The Wisconsin Youth Information, Training and Resource Center

Our Mission

To be a community resource that provides information, training, and resources to young adults with disabilities and their families so they are empowered to lead self-directed lives.

Core Values

Independence
Advocacy/Self-Advocacy
Empowerment
Community

Resources

We hope that these links to what other people are doing will be helpful to you. Most of these resources are national resources. If you would like to add a resource or link please email us

» Civil Rights and Advocacy Resources

ADA Info

This site is just what it sounds like - it's a source for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) information. They offer technical assistance and training materials.

The ADA Technical Assistance Program

This site is a diverse selection of cafe to help folks understand and implement the Act. The main project is the network of Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers that provide public awareness, training, materials and referrals that can be accessed through this site.

ADA Information on the Web

This is the official US Dept of Justice site on ADA information on the Web . There are a bunch of links here, including technical assistance manuals, "Enforcement Highlights" and common questions.

The Inclusion Daily Press

The Inclusion Daily Press is a site that provides the most up-to-date news about various disability issues worldwide through an e-mail news service. Articles are mostly about advocacy, disability rights, inclusion in society and self-determination. It is in the forefront for providing news services truly concerning the lives of people with disabilities.

The AAPD

The AAPD brings about unity, leadership and impact, and not just another government public program. The potential strength to impact the future is an organization conceived by, advised and managed by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. It recognizes the need for a unified membership organization representing American citizens with disabilities working together for common goals. They provide basic benefits, such as insurances - life, health, automobile, and disability - often unreasonably unaffordable or denied and unavailable to most people with disabilities.

The Justice For All E-mail Network

Justice For All is a great Internet resource for current events and policy updates. If you are intested in joining their list, send an email to majordomo@JFANOW.ORG with the words "subscribe justice" in the body of your message.

The Disability Grapevine

The Disability Grapevine (est. 2000) is a free and online daily newspaper that publishes stories and articles about disability issues. It contains such things as disability-focused articles, personals (over 19), information, classifieds, and fiction. A very diversified online newspaper that is centered on the lives and personalities of people with disabilities.

The National Disability Party of the USA

The National Disability Party of the USA was created by a group of people with disabilities and people who care for people with disabilities that wanted a change in the political system. The National Disability Party has been recognized by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to be an actual political party with the principal motivation to treat all persons (disabled or not) with dignity in every aspect of daily life. They address needs that are not being met by the other political parties.

Disability Rights Movement Exhibit

This site represents what a visitor to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's Disability Rights Movement Exhibit would encounter when using one of the kiosks in the physical exhibition. The kiosks are Web-based models being developed for museum use. They have made an effort to get the kiosk material onto the Web in an efficient way that is widely accessible.

HalfthePlanet

HalfthePlanet was created to be the authoritative online source of reliable tools for independent living for the disability community. This site offers content including original reporting legislative updates, chat, bulletin boards, travel and entertainment, and useful products and services that are important to people with disabilities and those who are closest to them.

Guide to Civil Rights Law

The Center for An Accessible Society is a national organization designed to focus public attention on disability and independent living issues by disseminating information developed through the National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-funded research to promote independent living. It is mostly a source for journalists concerned and reporting on disability issues.

Council for Disability Rights

The Center for An Accessible Society

Civil Rights and the ADA by the Bazelon Center

» Staying Safe Resources

PACER Center teens against bullying website

This is a interactive website that teaches youth what to say and do stop teen bullying.

RAINN

This is a hotline for free, confidential rape crisis counseling--also has resources for friends and family members of rape survivors.

Al-Anon and Alateen

Al-Anon and Alateen offer hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics.

Taking the Bully by the Horns: Bullies, Self-esteem, Violence

Self-help book/web site helps kids deal w/ Bullies/Self-esteem/Violence. Supported by Schs/Parents. Explores what can be done about mental & physical bullying. 76.8% of students surveyed said they had been bullied/It's time to do something about it!

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence provides education, information , help and hope in the fight against alcoholism and drug addictions. *Includes information for youth.

» Education Resources

Going to College.org

This website offers information and resources to youth about going to college.

