Community Resources
Below is a compilation of community activities designed to accommodate students and families with diverse physical, cognitive, and/or sensory needs.
Music Classes
Music Classes
Appleton ARTS for ALL Wisconsin Choirs
For those who like music, this is a great opportunity. Run through ARTS for ALL Wisconsin, the choir invites anyone age 18 and over, with or without a disability, to be a part of their group. Generally, the Appleton group meets each Tuesday from September – December and February - April at First English Lutheran Church in Appleton. They meet from 6:00 – 7:00 each week with a concert in December and April. Contact: Tiffany Vollrath at (920) 716-1018.
Expressive Therapies
Creating a safe and empowering space for equality with – race, gender, sexuality, age, economic status, cognitive, physical, spiritual needs and those living with mental illness – through trauma informed care: music therapy, art therapy, dance/movement therapy and psychotherapy, to improve health and well-being.
(920) 903-1009
info@expressivetherapies.net
Music for Special Needs
A part of the well-known Lawrence Community Music School, children ages 1 through teen will participate in musical activities that focus on interaction and socialization skills as well as fine and gross motor skills. The adult program provides opportunities for socialization, interaction, and the use of music for self-expression. A board-certified therapist teaches classes arranged by age groupings every semester (10 week sessions, fall and spring). Class size is limited, so early registration is recommended. To register, call the Community Music School at (920) 993-6278 or visit their website.
Sports & Wellness
Baseball/Softball
Discovery League
Part of Neenah Baseball, Inc., Discovery League provides an “organized baseball opportunity” for people ages four and up with special needs. Games are played on Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30pm at either Southview Park or Washington Park (on an accessible field) in Neenah from mid-May through July.
Contact Kathy Delchambre at (920) 734-5641
Kimberly High School Baseball Camp
Kimberly High School's "A Difference Maker" baseball camp for kids with all types of disabilities & their siblings is held each fall. This FREE camp is organized by the Kimberly High School baseball players & coaches. Participants must be in grades 1-12 and receive a free t-shirt & treats. The camp is held rain or shine. Registration is required. Information can be obtained by contacting head coach Ryan McGinnis at rmcginnis@kimberly.k12.wi.us.
Miracle League of the Fox Valley
The MLFV is an organized baseball league for children, ages 4-19, with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. MLFV is a program of Goodwill NCW.
1620 E Witzke Blvd,
Appleton, WI 54911
Basketball
Sensory Swishers
Sensory Swishers is recreational basketball program offered by the Greater Green Bay YMCA for youth 6-14 years old diagnosed with autism or other sensory processing challenges. Participants have opportunities for success in areas of the physical, social, and emotional components of a team sport. The basketball program teaches fundamental basketball skills and the rules of the game and players participate in team scrimmages. Sensory Swishers is typically offered in the winter/spring months. To register, call 920-436-9622.
Curling
Green Bay Curling Club
Provides Learn 2 Curl Clinics for both adults and juniors at various times during the curling season. Clinic teaches slide, stick, or wheelchair delivery. Also offer Try It! League for beginners. Contact gbcurling@gmail.com.
Downhill Skiing
Moving Mountains
Students of all ability levels are able to experience the joy of downhill skiing. Moving Mountains Adaptive Ski Program has “sit-skis”, harnesses, out-riggers, adaptive poles, tethers, and other equipment to help get everyone on the slopes. They can accommodate individuals who use a wheelchair, a walker, a prosthesis, have balance issues, have difficulty understanding traditional directions, have problems staying on task, have sensory issues, etc.
Dance
Dance Lessons for Kids with Special Needs
Village of Allouez - This class strives to improve timing, motor planning skills, balance, and coordination in a fun environment and is open to special education students who love movement, dance, and music. It offers specific stretching and strengthening exercises, general movement patterns, Brain Dance and progress to beginner ballet, jazz and hip hop moves. The class instructors are experienced in dance instruction and physical therapy. For more information on this and other programs please visit the Allouez Recreation website at http://allouez.recdesk.com or contact Allouez Parks and Recreation at (920) 448-2804.
Everyone Can Shine Camps
I Can Shine, Inc. is an international nonprofit charitable organization which teaches those with disabilities how to ride a bike independently, swim and dance.
Cheer
Fusion Athletics
Team Shine is a cheerleading team for athletes of all abilities ages 5 to 21. The season runs from August to March with practices held one night a week. Participants learn a 2.5 minute routine full of jumps, stunts, dancing, and fun tailored to maximize the athletes’ abilities. Also offer a cheer experience in an open gym format for individuals with special needs once a quarter. To learn more, call (920) 323-5505.
