South Central Wisconsin
The following programming is currently being offered in the South Central Wisconsin (Dane Co. and surrounding Counties) region. Please see the details below for more information.
Contact DSAW to get started with any programs and services below that do not have a linked registration form. If you have any questions, please contact: info@dsaw.org or 414-327-3729
Program Offerings
Community Life Skills Hub (Ages 18+)
At our Community Life Skills Hub, DSAW will help you achieve your highest level of independence and quality of life by exploring interests, learning skills, building confidence, and discovering available resources. Activities take place in small groups of one staff to 2-5 participants or with one-to-one support in our Center and in the community to enhance independence, learning, and skill building. Activities and programs include fitness & wellness, art, cooking, money & budgeting, music, travel, reading, life skills, hobby development, social & interpersonal skills, and awareness of community resources.
Explore places and activities within your community.
Increase your independent living skills.
Improve your decision-making, problem-solving and social skills.
Make connections with others who share your interests.
When: Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Choose up to 5 days/week, and join us for the full day, or from 8:30 AM -11:30 AM or 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Where: DSAW Office in Sun Prairie 1009 W Main St. Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Community Connections (Ages 18+)
This community-based program provides 3 hours of fun social interaction and outings for our awesome adults! Community Connections events are for participants 18+.
When: Up to five events per month including some weekends.
Where: DSAW Office in Sun Prairie 1009 W Main St. Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Hospitality Basics (Ages 18+) The Hospitality Basics program is an employer-embedded training program at the Hyatt Place in Madison. This program provides students with classroom and on-site workplace experience. Students will learn and practice soft skills relevant to success in any job and hard skills in departments such as housekeeping, food service, clerical work, and more. Classes and coaching will be supported by DSAW Staff. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 AM - 1:30 PM, January 27th - March 17th, 2025 Where: Hyatt Place Madison/Downtown; 333 W Washington Ave. Madison, WI 53703
FREE!! Pillars of Success Program (Ages Vary)
Our South Central Wisconsin Pillars of Success program launched in February 2023. The Four Pillars are Life Skills, Safety, Fitness, and Relationships. This program involves class series, programs, and events that target different age groups.
Click here to stay informed about our current and upcoming Pillars of Success programming. Location, dates, and times are dependent on the program.
FREE!! Dinner and a Movie (Ages 18+)
Join us at our Center in Sun Prairie once a month to share dinner and a movie with old and new friends! See Statewide Events Calendar for the next event.
FREE!! Teen Club Edgerton (Ages 11-17)
Teen Club is the ultimate hangout spot, where you can connect with friends, dive into exciting games, try out new activities, and just have a blast! It's the perfect place to relax, laugh, and make memories with your peers. See Statewide Events Calendar for the next event.
FREE!! Family ASL Classes (All ages) SUMMER ONLY
DSAW offers free summer ASL classes for people with Down syndrome, related disabilities, and their families. In these classes we use American Sign Language to improve communication while having fun and exploring the Rotary Gardens in Janesville.
SPARK Connections in Janesville (Ages 8-12) SUMMER ONLY
Come develop your social, emotional, and physical wellness skills; learn how to build and maintain friendships, all while having a blast! Participants will create a calming tool box, learn the art of compromising, organize a workout plan with their friends — with lots of opportunities to bust a dance move and learn a new game along the way!
Career and Self-Discovery Workshops in Sun Prairie (Ages 14-17) SUMMER ONLY
Building Skills for the Various Firsts when nearing Adulthood. How do I get a job? What kinds of work do I enjoy? What do I do with a paycheck? How can I be more independent in my world? These are the questions DSAW will help answer this summer! Join our DSAW staff for up to three summer workshops to learn the ins and outs of preparing for adulthood. Our learning will be infused with summer fun, and will include activities at our Center and in the community.
Daily Living Skills Services
Virtual Daily Living Skills (Ages 8+)
DSAW's virtual daily living/independent living skills training offers access for individuals with disabilities to achieve their person-centered goals. DSAW works with self-advocates and families to accomplish goals and help you achieve your dreams! Outcomes that are obtained through this service include; Connections, Fun & Talents, Wellness, Getting Around, My Place, Community Engagement, Earning My Way, and Lifelong Learning.
One-on-Ones and DLS-Based Small Groups (Ages 8+)
DSAW is proud to offer Daily Living Skills Services on a 1:1 ratio (one participant to one staff), as well as through 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 DLS Small Groups. These evidence-based, one-on-one daily living skills training are available at home and/or in the community. We provide individualized support focusing on developing skills and abilities specific to YOUR needs. Develop your skills in cooking and healthy eating, shopping, money management, scheduling, laundry, and personal hygiene, as well as support navigating your community (just to name a few!). This program is perfect for youth and adults looking to hone your independent living skills with tailored goals and hands-on applications!
Community-Based Small Groups (Ages 18+)
DSAW offers Community-Based Small Groups on a 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1 ratio (participant to one staff).
Meet new people by joining 2-4 peers to explore your communities and interests together. DSAW will supply one of our AMAZING staff to moderate and facilitate group activities and conversation while encouraging independence! We’ll practice community engagement through different experiences such as volunteering, attending local outings, and exploring hobbies. Small group participants should have an interest in social interaction, meeting new people, and contributing to small group interactions. ***DSAW offers door-to-door transportation services as an add-on to our Community-Based Small Groups. Pick-up and drop-off are each billed as one trip charge on the participant’s plan.
Employment Services
DSAW offers Employment Services including career discovery, work readiness, and work-based learning to people with disabilities in Wisconsin. Click the button below to find out more.
DSAW is the service provider for The Marquardt Project SEARCH site in Watertown. Click here to learn more.
Virtual Services
DSAW's virtual programming is also available in your area, offering a wide array of classes, including some free classes. Click the button below for more information.
Free Fraternal Programming
DSAW also provides free programs for the friends and family members of a person with Down syndrome. See below for our current offerings in your region, and click here for our statewide, virtual support groups.
Mom’s Take 5
A social group that meets on the 5th of every month for moms of children with Down syndrome. Come join us for conversations and appetizers! Location rotates, so check out the upcoming events below to join us next month. On weekends we meet from 1-4pm and on weekdays we meet from 6-8pm.
Grandparents Group
Join other grandparents who have grandchildren with Down syndrome for conversation and community. This group is led by volunteer grandparents and meets at a local coffee shop, restaurant, or business on the second Thursday of the month from 10am-12pm. We are always trying somewhere new, so check out the upcoming events section below for our next location.
Upcoming Events
Cost
DSAW offers both paid and free services. Contact your IRIS consultant, Family Care, or CLTS case manager to help you add these programs into your life/day.
DSAW staff can help you with all billing and authorization-related questions. If you do not have access to one of these funding streams, you can also opt to pay privately. Cost will not impact someone’s ability to access and participate in DSAW’s educational programming. We do have need-based scholarships available.
All of DSAW’s classes and programs are taught by trained, background-checked, skilled professionals.