Mobility International USA

Offers various national and international study abroad programs for youth and adults with disabilities. One of their summer programs includes an all women's exchange that deals with team-building activities among other cultures.

IDEA Opinions?

The Youth Advisory Committee for the National Council on Disability is seeking your help. We need to reach other young people with disabilities and their families who wish to provide a youth perspective regarding the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The Fape Project

The Family & Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE) Web site. The Partnership is a new project which aims to inform and educate families and advocates about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 and promising practices. Click here to browse the many topics addressed at this site.

DO-IT

Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking & Technology Resources - College Preparation and Access, including links to information about Financial aid, working with faculty and accessible computer labs.

CHADD

This is the CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) website. Is explains what is meant by "learning disabilities" as defined by the US Dept of Education.

ADD

This is the official website of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, within the Administration for Children and Families in the US Department of Health and Human Services (whew! Quite a mouthful!) It explains the US governments Developmental Disabilities Program, and addresses all elements of life, including: prevention, diagnosis, early intervention; therapy; education; training; employment and community living and leisure opportunities.

OSERS

This is the official website of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, within the US Dept of Education. Their job is to support programs that assist in educating children with special needs. They also provide for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities, and they support research top improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. On the site, you can find information about the Office of Special Education Programs, and more!

Wrights Law

This is a commercial site with some information for parents, educators and advocates on special education. They offer a free online newsletter, but they'll try to sell you the book. The newsletter provides information on special ed law, new legal decisions, research, internet links and other special education topics.

Gan Harmony

This site seeks to improve the quality of life by integrating people with disabilities, from birth through adulthood, into their communities?. Gan Harmony is an International Center (school;) for Inclusion and has lots of information on inclusion and how they have created & develop the Center. It has some interesting info on how they conduct Outreach, and Public Awareness & Education Programs.

CollegeGate

Very important site for folks who want to go to college. This site features sample essays and writing tips for those important entrance applications. You can even hire a professional editor to review your essay before you turn it in!

Edlaw

The Edlaw Center offers publications and services about education law (as if you couldn?t guess!). They have a monthly newsletter on "legal developments", a Parent Advocacy Consulting Service and a manual about transporting students with disabilities.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Although this site is geared toward professionals, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has some helpful resources and information about school benefits. Keep in mind, however, it is written for and by professionals, so there is a lot of jargon!

Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities

Your source for college financial aid information, including scholarships for general disability as well as some specific disabilities. There are even some book titles at the end that you can find at your local library to provide you with even more resources!!

Transition Planning for Youth with Disabilities

This site is a resource for transition planning for youth with disabilities. It has a lot of good information, but it is written for highly educated adults, not for youth. So, try it if you want, and if you find it somewhat interesting, I encourage you to send them an email encouraging them to write some documents for kids!

US Dept of Education

The US Dept of Education's Web site offers the actual text of IDEA '97 as well as other useful information on education policy.

Handling your Psychiatric Disability in Work and School

This site offers information on "Handling your Psychiatric Disability in Work and School," including info on how to file complaints about discrimination in the classroom and basic study skills for students. *They also host a "jobschool" listserv where folks can share their experiences and concerns.

Reasonable Accommodations for People with Psychiatric Disabilities

This is an on-line resource for employers and educators on how to reasonably accommodate and employee/student with a disability. (It's a good way to keep educators and employers "in track".)

Interagency & Community Systems

Interagency & Community Systems serves youth with disabilities and provides an overview of the major federal services and funding streams serving youth with disabilities.

The Transition Coalition at the University of Kansas

The Transition Coalition at the University of Kansas, offers free publications, online training modules, project information and links to professionals, family members, individuals with disabilities and others interested in the transition from school to adult life.

THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT OF 1997 TRANSITION REQUIREMENTS

This has some great tools for youth and A Guide for States, Districts, Schools, Universities and Families.

National Information Center for Children and Youth (NICHCY)


Student Transitional Guide to College

This guide was developed by a young person involved in the Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum with his advice on how to prepare for postsecondary education.