Green Bay Elite Cheer
Offering a cheer team designed for all abilities, Green Bay Elite’s team is co-ed and available for ages 6 and up. The team practices once a week and provides the opportunity to perform with a “cheer buddy”. Contact Coach Diane for more information at (920) 903-4877 or GBEDIANE@aol.com
Football
Challenger Football League
Sponsored by Fox Valley Pop Warner Football, Inc., this opportunity provides a no/minimal contact, flag football experience for boys and girls ages 6 – 18 that have special needs and are unable to participate in other football divisions. Teams are made up of 8-12 players and are individualized to the players’ needs with parents/buddies assisting as needed. Five games are played beginning in September. For additional information contact Sue Hipple at sue.hipple@att.net.
Kimberly High School Football Camp
This football camp is for all children with special needs ages Pre-K through 8th Grade. The camp is hosted by members from the Kimberly High School Leadership Class, the Kimberly football team, the Kimberly football coaching staff, and Kimberly faculty at Papermaker Stadium in Kimberly during the month of May. The camp consists of 8 to 10 fun and exciting stations that range from trying on football equipment to practicing touchdown celebrations. More information and sign-up sheets will be posted on KimberlyFootball.com in April.
Xavier Hawks Football Camp
This co-ed camp sponsored by the Autism Society of the Fox Valley, in cooperation with the Appleton Xavier High School Football team is offered each September for individuals with autism of all ages and playing abilities. This special day-long camp starts with stretching and warm ups, continues with skill work at ten different stations, and concludes with an awards 5 ceremony and picnic lunch for all participants and their families. Contact Bob Olson by phone at (920) 788-5298 or email bob.olson1976@gmail.com
Hockey
Wisconsin Skeeters
This sled hockey program is for both girls and boys interested in playing sled hockey, a type of ice hockey where players sit in adaptive sleds and propel themselves up and down the ice with sticks. The program attracts individuals from around the state. Participants can practice/play as much or as little as they want during the season (October to April). Kids are provided with sticks and sleds and the program has additional equipment to use on an as needed basis. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Kathie Natzke at 608-558-8866 or wisconsinskeeters@gmail.com.
Martial Arts
ATA Black Belt Academy
Teaches life skills (honor, respect, perseverance, courtesy, self-esteem, goal setting), bullying prevention and the art of self-defense quickly and easily through Taekwondo. Welcomes all ages and abilities. Several of their instructors have autism. Call 920-882-7887 or visit their website to learn more.
Soccer
Sensory Kickers
Offered by the Greater Green Bay YMCA, Sensory Kickers is recreational soccer program for youth 6-14 years old diagnosed with autism or other sensory processing challenges. Participants have the opportunities for success in areas of the physical, social, and emotional components of a team sport. The program provides fundamental soccer skills, teaches the rules of the game, and includes team scrimmages. Sensory Kickers is typically offered in the summer months. Call (920) 436-9622 with questions.
Soccer Camp for Kids with Autism
This one-day camp for children with autism of all ages is hosted by the Autism Society of the Fox Valley and the Menasha High School soccer teams in the spring. The camp consists of ten fun and exciting stations and ends with a picnic lunch. More information can be found by emailing Kelly at kelly.brodhagen@gmail.com
TOPSoccer - Green Bay
The program is open to athletes with cognitive disabilities to provide them an opportunity to play organized soccer with experienced coaches and players and consists of 10 sessions (5 fall & 5 spring) held indoors at Purdy Performance, 807 Parkview Road, Ashwaubenon, WI. Player participation and development are key elements of the program which is designed to improve the overall fitness, self-esteem, and social skills of participants. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Jones at jonesjc6@yahoo.com
TOPSoccer – Kimberly
Available for players ages 6 – adult that have special needs. Each player with special needs is assigned a buddy who encourages and supports each participant. The league plays for a total of 18 weeks over the course of the school year with three six week sessions running September-October, January-February, and April-May. Games are played from 10:00 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays at Mapleview School in Kimberly. Hosted by the Kimberly Area Soccer Association, Inc. but open to all Fox Valley youth, contact Wayne Stoflet at (920) 788-5840 for more information.
Swimming
Appleton Parks and Recreation Department
The Special Needs Beginner Swim Class is for children ages six and up who may have mild to moderate disabilities or who may require more of an intimate learning environment to maximize their potential. Participants are given time to practice skills while positive and corrective feedback is given on how to improve. Contact Niki Wendt at niki.wendt@appleton.org for any special requests prior to the start of class.
