Government Funded Programs:
Aging and Disability Resources Center-Milwaukee County and Waukesha County
Address: Milwaukee –1220 W. Vliet St. Suite 300, Milwaukee Waukesha- 514 Riverview Ave, Waukesha, WI 531
Website: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DSD
Description: The resource center offers information and assistance to individuals with disabilities and their families. The center is funded by the country and offers free services to its residents. Reach out to your counties resource center for information on long-term care, applying for Medicare, Medicaid and Social security and transitioning from children’s services to adult services.
Services: Resources and counseling for applying for government resources, housing, finances, birth-to three services, healthcare services, etc.
Age Range: Adults
Price: Resources are free, some programs have fees
The Children’s Community Options Program (CCOP)
Address: N/A
Website:https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ccop/family.htm
Description: CCOP offers funding and service coordination for families with a child who is in need of long-term support. The funding can be used for many kinds of services that assist families in caring for their children in their homes.
Services: Financial support and service coordination for in-home care staff
Age Range: 0-18
Price: Free for resources, price for care is dependent on service
The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Address: Multiple housing options around the city
Website: http://www.hacm.org/programs/community-supportive-services/senior-adult-disabled-service
Description: Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee beginning in 1993 in conjunction with SET Inc. has been offering case management as well as other services to disabled adults who live in their buildings.
Services: Housing for individuals with disabilities who are from low-income families.
Age Range: Adults
Milwaukee Recreation
Address: 2414 W. Mitchell Street Milwaukee, WI 53204
Website: http://milwaukeerecreation.net/rec.htm
Description: Milwaukee Recreation is run by the Milwaukee Public Schools Department of Recreation & Community Services. Milwaukee Recreation was founded in 1911 as a result of new legislation that was the first of its kind to make local public school systems responsible for running its own recreation program.
Services: Adaptive sports and Special Olympics teams
Age Range: Special Olympics: 8+, Adaptive sports: 6-21
Price: Special Olympics team- $25, Dependent on services
Regional Centers for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Address: 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison WI, Room 102
Website: https://cyshcn.waisman.wisc.edu/
Description: In Wisconsin, there are a total of five Regional Centers that help families in their area. The Centers are committed to supporting families with children with special health care needs and their service providers. Employees at the Center are specialists who can answer questions, find the most appropriate services for a family and share community resources with you.
Services: Resources, events, and assistance on topics including information on a child’s special needs, problem-solving, financial resources, services in the community or state, assistance locating doctors and dental care, communicating with schools, health benefits assistance, transition planning, parent-to-parent support, training and advocacy for the medical home.
Age Range: All ages and Families
Transition Improvement Grant
Address: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 125 South Webster Street Madison, WI 53703
Website: https://www.witig.org/
Description: The goal of this grant is to provide professional development to those who have a hand in a child’s transition from high school , including educators, youth, families, etc. Their educational programming’s goal is to guarantee that every child graduate, and is ready to pursue either college or a career.
Services: Resources and Support on how to transition from high school to either college or career options
Age Range: Young Adults
Price: Free
Waukesha County
Address: N/A
Website:https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/HealthAndHumanServices/adrc/specialized-transportation/
Description: Waukesha county or The Aging and Disability Resource Center sponsors subsidized transportation services. In order to be eligible, one must complete an application and be approved for discounted transportation fares.
Services: Subsidized transportation for individuals with disabilities
Age Range: 18-65
Price: Sliding scale- price is dependent on the individual’s ability to pay
Wisconsin: Birth to Three Program
Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/birthto3/index.htm
Description: The Birth to 3 Program is an early intervention program that is federally mandated. The program is in place in order to support families whose children have developmental delays or disabilities below the age of 3.
Services: Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and early childhood developmental support
Age Range: 0-3 year olds
Price: Free
Wisconsin: Katie Beckett Program
Address: N/A
Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/kbp/index.htm
Description: The Katie Beckett Program is a special eligibility process that allows certain children with long-term disabilities, mental illness, or complex medical needs, living at home with their families, to obtain a Wisconsin ForwardHealthMedicaid card.
Services: Medicaid coverage
Age Range: 0-18
Price: Free
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Address: Milwaukee Location-6737 W. Washington St., Suite 3230 Milwaukee, WI 53214
Website: http://www.disabilityrightswi.org/
Description: This private non-profit organization was started in 1977. Their mission is to protect the right of individuals with disabilities living in Wisconsin.
Services: Medicare Part D Disability Drug Benefit Helpline (Free), Respite care and Advocacy
Age Range: 18+ and their families
Price: Dependent on services
Age Range: All ages
Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin
Address: 2222 S. 114th St., West Allis, WI 53227
Website: easterseals.com/wi-se/
Description: Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin has been serving individuals in Southeastern Wisconsin for the last 80 years. They served 10,000 individuals in 2017 in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Ozaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties via direct care, education and intervention services.