» Prevention and Recovery Resources

Al-Anon and Alateen

Offer hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

Provides education, information, help and hope in the fight against alcoholism and drug addictions. *Includes information for youth

Taking the Bully by the Horns: Bullies, Self-esteem, Violence

Self-help book/web site helps kids deal w/ Bullies/Self-esteem/Violence. Supported by Schs/Parents. Explores what can be done about mental & physical bullying. 76.8% of students surveyed said they had been bullied. It's time to do something about it!

» Health Resources

Healthy and Ready to Work

This site has lots of information and resources on transition issues, including government resources and materials that can help youth (and families) as they approach adulthood make a smooth transition to adult health care and employment.

Kids Health

KidsHealth provides doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence. Created by The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, KidsHealth strives to provide families with accurate, up-to-date, and jargon-free health information they can use. The site separates into three different areas for kids, teens and parents.

Disability & Health

This site provides a service called, "Kids Quest," that intends to get kids to think about people with disabilities and some of the issues related to participation in daily activities, health, and accessibility. Kid's Quest gives a glossary of terms and instructions on how to find info on the site. It also gives info to adults on how to incorporate discussions in classrooms and at home.

Disability Direct

This site was created on July 26, 2000 to provide one-stop online access to resources, services, and information available throughout the Federal government. It is mostly associated with the President's New Freedom Initiative for People with Disabilities as a way to provide info on Federal laws and programs.

The Boulevard

It is a resource listing of products and services for People with Disabilities, Elderly Citizens, Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals.

California Disability Alliance

CDA is a statewide, grassroots organization consisting of persons with disabilities and their supporters. They have a broad agenda for promoting the health, independence and full community inclusion of persons with disabilities. The site also provides links to other organizations based on health care and civil rights advocacy.

Missouri Coalition for Quality Care

The MCQC is a non-profit statewide Organization concerned with the care and protection of older and disabled persons receiving long term care in Missouri. It is there to monitor nursing homes and making sure that they are providing the best care for consumers in Missouri.

Indiana Family & Social Services Administration

Click on People with Disabilities for information and resources *basic services site for State Government*

League for the Hard of Hearing (Center for Health Care Access)

The center was created to ensure that health and mental health care facilities and services are accessible to people who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind in New York State. Nationwide, it also offers advocacy and education to people getting those services and provides info about accommodations for health care providers.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation

The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, Inc. (OI Foundation) is the only voluntary national health organization dedicated to helping people cope with the problems associated with osteogenesis imperfecta. The Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by OI through research to find a cure, education, awareness, and mutual support.

National Institute of Child Health & Human Development

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NICHD conducts and supports research on processes that determine and maintain the health of children, adults, families and populations. NICHD research is also focused on restoring capacity when disease, injury, or a chronic disorder intervenes in the developmental process.

AAP-Emergency forms

AAP-Emergency forms, to encourage youth to prepare in the event of an emergency

Transition time lines for children and youth

Youth perspectives on transitioning to adult health care

National Center for Self Determination

Getting a Job Resources

TRANSCEN, Inc.

TransCen, INc is all about helping to improve opportunities for people with disabilities sin school and work situations. They have some helpful publications for youth around work and training, especially one called "411 on Disability Disclosure", helping young people to make informed decisions about how or if they talk about their disability with an employer.

General Transition Resources

New York VESID Transition Planning has many publications for families and school officials.

National Center on Secondary Education and Transition

RecruitABILITY

Christina's actually met the moderator of this web site through last years-annual Jobtoberfest. He's got some pretty good links on his site as well as job related stuff.

The CA. Governors Committee for the Employment For Disabled Persons

Of course I just had to add this one to the list. It pretty much speaks for itself.

Office of Disability Employment Policy

This site has choices of types of jobs under their "job links" title and plus they have internships for students in college that have disabilities.

Citizen Corps Volunteers

Citizen Corps Volunteers is part of the New Freedom Initiative. Citizens participate in the effort to make our communities safer and better prepared for emergencies. Because of the individual needs of people with disabilities, it is particularly important for people with disabilities to be involved in emergency response planning.