YMCAs – Open swim and private swim instruction for children with special needs is available at
- Appleton: Call Philipp Herzog at (920) 954-7628
- Heart of the Valley: Contact Erin Brennan at (920) 830-5714
- Fox West: Contact Nikki Boyd at nboyd@ymcafoxcities.org or (920) 560-3412
- Neenah: Contact Angie Kennedy at (920) 886-2132.
- Oshkosh: Contact Dan Braun at danbraun@oshkoshymca.org or (920) 230-8915.
Sensory Fun Swim
Country Inn & Suites in Little Chute invites individuals with special needs for a Sensory Fun Swim time every Wednesday from 4 - 7 PM. While the hotel pool is open to the general public most days of the week, this time on Wednesdays will include music at a lower volume and other accommodations for individuals with special needs. Come for therapy or for fun! Call (920) 788-8080.
Swimtastic
Dedicated to providing a safe and attentive environment focusing on teaching lifelong swim skills for all ability levels. Learn more.
Everyone Can Shine Camps
I Can Shine, Inc. is an international nonprofit charitable organization which teaches those with disabilities how to ride a bike independently, swim and dance.
CP Innovation
Serving children and adults with a variety of physical, developmental, communication, and sensory disorders through Northeast Wisconsin. Learn more.
Wellness Activities
Abilities in Action
Special Needs Adaptive programs (SNAP) of the YMCA of the Fox Cites. CLUB WELLNESS - a uniquely designed program created for individuals 16 years and older with intellectual disabilities. The program addresses three components: fitness training, healthy eating habits, and wellness healthy tips of the week. For more information contact Paula Gozner at (920) 886-2101 or pgozner@ymcafoxcities.org.
CLUB WELLNESS includes fun activities, meal preparation and incentives to help Club Members achieve goals. The ultimate goal of CLUB WELLNESS is to help each Club Member create new healthy habits and make lifelong choices for optimal health. This is a fee-based 12 week session.
- Pump it Up – Offered in seven week sessions, this class offering at the Neenah YMCA is for kids ages 7 – 13 with and without disabilities. Participants will learn to use Fit Zone machines as well as increase their strength and core muscles.
- Saturday Fun Club - An acceptance for all wellness class for ages 7-13 (drop off or with a caregiver) that offers opportunities for wellness training and social learning at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA. Class staffed with a 1:4 ratio to accommodate individuals with special needs.
- Special Recreation Yoga – A yoga and contemplative arts class for ages 7-13 (drop off or with a caregiver) that focuses on breathing, movement, and awareness development at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA. Class staffed with a 1:4 ratio to accommodate individuals with special needs.
- Tai Chi – Individuals ages 16 and older can learn more about Tai Chi and its many health benefits! This ancient Chinese tradition is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.
Wellness Activities
Adapted Sports Program
In conjunction with the Oshkosh YMCAs, the Adapted Sports Program allows individuals with all ability levels within the Fox Valley Region to participate in quality sports and aquatic development programs. Instruction is provided to individuals from elementary age through adults with an emphasis on adapted physical education activities and is typically done on a one to one basis or in a small group setting with a future adaptive physical educator. To learn more, please contact Chris Stratton at strattonc@uwosh.edu
Inspire Sports
Provides various opportunities for individuals with special needs to grow physically and mentally. Peer mentors teach the fundamentals of the specific sport in a fun and engaging manner. One-to-one mentoring program creates a fun and safe environment for individuals to overcome any challenge. Visit www.inspiresportswi.org/events for a list of current programs in the Fox Valley. Contact inspiresportswi@gmail.com or (920) 419-2025
Special Olympics
Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports. Interested individuals over eight years of age with a cognitive disability are eligible to participate in the program. Sports offered include: aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, power lifting, softball, t-ball, and track & field. Contact Lisa Volkman at (920) 731-9831 x109 or lisav@soarfoxcities.com
Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA)
WASA’s mission and goal is to provide adaptive sports and recreation opportunities to those with physical disabilities and visual impairments in Wisconsin. Current programs offered include wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair lacrosse, quad rugby, sled hockey, Bocce
ball, wheelchair softball, wheelchair bowling and goalball. For more information or questions please visit www.wasa.org or email Sam Gracz at sam@wasa.org
Young Athletes Program
Run by Neenah School Special Olympics and sponsored by Special Olympics Wisconsin, the Young Athletes is an inclusive program for youth ages (2-10) that focuses on a variety of gross motor and sports activities based on the Special Olympics curriculum. Children with and without disabilities learn a variety of skills while coming together to have fun, stay active and learn from each other. Young Athletes typically occurs January through March once a week in the early evening. For more information, contact Jenni Oeftger, Special Education Teacher at Shattuck Middle School in Neenah, joeftger@neenah.k12.wi.us or (920) 209-9683.