Services: Birth to Three Services, Intensive In-Home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Pediatric Outpatient Therapy, Start Early, Pediatric Outpatient Therapy, Behavior Intervention and Consultation, Social Skills Groups, Autism Sports Clinics, Autism Services, Project SEARCH, Summer Respite Camp, Autism Services, Adult Day Services, Adult Recreation Programs, Workforce training program, LilyWorks Commercial Services job training, Guardianship, Care Management Unit, Camp Yellow Ribbon, Family Respite and Care, Adult Day Programs, Community Reintegration Programs, Employment Services
Age: All ages
Price: Dependent on services
Lions Camp
Address:3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473
Website:www.wisconsin lions camp.com
Description: Lions Camp was established by the Lions Club of the State of Wisconsin in 1956. This great opportunity to attend camp is open to children and adults with disabilities from Wisconsin. This past summer over 1,300 campers attended Lions Camp.
Services: Summer Camp
Age Range: Blind and visually impaired youth (ages 6-17), Deaf and hard of hearing youth (ages 6-17), Deaf and hard of hearing adults (ages 18+), Youth with mild cognitive disabilities (ages 9-16), Adults with mild cognitive disabilities (ages 18-25),Youth with Type I or Type II diabetes (ages 8-16)
Price: Free, $25 application deposit returned at the end of camp
Parent 2 Parent- Wisconsin
Address:1020 Kabel Avenue Rhinelander, WI 54501
Website: https://p2pwi.org/index.html
Description: Parent to Parent of Wisconsin provides support to parents with children who have special needs through a mentorship program that connects parents who have been through or are going through similar challenges. Having someone who has been through what you have offers a great support that is hard to find other places.
Services: Mentorship program for parents of children with disabilities
Age Range: Parents of children with disabilities
Price: Free
The Parenting Network
Address: 7516 W. Burleigh Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53210
Website: https://www.theparentingnetwork.org/
Description: The Parenting Network began project began in 1967, and they continue to support anyone in a parenting role in creating a safe and nurturing home for their children. Their confidential helpline connects parents and caregivers with counseling who are great listeners and support parents in making the best decision for their children. Additionally they offer programs and in-home counseling.
Services: Hotline, classes, support groups
Age Range: Individuals in a parenting role
Price: Free other than a couple of class series
Parents United
Address: Programs and Events differ in locations
Website:parentsunitedwi.org
Description: Parents United is constructed of 27 southeastern Wisconsin special education departments. Their group has formed to provide an educational community service. Their objective is to provide parents and professionals who work with children with the most up to date information in a neutral forum.
Services: Resources, Workshops and Events
Age Range: Parents
Price: Dependent on services
St. Ann Center
Address: Stein (Bay View / St. Francis) 2801 E. Morgan Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 and Bucyrus (Park West / Lindsey Heights) 2450 W. North Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53205
Website: https://stanncenter.org/
Description: St. Ann Center was established 35 years ago. Since their opening, they have been providing Franciscan-inspired, intergenerational, community-based health and educational programs.
Services: Day programs for adults and children of all abilities, overnight respite care, Handicap accessible pool with lessons available
Age Range: All ages
Price: Dependent on services
St. Francis Children Services
Address: 6700 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53217
Website: https://sfcckids.org/
Description: St. Francis cares for over 800 children and their families each year via their programs which include education, therapy, and family support. This organization has been serving the Milwaukee area for the last 50 years.
Services: Early Childhood Education, Family Activity Center, Birth to Three, Children’s Long-term Support, Pediatric Therapy, Psychology Services
Age Range: Birth-22
Price: Dependent on services
The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin
Address: 3720 N. 124th Street, Suite O Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Website: https://www.assew.org/programs-and-workshops/
Description: Mission is to enhance the lives of all community members affected by autism. They execute this mission by educating the public, fighting for appropriate services and sharing the most up to date information on the topics of treatment, education, research, and advocacy.
Services: They offer support groups and social events for individuals with Autism and their families.
Age Range: All ages and their families
Price: Dependent on services
Broadscope Disability Services
Address: 6102 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield, WI 53220
Description: Broadscope Disability Services offers support, programs. Their mission is to provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue a happy and fulfilling life. Broadscope was previously named UCP of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Services: Respite Care, Employment Coaching, Independent Living
Age Range: All ages
Price: Dependent on services
Community Advocates
Address: 728 North James Lovell Street Milwaukee, WI 53233
Website: https://communityadvocates.net/what-we-do/ssi-disability-advocacy.html
Description: Community Advocates Inc. was established in 1976. Their mission is to make sure that low-income families and individuals’ basic needs are met. Their resources, support, and programs hope to empower individuals and their families to be independent.
Services: information, representation, referrals, and advocacy for individuals seeking Social Security disability benefits
Age Range: Adult
Price: Free
Curative Care Network
Address: Multiple Location, check their website to find the one closest to you.