New Freedom Initiative

New Freedom Initiative is dedicated to increasing access to assistive technologies, expanding educational opportunities, increasing the ability of Americans with disabilities to integrate into the workforce, and promoting increased access into daily community life.

Monster Job Opportunities

Monster Job Opportunities lists various job opportunities open to any college student. Not specifically aimed towards students with disabilities, but it is usable.

Handling your Psychiatric Disability in Work and School

This site offers information on "Handling your Psychiatric Disability in Work and School", including info on how to file complaints about discrimination in the classroom and basic study skills for students. *They also host a "jobschool" listserv where folks can share their experiences and concerns.

Reasonable Accommodations for People with Psychiatric Disabilities

This is an on-line resource for employers and educators on how to reasonably accommodate and employee/student with a disability. (a good way to keep educators and employers "in track")

Discrimination Resources

A lawyer who specializes in labor and employment law owns this site. This article is entitled, "Disability Discrimination in the Workplace" and is pretty helpful at explaining your basic rights under Federal Law.

PACER SSI Page

This page on the PACER websiteprovides comprehensive information and links on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) including information on qualifying, applying and accessing your SSI. Pay special attention a link near the bottom of page one which is a handbook to understand SSI, work incentives, and other IEP/transition issues. The handbook can be purchased or read online (free) here.

President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

The President's Committee is a small federal agency whose Chairman and Vice Chairs are appointed by the President. The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities' mission is to communicate, coordinate and promote public and private efforts to enhance the employment of people with disabilities. The Committee provides information, training, and technical assistance to America's business leaders, organized labor, rehabilitation and service providers, advocacy organizations, families and individuals with disabilities. You can find some useful info on this site, including info on upcoming job fairs and happenings in DC.

The Job Accommodation Network

This site is a consulting service that provides information about job accommodations and the employability of people with disabilities.

WorkSupport

WorkSupport is funded by federal agencies and provides info on disability management in the workplace, supported employment, workforce diversity and accommodations.

EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

This page is your Federal resource for information on Employment Discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is mandated by law to investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, national origin, pregnancy, religion and/or disability. They also investigate complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace. On this site, you will find information about laws relating to job discrimination.

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

This page is your Federal resource for information on the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 , which provides for unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks for certain family and medical emergencies. This law is often misinterpreted, so read up here first!

Wage and Hour Division

Yet another federal resource, this time its about how many hours you are allowed to work (by law) , depending on your age and it also has information about the minimum wage.

Social Security Administration

The comprehensive Social Security site has all kind of information: an introduction to the SSI program, disability benefits, the appeals process, and lots of other SSI stuff. (They also have information in SPANISH!)

PACER

Our friends at PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) in Minnesota have all kinds of helpful information and links, including "Employment Strategies for Youth & Adults with Disabilities".

Healthy and Ready To Work

This site has lots of information and resources on transition issues, including government resources and materials that can help youth (and families) as they approach adulthood make a smooth transition to adult health care and employment

American Indian Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (AIRRTC)

The mission of the American Indian Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (AIRRTC) is to improve the quality of life for American Indians and Alaska Natives with disabilities through the conduct of research and training that will: 1) result in culturally appropriate and responsive rehabilitation services; (2) improve employment outcomes and facilitate access to services for American Indians and Alaska Natives with disabilities; and (3) increase the participation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the design and delivery of rehabilitation services for employment outcomes.

» Sports, Leisure and Recreation Resources

Challenged Athletes Foundation

The CAF It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities to pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. They have information on their website about events and support that they give to 'challenged athletes', including grants to support athletes.

Entry Point

Entry Point offers summer students with disabilities paid internships.

Do-It

DoIt offers various programs and resources, which include the summer Do-It Campers program. The camp's purpose is to teach internet, college, and career transition skills.

Kids Camps

If you go to the bottom of the home page you'll see categories based on a number of disabilities/special needs. When you click on a category the page will then show a picture of the United States. When you click a specific region you'll get a list of camps in your area that are designed for youth with special needs.