Outdoor Adventures
Biking/Hiking/Running
Everyone Can Shine Camps
I Can Shine, Inc. is an international nonprofit charitable organization which teaches those with disabilities how to ride a bike independently, swim and dance.
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
If you can get to the Reserve, we’ll get you in the wetland! Heckrodt Wetland Reserve boasts over three miles of ADA friendly trials that are free to use and allow visitors to have an immersive experience in the wetlands.
IndependenceFirst
The Accessible Biking Program loans out DUET bikes free of charge so youth and adults with disabilities can enjoy biking. Please contact Kathy Meisner for more information at 414-226-8331.
My Team Triumph WI
myTEAM TRIUMPH creates a teamwork approach of endurance athletics, provides specialized race equipment, facilitates training runs and lends race day support so people of all abilities can come together as a team in endurance events.
Hunting
Adaptive Sportsmen
Adaptive Sportsmen Inc. has a mission of providing outdoor recreation for people who are physically challenged. They feature fishing, target shooting, ATV rides and hunting. Participants can borrow adaptive equipment or inquire about resources to help acquire their own.
Challenge The Outdoors, Inc.
"Dedicated to serving the recreational needs and desires of the physically challenged sports person.” Provides numerous adaptive sportsman activities for those who love the outdoors including deer, turkey, and pheasant hunts, fishing events, archery shoots, clay shoots, etc. Most events include provision of needed equipment, mentors, and food. Members also attend events such as Timber Rattlers baseball games, car races, etc. For more information or a calendar of events call 920- 593-6300, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengetheoutdoors
Empowered Dream Hunts Inc.
Allows individuals with disabilities (age 9 to adult) to experience hunting. The cost for the hunt is covered by fundraisers. During the hunt, the family is encouraged to be involved and to experience the hunt with their special needs family member. Phone: (920) 290-2108
North American Squirrel Association (N.A.S.A.)
Phone: (608) 234-5988 Holmen, WI. This organization allows individuals with disabilities and physical limitations to experience various activities such as hunting, fishing, golf, skiing, and bicycling. They offer wheelchair accessible boats, golf carts, adaptive skiing and much more.
Fishing
Fishing Has No Boundaries
Started in 1986, this organization hosts annual fishing events “to open up the great outdoors for people with disabilities through the world of fishing.” Annual events are scheduled each summer throughout Wisconsin (Chippewa Valley, Eagle River, Fond du Lac, Hayward, Madison, Milwaukee, and St. Croix Valley). Specialized equipment is provided at each event or the staff can help locate adaptive equipment for use at other times as well. If you are interested in events in any of the areas, contact the headquarters in Hayward, Wisconsin at 1-800-243-3462.
Boating/Beaches
ADA Accessible Beaches
Many of our state parks with beaches feature different elements of accessibility on normally rather inaccessible terrain. Some parks have specialized beach wheelchairs which have large inflatable tires allowing for easy rolling on sand and entry into the water. Others have laid accessible beach trails providing a solid surface for people in wheelchairs or those with difficulty walking. Click on the Links to be directed to their info:
- Big Bay State Park (beach trail and beach wheelchairs)
- Buckhorn State Park (beach trail and beach wheelchairs)
- Harrington Beach State Park (beach trail and beach wheelchairs)
- Kohler-Andrae State Park (beach trail and beach wheelchairs)
- Whitefish Dunes State Park (beach trail and beach wheelchairs)
Appleton Parks and Rec Accessible Kayak and Canoe Launches
Visit Lutz or Telulah Park to utilize the two ADA accessible kayak and canoe launches on the Fox River.