Website: https://www.curative.org/Curative.htm
Description: Curative Care Network was founded in 1919. They serve children, adults, and seniors with disabilities or limiting conditions in Milwaukee and its surrounding areas. Their programs are focused on goal achieving and providing opportunities to support independence and enhance the lives of the individuals they serve.
Services: Birth to Three Services, Children’s Long Term Support, Outpatient Therapy Services, Adult Day Services, Employment Services, Senior Services, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Massage Therapy
Age Range: All ages
Price: Dependent on services
Darby’s Dancers
Address:404 Travis Lane #37, Waukesha, WI 53189- Class is conducted at Liberty Dance Center
Website:http://www.darbysdancers.com/
Description: Darby’s Dancers is an organization that facilitates dance classes for individuals with disabilities hosted at dance studios around the country. Through dance classes, the organization hopes to provide children with special needs the opportunity to build confidence, engage in healthy activity, build friendships while learning a new skill.
Services: Dance classes
Age Range: 4-18
Price: Free
First Stage- Next Steps
Address: Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee and Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield
Website: https://www.firststage.org/Our-Academy/Next-Steps/
Description: Next Steps Theater Academy offers an acting class for individuals with differences of ability, which was developed based on research-based practices. Their philosophy for this program is to teach life skills through developing acting skills.
Services: Acting classes for children who have classic autism, PDD-NOS, other sensory processing disorders, and Asperger’s
Age Range: 8-18
Price: $160 per session
Independence First
Address: 540 South 1st Street Milwaukee, WI 53204-1605
Website:https://www.independencefirst.org/home
Description: Independence Fist offers 20 programs and services for individuals with disabilities of all kinds and all age groups. Their organization also focuses on educating the community on disability awareness and access. They are unique in that 50% of their staff, managers and Board members have a disability themselves.
Services: Biking Buddies, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer support groups, Transition services, Leadership classes, etc.
Age Range: All ages
Price: Dependent on program
Metro Home Health Services Inc.
Address:6014 West Congress Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218
Website: http://www.metrohomehealth.org/
Description: Metro Home Health Services, Inc. was established in January of 1981. The organization provides respite care in the comfort of their clients’ homes.
Services: Respite care
Age Range: Adults
Price: Dependent on services
Milwaukee Center for Independence
Address: 2020 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Website: https://www.mcfi.net/MCFI.htm
Description: MCFI has been providing services to the community for 81 years. The center provides more than 30 programs that serve all age ranges and types of disabilities. Programs focus on education, employment and commercial service, long-term care, neurorehabilitation, health care and housing for their participants.
Services: School, Birth-to-three, Pediatric Skilled Nursing facility, After school programs, Adult programs, Camps, Community living programs, Homecare, Therapies, etc.
Age Range: All ages
Price: Dependent on services
My Choice Family Care
Address: Central Headquarters- 10201 West Innovation Drive, Suite 100 Wauwatosa, WI 53226-4822
Website: https://mychoicefamilycare.org/who-we-serve/
Description: My Choice Family Care has been around since 2000 and has served more than 29,400 people since opening its doors. This organization assists adults with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in an active and independent lifestyle.
Services: Respite care
Age Range: 18+
Price: Dependent on services
Penfield Children’s Center
Address: 833 N. 26th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Website: http://penfieldchildren.org/
Description: Penfield Children’s Center’s specialty is child development. They provide programming and services for children with and without disabilities which helps them reach their full potential. They facilitate early education, health, and wellness services as well as family programs to help each child reach their full potential.
Services: Behavior clinic, Early education, Family services, Birth-To-Three, Therapy, and Special care nursery
Age Range: 0-21
Price: Dependent on program
REM Wisconsin
Address: Multiple locations for group homes, Milwaukee office: 11925 W. Lake Park Drive Suite 155 Milwaukee, WI 53224
Website: https://www.remwisconsin.com/
Description: REM Wisconsin has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as other differences of abilities since 1987. Programs offered include respite care, day programs, and vocational programs. This organization focuses on personalizing programs for each participant to help them grow and reach their personal goals.
Services: 24-hour Residential Support, Hourly Support Services, Day/Vocational Services
Age Range: Adults
Price: Dependent on services
Variety: Chatter Matters! Communication Camp
Address: 12425 Knoll Road, Suite 110 Elm Grove, WI 53122
Website:https://varietywi.org/chatter-matters/
Description: Communication Camp is run in partnership with UW-Whitewater. The universities graduate speech pathology students and other student volunteers and instructors facilitate this overnight camp.
Services: Summer Camp
Age Range: Youth who use speech-generating devices (ages 6-21) and parents, siblings & caregivers
Price: Free
The Women’s Center
Address: 505 N. East Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186
Website:https://twcwaukesha.org/
Description: The Women’s Center was founded in 1977. The Parent Support Project understands that there are many stressors when raising children. The staff is friendly and non-judgmental and helps support families. The project offers free and confidential services for all families.
Services: Parenting Support, Support groups, Emergency shelter, Parenting hotline
Age Range: All ages- families
Price: Free