Courage Camps

Courage Camps gives a list of summer camps that are available to youth with disabilities/special needs. Camp Courage includes sports as well as intellectual types of camps. If you go to their site you'll see the areas they are offered in and their summer program schedule at the bottom of the page.

Focus Camps

Focus Camps can be found in several locations across the United States. They are outdoor camps that deal with nature, sports, education, as well as self-esteem issues.

John Hopkins University

John Hopkins University offers a summer program for students grades 7th and above that are interested in various performing arts activities. When you visit this site you'll see a box that says, "Information for students and parents."

Choosing a Summer Camp

This site can help you decide what camp is best for you to attend. The site gives an outline of questions and thing you should remember before attending the camp of your choice. The questions are very realistic and can be used with any type of disability.

Recreation Unlimited

Recreation Unlimited offers both day and residential summer type camps. Camps include adaptive sports, swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, nature studies and more! See web site for more details.

Wave Camp

Wave camp is a water camp especially for students with disabilities. The camp is offered two different weeks in the summer and includes housing at Sacramento State University. For more information please refer to the link above.

The Between Friends Club

Is offered exclusively to youth with disabilities. Their camps include a variety of day programs that range from adventure's rock climbing to relaxing at the movies. The age of campers is broken down into categories 5 years old being the youngest and 30 being the oldest. In my opinion the camps were sort of pricey, but I guess if you're in the mood for a lot of fun this would be the way to go.

Talisman Summer Camp

Is for youth with learning, ADD, ADHD, autistic disabilities. There are a variety of different camps such as outdoor adventures that include hiking, water rafting, and backpacking. There are also teambuilding, self-esteem, and recreational type activities depending on the week you chose. Camps range by title, so please refer to the web site for more information.

The Wisconsin Lions Camp

Offers outdoor summer programs in a retreat like setting. Summer programs are targeted towards visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, youth with cognitive disabilities, and a special program is offered for youth with diabetes.

The Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists

The AMFPA represents 500 mouth and foot painting artists in 60 countries around the world. They receive grants or are taken on as members and receive a regular income for their artistic proficiency. Young talents like the six year old Janka from the Slovak Republic as well as experienced artist who have already established themselves in the international art market are promoted. They have events, information, chats and lots of helpful information.

Ability Plus

Has information about adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities in the Northeast United States.

NARHA

North American Riding for the Handicapped and is the national organizing body for the therapeutic riding industry.

Access Sports America

Offers high challenge sports for people with disabilities and others (mostly windsurfing).

US Association of Blind Athletes

Works to change attitudes about the abilities of blind and visually impaired people.

Cooking Made Easy

A cookbook designed for people with developmental disabilities. It is $25 and the website has a few sample recipes as well as a short history of why the authors decided to write this.

Camp Ronald MacDonald

Teaches kids with disabilities through challenging outdoor living.

Wheelchair Sports USA

Organizes annual, national championships, competitions and world championships. It is organized into 14 regional associations each develops wheelchair sports programs and qualifying meets for the national Wheelchair Games.

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association

NWBA has 181 teams in 22 conferences. It has men's, women's, intercollegiate and youth teams in the US and Canada.

The US Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association

Provides individualized sports training and competitive opportunities for athletes with cerebral palsy or related challenges such as Traumatic Brain Injury or strokes. *includes information on the Paralympics--a competition for elite athletes with physical disabilities.

USA Deaf Sports Federation

Provides year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of sports at the state, regional, national and international level for developing and elite athletes.

US Deaf Ski and Snowboard Association

A non-profit recreational and competitive organization of deaf skiers and snowboarders. The site includes a calendar of events, list of resorts and trips.

National Wheelchair Poolplayers Association

The governing body for wheelchair billiards. They have cash tournaments around the country and have clinics.

Accessible Aviation

Provides access to flight instruction for "normally" abled and people with disabilities. Located in Mississippi.

American Deaf Volleyball Association

A volunteer, membership organization of recreational and competitive volleyball players who are hearing impaired.

American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs

Serves to enhance the health, independence and future economic self-sufficiency of youth with physical disabilities through a national sports movement.