Racing
Green Bay Area Soap Box Derby and Super Kids
Super Kids provides youth ages 7 to 18 with special needs the opportunity to experience the "Thrill of the Hill" in specially designed two person derby cars. Free fun runs are available during Rally Weekends in fall and spring and a double elimination race is run during the Local Championship to crown a champion to send to the National Super Kids Classic. Contact Person: Brenda and Derrick Biber Email: brendabiber@yahoo.com Soap Box Derby: 920-256-0978 Website: http://www.greenbay.soapboxderby.org
Camps
Camp AweSum
Camp AweSum has two different camps for children on the Autism Spectrum and for their families. One is for youth and the other one is for the family. Contact Person: Glenn Svetnicka, 715-479-8255
Camp Hope
Sponsored by the Appleton YMCA and held at Plamann Park in Appleton during the summer. Camp Hope is a two week day camp for children ages 6-15 who have cognitive or physical disabilities. Activities include swimming, arts/crafts, singing, team building, and games. For further details, contact Kathryn Herzog at kherzog@ymcafoxcities.org.
Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps
Easter Seals offers a variety of camps to meet the specific needs of your child depending on the level of care that they need. Email: camp@wi.easterseals.com Phone: 608-237-1979.
Camp Daniel
Camp Daniel is an organization dedicated to providing people with disabilities opportunities for personal, social and spiritual growth.
Empower Me!! Camp and Empowerment Academy
Provides a five-day summer camp for children in grades K - 12 living with high functioning autism. This day camp provides opportunities for the development of social skills in a fun environment as well as exciting field trips. It is offered by the Neenah-Menasha YMCA the last two weeks of July. Contact Julie Uhe at 920-886-2178 to register.
Jill's House
Offers respite care for families of school-aged kids with intellectual disabilities. Jill’s House started in Virginia and has expanded to four camp locations across the US. We create a camp experience for kids who can’t typically attend summer camp, and while they’re having a blast with us, their parents have a weekend to rest. Some of our families use this time to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries, or take a special trip with their typically developing children that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to manage. Our camp is located in Lake Geneva, WI, but we serve families from Chicagoland and throughout Wisconsin. Email: kelly.elwell@jillshouse.org
KITE Kamp
SOAR Fox Cities’ four day camp in August for youth with developmental disabilities ages 6-16 that runs during the day. Each day has a theme and includes games and activities tailored to that theme. Morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snacks are provided. Kamp includes outdoor and indoor time, large and small group games, as well as independent play time. Contact Lisa McCalister at 920-731-9831 or lisa@soarfoxcities.com for more information.
WisconSibs
This organization helps to provide support for typically developing children ages 6-12 who have siblings with special needs or long term illness. They have workshops, social gatherings, day camps, and also a 4 day camp that provide support for these siblings. Email: info@wisconsibs.org Phone: 920-968-1742
Wisconsin Lions Camp
FREE camp for children and adults with disabilities. Phone: (715) 677-4969 Email: info@wisconsinlionscamp.com
Adaptive Playground at CP
2801 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay
Families with and without special needs are encouraged to use the Robert Cloud Memorial Playground for children of all abilities. The playground has a rubber surface which allows children to move independently in their wheelchairs, swings that enable children needing trunk and core support the
freedom and excitement to experience movement, and much more. Public access hours: Saturday & Sunday from Dawn until Dusk; Monday – Friday after 5:30PM until Dusk. Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. Please note, the building is not accessible during these times. No pets are allowed on the playground; however service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome.
High Cliff State Park Accessible Playground
N7630 State Park Road, Sherwood
You'll find the playground in the upper park on the left hand side of the road on the way to the pavilion and tower.
Luv 2 Play – Indoor playground
4938 Integrity Way, Appleton.
Offers a low sensory morning each Wednesday from 9am – noon. Low sensory mornings are geared toward children who may be sensitive to light and sound so noise and distractions are limited. Contact 920-422-7529.
Oshkosh Inclusive Park
South Park 659 W South Park Ave Oshkosh.
This Inclusive Park Project provides a safe and accessible outdoor recreational environment for individuals of all abilities and ages.
Memorial Park
1620 East Witzke Boulevard, Appleton.
The playground design integrates a variety of play experiences while providing for access and needs of persons with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities.
Social Activities
Clubs
4-H
Provides children ages 5 years – one year post high school with positive educational opportunities to learn new life-long skills, develop leadership qualities, and contribute to their community. Accommodations are made as needed. Call University of Wisconsin, Division of Extension in Outagamie County at (920) 832-5123 for more information about program offerings or a club in your area.
