Family Voices of Wisconsin

08/14/2026

✨Fast Fact Friday! ✨

Children with special health care needs may be more vulnerable during emergencies and disasters. Preparing ahead of time can help your family stay safe and reduce stress if the unexpected happens.

Start by updating your child's care plan, then build an emergency kit that meets your family's unique needs.

Your emergency kit might include:
• Medications and copies of prescriptions
• Medical supplies and equipment (plus extra batteries or chargers if needed)
• Copies of important medical records, insurance cards, and emergency contacts
• Water, nonperishable food, and any special dietary items
• Flashlights, battery powered items, and extra batteries
• Comfort items like a favorite toy, blanket, or communication supports

Don't forget to make a family emergency plan and stay informed about local weather and emergency alerts. ⛈

Preparing today can make a big difference when every minute counts. 💛

08/13/2026

This past weekend, Danielle and Melanie welcomed WiFLI graduates from across several cohorts for a Summer Refresher! 💙

More than a dozen graduates joined us both virtually and in person for a day of reconnecting, learning, sharing, and re-energizing our advocacy efforts.

So, what’s WiFLI? The Wisconsin Family Leadership Institute supports parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs build confidence, leadership skills, and advocacy tools to have a voice in the decisions that impact their families and communities.

Interested in building your advocacy skills? Our virtual Fall & Winter WiFLI series is coming soon!

✨ Applications are OPEN and participation is FREE for Wisconsin families thanks to DHS Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) funding.

We would love to have you join us! Learn more: https://familyvoiceswi.org/wisconsin-family-leadership-institute-wifli/

08/12/2026

The last summer block party is just getting started in Black River Falls! ☀️

Family Voices of WI will be here until 3. Come join us and dozens of our incredible partners. ❤️

Play some table games, hit up the awesome playground, enjoy grilled food, and be sure to grab some resources and make connections too! ❇️

We can't wait to see you! 😀

08/11/2026

We are so proud to be part of the Wisconsin Autism Transition Demonstration Project (WAuTD)! 💙

WAuTD focuses on learning from families and better understanding their experiences as they plan for the transition from youth to adulthood.

And they really do it all — learning, connecting, exploring, and having fun!

This month, we are excited to highlight two upcoming opportunities:

🥾 8/22: Join WAuTD and the Autism Society of Wisconsin for a guided hike on the Ice Age Trail!

🎓 8/27: Join US at Family Voices of Wisconsin for “What’s After High School?” Our Learning Sessions season is kicking off and we are excited to be part of this opportunity to connect with families, share information, and explore what comes next after high school. 💙

Scan the QR codes to register for these events.
Reach out to Tim at [email protected] to learn more about WAuTD or for more details.

We are excited to have you join us on August 27!

08/10/2026

🌿 Next weekend! 🌿

Family Day is happening August 22 at Blue Lotus Center and there is still time for you to join!

Nurture Network, a special project of Family Voices of Wisconsin, is excited to host a day of connection, community, and fun in this beautiful, accessible outdoor space.

✨ Meet other families
🤝 Connect with resources & exhibitors
☀️ Enjoy time together
💚 Build community and friendships

Scan the QR code or check the link in the comments. We can’t wait to see you! 🌻

Share with a family who should be there!

08/07/2026

Ashley is spending her Friday at the Endless Possibilities Conference in Pewaukee!

If you’re there, be sure to stop by the Family Voices of Wisconsin table and say hello!

Check out our upcoming events, grab some resources, or just come chat with us.

We love connecting with our community! 💙✨

08/07/2026

The voices of families matter. And we’re listening. ❤️

This spring, Family Voices of Wisconsin had the opportunity to hear directly from parents, caregivers, siblings, and self-advocates about their experiences accessing and navigating the many systems, services, and supports that impact their children and families — including health care, education, Medicaid, and long-term supports.

Through listening sessions and a statewide survey, families shared what’s working, what’s challenging, and what could be better for them.

One message came through loud and clear: families are more than caregivers. They are advocates, partners, coordinators, problem-solvers, and experts on what their children need.

We’re grateful to everyone who shared their experiences and helped inform our new report.

Thank you for sharing your voices, your experiences, and your ideas.

Read the full report here:
🔗https://familyvoiceswi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Listening-Session-Report-2026.pdf

08/06/2026

Sharing this opportunity to submit feedback on behalf of our Head Start partners. 💭

📅The deadline to submit is August 21st.

The draft WI Early Learning and Development Guidelines are ready for your feedback!

Early childhood professionals, families, and community members are encouraged to review the updated ELDGs and share input by August 21, 2026. Y

Your feedback helps improve clarity, usability, and navigation before final publication.

How to participate:

1️⃣ Read: Pick the section most relevant to you. No need to read the whole document unless you want to!

2️⃣ Consider: Is it clear, useful, and easy to navigate for your role, program, or community?

3️⃣ Respond: Specific feedback helps most: tell us what's unclear and what would make it easier to understand or use.

Take the feedback survey here: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/eldgdraft

08/05/2026

💦 One more Sensory Friendly Park Day!

Noah's Ark and the Autism Society of Wisconsin are hosting the final Sensory Friendly Park Day of the season in just two weeks!

📅 August 17

Families impacted by autism and other sensory sensitivities can enjoy the park before it opens to the public, with reduced noise, limited visual stimulation, and other adjustments to create a more comfortable experience.

If you’ve been thinking about going, this is your last chance this season to enjoy Noah’s Ark with these sensory-friendly accommodations. 🌊

Don’t forget: The Calming Room, available all season with sensory-friendly amenities designed to provide a quiet, comfortable space when families need a break.

Noah’s Ark Waterpark is proud to partner with the Autism Society of Wisconsin to once again host Sensory Friendly Park Days!

Sensory Friendly Days will be held on June 15, July 20, and August 17, giving families impacted by autism and other sensory sensitivities the opportunity to enjoy the park before it opens to the general public. To help create a more comfortable experience, we’ll reduce noise levels, limit visual stimulation throughout the park and more!

Guests can also visit our Calming Room, a dedicated quiet space designed to promote comfort, relaxation, and focus. Available all season long, the room features sound-dampening wall panels, foam building blocks, weighted knot pillows, sensory toys, yoga ball donut chairs, a compression canoe, and other sensory-friendly amenities.

08/04/2026

📣We are SO excited to offer our second Future Ready workshop!

Preparing for adulthood is a journey—and families don’t have to figure it out alone. ❤️

Future Ready is a 2-day, hands-on workshop for teens with disabilities (ages 14–21) and their families to plan for the transition to adult life—together.

Teens will build confidence and self-advocacy skills, connect with peers, and start shaping their vision for the future.

Parents and caregivers will learn about adult systems and supports, decision-making options, and ways to support growing independence.

Together, you will explore healthcare, education, employment, housing, finances, and community life—and leave with clear next steps and a shared plan.

Fees may be covered through CLTS or IRIS. Check with your Coordinator.

👉Learn more & sign up: https://familyvoiceswi.org/transition-workshop/

Please share with a family who might benefit!