» Dating and Relationships Resources

SEICUS

SIECUS is dedicated to let everyone know that sexuality is a natural and healthy part of life. SIECUS develops, collects, and gives out information, and advocates the right of individuals to make responsible sexual choices. This part of their website is for teens.

Coalition for Positive Sexuality

The focus of this webpage is to let youth know that they have the right to complete and honest sex education. That youth must demand information from their school, healthcare providers and parents. It is a very youth oriented site for info and questions about issues of sexuality and freedom.

Sexuality Education for Children and Youth with Disabilities

The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHY) developed this article about the importance of sexuality education for youth with disabilities and issues about sexuality as a child grows up.

Scarleteen: Sex Education for the Real World

Scarleteen focuses on contemporary sex education for teens. The straightforward info and design of this web site are fun and youth oriented. This site explains many different aspects of sexuality and what choices are available to teens. Scarleteen believes that complete sexual education is important for teens to make the best, informed decisions for the future.

The International Dating and Travel Service for the Disabled's

The International Dating and Travel Service for the Disabled's primary focus on the Internet is to provide a comfortable way for ALL singles to meet individuals who are interested in loving, long term relationships.

DateAble and DateAble International

Through a computerized matching system, dateable International members are introduced on the basis of similar traits and common goals. Most members live in Canada and the United States: however a growing number of people from Latin America, Europe, and Asia have joined in recent years. Today dateable International has a membership of 500 people.

Gimp Girl Community: Sex and Disabilities

Provides links and resources about sexuality and individuals with disabilities.

The Rocky Road to Romance

This is a story about the road to romance from a young woman living with a neuromuscular disease. Includes a reading list of resources.

Body Beautiful/Body Perfect: Challenging the Status Quo - Where Do Women with Disabilities Fit In?

Our friends at "DisAbility Cool" discuss how little research has been conducted on this issue as it effects the lives of women with disabilities, which may reflect the belief that the lived experiences of many women with disabilities are not important nor perceived as valid by mainstream researchers.

» Technology Resources

Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology and Transition Planning

Planned transitions are smooth transitions! Learn how assistive technology and transition planning work together to help your teen with Learning Disabilities succeed. Published by the Family Center on Technology and Disability.

Center for Information Technology Accommodation

Includes assistive resources for hearing impaired and deaf persons and legislation.

Alliance for Technology Access

Connects children and adults with disabilities to technology tools.

Able Data

A database of Assistive Technology resources.

Resna

An interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability, whose purpose is to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology; offers Assistive Technology Resources nationwide.

» Transportation Resources

Access-Able

Offers travel tips, travel agents and travel databases for people with disabilities.

The Access Board

U.S. Access Board, also known as the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. The Board, created in 1973, has served the nation as the only independent federal agency whose primary mission is accessibility for people with disabilities.

Access Travel - Airports

How to make travel easier for persons with disabilities. Lists facilities and services at 553 airport terminals worldwide.

Travel Training for Youth with Disabilities

This publication discusses the essential components of a successful travel training program, the specific skills that travelers need to have in place to assure safe and independent travel, and the issues that arise with specific disabilities such as physical, cognitive, and visual impairments.

» Wisconsin Resources

The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin

ASSEW's mission is to support people with autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals, and others, by sharing information, supporting research, providing networking opportunities and promoting awareness through education and training.

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

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

Wisconsin Youth First

The website was created so youth would have one place to go to get all the info they need about school, work, and leadership activities.

Wisconsin IRIS

IRIS is a Wisconsin program where you self-direct your publicly funded, community-based, long-term care supports and services. IRIS can help you get the life you want with the support you need. In IRIS you use your own natural supports and creativity with your budget to achieve your hopes and dreams.

The Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

This agency provides assistance to people with disabilities around trying to get a job.

The Wisconsin Statewide Transition Initiative Youth Leadership Council

The council models and promotes meaningful youth leadership and advise WSTI on meaningful youth involvement. Youth Leadership Council members will be active in the WSTI project at a local, state and national level.