Social Groups with WEAP
The Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) offers sessions designed for school-aged children promote opportunities for peer interaction, positive pairing, and skill generalization. Groups are limited in size and scheduled based upon need and availability. Facilitation of the groups is done by individuals trained in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Contact WEAP at (920) 338-1610 or visit www.wiautism.com
Teen Social Group
The Autism Society of the Fox Valley organizes a monthly community outing for teens (age 13-20) with high functioning autism or Aspergers' syndrome. The activities are adult directed and supervised by a licensed Speech Pathologist. Examples of past events include trips to Old Country Buffet, Funset Boulevard and the EAA museum. For more information, contact asfvevents@autismfoxvalley.org
Sensory Friendly
Building for Kids: Sensory Superstars
Every third Sunday of the month (check buildingforkids.org for any exceptions), the museum provides a lower sensory experience and special programming created especially for children on the autism spectrum or other sensory processing disorders. Free admission for families from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (open from 11:00 – 12:00 exclusively for families participating in Sensory Superstars), but you can stay as long as you’d like! Contact: Michelle Sharp at (920) 734-3226 x 19 or email msharp@buildingforkids.org
Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac: Sensory Friendly Round-Up
Join a "Sensory Friendly Round-Up at the Children's Museum of Fond du Lac. This event is exclusively for children and families with sensory processing sensitivities and/or on the autism spectrum. For this event, the museum is closed to the general public and exhibits adapted to make the museum more comfortable and enjoyable. Trained staff and play partners are on hand and “Social Storybooks”, quiet room and “Resource Kits” will be available 12 (noise blocking earphones, blankets, information, etc.) Please contact info@cmfdl.org
Luv 2 Play – Indoor playground located at 4938 Integrity Way, Appleton
Offers a low sensory morning each Wednesday from 9am – noon. Low sensory mornings are geared toward children who may be sensitive to light and sound so noise and distractions are limited. Contact (920) 422-7529 for more information.
Full Circle
Offered by the Greater Green Bay YMCA, Full Circle is a recreational program for youth ages 3-14 years diagnosed with autism or other sensory processing challenges. The goal of the Full Circle program is to provide recreational programs and health wellness opportunities for children with unique needs. Kids and teens in the 35- week program will have the opportunity to participate in a “full circle” of programs designed for success in areas of their physical, social and emotional well-being such as swimming, sports, arts, leadership, gymnastics and STEM. Existing Y youth programs have been modified to accommodate sensory needs and are led by a team of Y staff trained to work with our Full Circle curriculum and participants. Call (920) 436-9622 for details.
Open Gym at Monkey Joe's
Held the first Saturday of every month, the Autism Society of the Fox Valley (ASFV) hosts a family social activity at Monkey Joe's. The facility is open exclusively for ASFV from 9-10 a.m. Kids on the autism spectrum get a great social and recreational activity, siblings get a chance to meet other siblings, and parents have an opportunity for networking. It's free for ASFV members, and nonmember families may attend for a $5.00. Learn more.
Reel Movies for Real Needs
Enjoy a movie in the theater in a setting that might be more comfortable for children with special needs – with the lights up and the sound at a lower volume. At least one Saturday morning a month, a ‘first run’ movie is played at the Valley Grand Cinema (Appleton) and Bay Park Cinema (Ashwaubenon) for the regular matinee price. Learn more.
Additional Resources
The Autism NOW Center provides high quality resources and information in core areas across the lifespan to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and professional in the field.
Autism Now
Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners provides information about serving children with disabilities.
Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin - Fox Cities provides support to families and individuals with Down syndrome through education, information, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin - Fox Cities
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is the world's largest organization of school psychologists, NASP works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior, and mental health. Our vision is that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and throughout life.
National Association of School Psychologists
The Northeast Regional Center provides: information and referrals that are up-to-date and confidential, connections to community, state and national resources, problem solving on a variety of concerns including school issues, home care, sibling support, transition issues, diagnoses and more.
Northeast Regional Center
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) 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.
PACER Center
Core to the teachings of Social Thinking, parents and professionals must avoid assumption of what students understand when it comes to their social knowledge and related social skills. We do not assume that a person with normal to high intelligence and solid language skills understands the dynamics of social engagement. Searchable Articles on Socialthinking
At WisconSibs, we foster a community of support and understanding for brothers and sisters of individuals with special needs. Our mission is to empower siblings throughout their unique life-long journey. By focusing on siblings, we believe that when their voices are heard, individual families, communities, and society as a whole benefit.
We aim to help siblings feel less isolated and more empowered when it comes to the issues they care about as siblings. With siblings playing a critical role in the quality of life of their vulnerable siblings, we provide a platform for their unique perspectives. These perspectives are essential in ensuring the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities or long-term illnesses.
LinkTree: (Our upcoming event registrations and sibshops can be found here) https://linktr.ee/wisconsibs