Having a real job in the community brings many benefits, including being connected to the community and the empowering feeling of being valued by an employer. This session highlights the importance of people with disabilities getting the opportunity to explore employment and gives families and professionals strategies and tools to support people toward employment success. […]

Families often experience anxiety when their child/tween with intellectual disabilities begins to exhibit changes that occur during puberty. In this workshop, parents will learn about the most frequently identified issues and concerns of parents of tweens with I/DD and practical ways to address them. Visual tools, fun learning activities, and useful resources specifically designed for […]

"Black Sheep Gold Fleece" is a captivating exploration of Sasha Mack's journey as a Black same-race adoptee. Through her powerful "Black Sheep" art collection, Sasha delves into the complexities of identity, cultural connection, and belonging. She addresses the nuances of same-race adoption in the Black community, navigating cultural identity, and the challenges of uncovering one's […]

This workshop will provide a basic overview of the eight sensory systems and how they impact our regulation and function. We will then integrate this knowledge to guide selection of versatile, accessible equipment and creation of therapeutic spaces to support a child's nervous system for daily activities such as sleeping, eating, learning, playing, socializing, and […]

In this workshop, we will explore the Wisconsin School Mental Health Framework, emphasizing strategies for building and sustaining a comprehensive school mental health system. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions and practical exercises aimed at identifying effective strategies for promoting mental wellness for students, staff, and families alike. Together, we will explore how to create […]

Learn how to advocate for adoption assistance programs in your state or province. In these tight financial times, legislators sometimes seek to cut adoption assistance programs and advocates need to be ready to respond. Even if your adoption assistance program is not under threat, proactive advocacy can help maintain and even enhance these important benefits […]

How do I raise a black child with a positive racial identity? What factors influence their self-perception and identity development? And how do I contribute to their growth as a caregiver? Join Embrace Race for a 2 hour workshop to explore these topics together and spend time asking questions, sharing stories, and practicing relevant skills. This […]

How do I raise a black child with a positive racial identity? What factors influence their self-perception and identity development? And how do I contribute to their growth as a caregiver? Join us for a 2 hour workshop as we explore these topics together and spend time asking questions, sharing stories, and practicing relevant skills. Join […]

Healthy self-esteem gives kids confidence in themselves and their abilities. Learn the building blocks for healthy self-esteem. Presenter: Ann-Marie St John, MS - Community Education Coordinator at Parents Place Ann-Marie develops and facilitates educational opportunities for parents, caregivers, and professionals. She received her BA in Elementary Education from UW-Platteville and her MS in Administrative Leadership from UW-Milwaukee. She is […]

Learn the similarities and differences between Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. The training will cover what Section 504 is, what schools must do because of it, the criteria for students to qualify for a 504 accommodation plan, and how 504s differ from IEPs. We will also cover how Section 504 can help students […]

This workshop explores key aspects of child and adolescent development, focusing on understanding the differences between stress and anxiety and their impact on well-being. Participants will learn to identify signs of anxiety, explore its effects on mental health, and discover evidence-based coping strategies and therapeutic approaches. The session also emphasizes building resilience, equipping attendees with […]

Communication is the result of what happens in the space between “self” and “other”. Our brains are wired to input, interpret, and output information. We are all familiar with relational and communicative breakdown. Verbal, nonverbal, young, old, and anything in between…relational stress impacts us all. So what gives? Join me as I discuss this tangle […]