South Eastern Wisconsin Adaptive Ski Program

Provides adaptive alpine skiing and snowboard lessons for people with disabilities in southeastern Wisconsin and surrounding areas

Professional Organizations:

American Physical Therapy Association

National professional organization representing more than 63,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.

American Occupational Therapy Association

The nationally recognized professional association of approximately 40,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students of occupational therapy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

The professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 114,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists.

National and Local Associations for Persons with Disabilities:

Muscular Dystrophy Association

A voluntary health agency — a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.

United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Wisconsin

Serves children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The agency works to advance the independence, productivity and rights of citizenship of individuals and their families with cerebral palsy and other disabilities in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties.

Wisconsin Early Autism Project

Specializing in the treatment of autistic children.

National Down Syndrome Society

The internet's most comprehensive web sit for information regarding Down Syndrome.

Optometrists Network

Information about vision impairments, including double vision, esotropia, tracking problems, crossed eyes with links to find vision therapy providers in the Wisconsin area.

Local Advocacy Groups:

Disability Advocates: Wisconsin Network (DAWN)

Dawn is a statewide grassroots cross-disability network of people who care about disability issues. DAWN supports legislative change in the programs and systems affecting people with all disabilities.

Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy

The protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities.

Wisconsin Facets

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.

MUMS National Parent to Parent Network

MUMS' main purpose is to provide support to parents in the form of a networking system that matches them with other parents whose children have the same or similar condition.

Pacer Center

The mission of PACER Center is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.

ABC for Health

A Wisconsin-based, nonprofit, public interest law firm dedicated to linking children and families, particularly those with special health care needs, to health care benefits and services. ABC for Health's mission is to provide information, advocacy, tools, legal services and expert support needed to obtain, maintain, and finance health care coverage and services.

Regional Centers for Children with Special Healthcare Needs

Public health information and referral services for women, children, and families.

Team Up! With Families

Non-profit organization consisting of parents of children with special needs, professionals who work with children, and caring community members. Team Up! has been in existence since 1996, formed by a group of parents who wished to offer support to one another and to families challenged by raising a child with special needs.

Wisconsin Early Intervention Program (Birth-to-Three)

If you're worried about the way your baby or toddler is developing, don't wait! The years from birth to age three are so important. Talk with your child's doctor about your concerns.

Wisconsin State Resources

The offices listed on this state sheet are primarily state-level offices. Even if an office is not close to your home, they can usually put you in touch with resources in your community, as well as provide you with information and assistance about disability issues in your state.

Waisman Center

The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. The center is one of nine national facilities that includes a Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities Research Center and a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Adaptive Equipment/Assistive Technology Resources:

Family Village

A global community that integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with cognitive and other disabilities, for their families, and for those that provide them services and support. Includes informational resources on specific diagnoses, communication connections, adaptive products and technology,adaptive recreational activities, education, worship, health issues, disability-related media and literature, and much, much more!

Disability Related Products/Services

Provides valuable links to web-sites that sell adaptive devices, transfer/lift devices, special needs clothing, products for the deaf/hard of hearing, exercise devices, and positioning/mobility equipment.

The Kid's Project

The Kids' Project adaptive equipment is comparable to top of the line adaptive equipment at 40-75% below commercial prices, providing more opportunities for greater success for children with special needs.

Kid Design

Features several magazines and catalogs that feature a variety of products and supplies for individuals with disabilities. You will find everything from playground, recreational, and sport equipment to household aids, assistive devices, and positioning aids.

AdaptiveMall.com

Sells equipment ranging from bath/shower chairs to wheelchairs to feeding seats to strollers for persons with special needs.

Recreational Resources for Persons with Disabilities:

Sports and Recreational Resources for Students with Disabilities

National listing of recreational resources available for children and adolescents with disabilities.

Independence First

A non-profit agency directed by, and for the benefit of, persons with disabilities, primarily serving the four county metropolitan Milwaukee area. Our agency mission is to effectively facilitate empowerment of individuals with disabilities through: Education, Advocacy, Independent Living Services, Coalition Building.

Funded by U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children & Families (Youth Resource Center 90DN0235).
Views expressed are not necessarily those of the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services