Children with Disabilities

child with a disability on an accessible swing having fun with parent Disability Rights Wisconsin has always fought for the rights of children with disabilities. Our programs try to make sure all children with disabilities are given the rights they deserve. These include the right to a safe and nurturing environment, an engaging education, and access to the resources they need to be successful.

Strategies

Disability Rights Wisconsin advocates with parents to better Wisconsin’s laws and schools. We ensure that the use of restraints is limited, that parents know when it is used, and that all children learn in a safe environment. We advocate for laws and represent families so kids can get the therapies, mobility devices, and communication aids they need.

Self-Advocacy Resources

Our self-advocacy resources have helpful guidance and further information on issues related to this topic. Learn more below:

Fact Sheet: Childcare
This factsheet has:
- information and resources for childcare for children with disabilities.
- childcare resources from the Department of Children and Families.
- community resources.
Updated: July 2024
Fact Sheet: Children’s Long-Term Support Appeals

This fact sheet provides information about the Children’s Long-Term Support appeals process if your request for an allowable service or item is denied.

Updated: July 2024
Fact Sheet: Children’s Long-Term Support Program Information

This fact sheet provides general information and resources about the Children’s Long-Term Support program.

Updated: July 18, 2024
Fact Sheet: DHA Hearing Process in Children’s Long-Term Support Service Cases
This fact sheet is an overview of how the Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) process works in Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) service cases. It has information about:
- how to begin the appeals process.
- the evidence you need for your hearing.
- what happens during the appeal hearing.
- a sample letter you can use to request an appeals hearing (Word document).
Updated: July 2024

Referrals

Other places that may be able to help you:

Child Protective Services

The goal of Child Protective Services (CPS system) is to support parents/caregivers in making necessary changes so children are safe and protected in their homes.
Department of Public Instruction

The Department of Public Instruction is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin.
Family Friendly Guide to Special Needs Services in Milwaukee County

The Guide includes information about how to apply for various community programs for Milwaukee children and youth with a disability or special needs.
Family Voices Fact Sheet Series: Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver Program (see Long Term Supports section)

This is a series of fact sheets to help families and providers understand how to access and use the benefits of the Children’s Long-Term Support Program.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Services for Children with Delays or Disabilities

Wisconsin has multiple programs available for children with delays or disabilities. The programs listed on this site assist families in caring for their child at home and in the community.
Wisconsin Family Ties

Wisconsin Family Ties (WFT) is the only statewide, parent-run organization in Wisconsin working with families that include children with social, emotional or behavioral challenges.

Learn More

You can find more information on this topic from these websites and publications:

A Thinking Guide to Inclusive Childcare

A guide to childcare for parents, guardians, and caregivers of children with disabilities.
Advocacy Tool Kit

This Advocacy Tool Kit provides individuals with information and skill building exercises to develop and enhance self and peer advocacy skills.
Cerebral Palsy Group

Cerebral Palsy Group is an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, birth injuries, or brain injuries.
Conversations About Your Child: Themes For A Lifetime

A helpful booklet on raising children with disabilities.
How to Explain Disability to a Child

Whether you’re explaining a disability to a child who has one or to a non-disabled child, some key concepts should be kept in mind.
Out of Darkness: Into the Light

A report outlining DRW’s findings on the topic of Seclusion and Restraint, and recommendations on how to combat unlawful and unneeded seclusion and restraint.
Quick Overview of the Division of Hearings and Appeals Hearing Process in CLTS Service Cases

This guide for parents will help you navigate the process of representing your child at a hearing to challenge a denial of Children’s Long-Term Support services from asking for a hearing to attending the hearing itself.
Seclusion & Restraint In Wisconsin Public School Districts: 2013-2014 School Year Data

Report Offers First Statewide look at Seclusion and Restraint in Wisconsin’s Public Schools
Special Education Subjects Reference: Seclusion and Physical Restraint

2011 Wis. Act 125 addressing the use of seclusion and physical restraint in public schools takes effect on September 1, 2012. The Act applies to both regular and special education students and prohibits the use seclusion or physical restraint except when certain conditions apply.
Supported Parenting
The CORE of a Good Life; Guided Conversations with Parents on Raising Young Children with Disabilities

Exploring an array of innovative ideas and strategies that engage children and youth with disabilities in a variety of activities and opportunities.
The Key to Your Future- Understanding the Postsecondary Transition Plan

This guide will help explain the transition that is required for all students receiving special education from the age of fourteen until they leave school. It will also provide information on the new post secondary transition plan required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Act

Want to do more to help protect individuals with disabilities? Please visit our Take Action Page for some ideas and to sign up for news and other alerts from our website. Or Donate Now to help protect and advocate for the rights and futures of all Wisconsin citizens. We'd love to have you join us.

Get Help

Need further information or support? Please visit our Contact Page.

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