure the rights of all state citizens with disabilities through individual advocacy and system change, the private, nonprofit group is part of a national system of federally mandated independent disability agencies.

*Please note that in the context of Special Education Law, an "advocate" differs from an attorney in several ways. By definition, an "advocate" is one that supports or promotes the interests of another while an "attorney" is a practitioner in a court of law who is legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in such court on behalf of his or her clients. Although both may be able to help with your legal situation, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) only attorney's fees are recoverable to families prevailing in lawsuits. This delineation was the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision in Arlington Central School District Board of Education v. Murphy, 548 U.S. 291 (2006). There is currently legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reverse this outcome (the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, HR 434).

back to top

2008 State Autism Profiles - Wisconsin

Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities was established to advocate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, foster welcoming and inclusive communities, and improve the disability service system. The Council's mission is to help people with developmental disabilities become independent, productive and included in all facets of community life.

back to top

Autism Waiver

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Education

Special Education Services

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

back to top

Community Resources

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

The Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services provides information for families, providers and county staff about autism services and the Children's Long-Term Support Home- and Community-Based Medicaid Waivers.

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council

The goal of the Council is for each Native American child with special health-care needs to receive a complete developmental and medical assessment, including an Individual Family Service Plan.

Parent to Parent of Wisconsin

Parent to Parent of Wisconsin provides parent support to parents of children with special needs through a one-to-one connection with another parent who has similar experience and knows firsthand about the feelings and realities that come with having a child with special needs.

Respite Care Association of Wisconsin

Respite Care Association of Wisconsin is the only statewide organization dedicated to promoting planned and crisis respite care across the lifespan. RCAW serves as the central point of contact for respite programs across the state. Our products and services include training, technical assistance, information and referral, a lending library and publications.

Family Village

The Family Village is a website for children and adults with disabilities, their families, and their friends and allies. Family Village brings together thousands of online resources in an organized, easy-to-use directory. Visitors can also learn about assistive technology, legal rights and legislation, special education, leisure activities and more.

Wisconsin FACETS

The Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training & Support, Inc. (WI FACETS), is a nonprofit organization serving Wisconsin children and adults with disabilities, their families and those who support them. We were founded by parents who believed that parents are the best advocates for their children. WI FACETS operates programs to help parents, professionals and others support and enrich the lives of children with disabilities.

Wisconsin Family Ties

We are a statewide, not-for-profit organization run by families for families that include children and adolescents who have emotional, behavioral, mental and substance abuse disorders. We help parents develop the skills necessary to advocate for their families and children.

Public Health Information and Referral Services
 
Wisconsin Parents of Children with Developmental Delays

To provide families of children with developmental delays, including autistic spectrum disorders (PDD), with support and information.


back to top

Autism Source

To find more information in your state, please visit www.autismsource.org.

The Autism Society welcomes your comments: If you would like to make a suggestion or share beneficial resources not included in this page, please click here to fill out our contact form.

back to top

Last updated: 22 January 2009