South Central Wisconsin
The following programming is currently being offered in the South Central Wisconsin (Dane Co. and surrounding counties) region. Please see details below for more information.
Contact your DSAW Case Coordinator to get started with any of these programs and services below that do not have a linked registration form. If you don’t yet have a DSAW Case Coordinator, click here to get started. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Jamila-Wuerth, HCBS Manager for Western WI, at ljamilawuerth@dsaw.org.
Program Offerings
FREE!! Pillars of Success Program
Our South Central Wisconsin Pillars of Success program launched in February 2023, beginning with a free public speaking class for adults with disabilities. Other programming included our Bike Safety Workshop in May, Exploring the Ice Age Trail gatherings in August/September throughout the South Central region, and currently a Fall workshop on relationships. Target age group varies.
Click here to stay informed about our current and upcoming Pillars of Success programming.
FREE!! Dinner and a Movie
Join us at our Center in Sun Prairie once a month to share dinner and a movie with old and new friends! 18+
Click here for more information
FREE!! Teen Club
DSAW, together with Sun Prairie Parks and Rec, is offering a free Teen Club for participants ages 11-17. The location is in Sun Prairie, once a month. Click here for more detail.
FREE!! Family ASL Classes
Summer 2023, DSAW offered free summer ASL classes for people with Down syndrome, related disabilities, and their families. In these classes we used American Sign Language to improve communication while having fun and exploring the Rotary Gardens in Janesville. Classes were open to participants of all ages and their families. Stay tuned for future summer offerings for kids.
Daily Living Skills Services
Daily Living Skills
DSAW is proud to offer Daily Living Skills Services on a 1:1 ratio (one participant to one staff). This evidence-based, one-on-one daily living skills training is 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 age 8+ and adults looking to hone your independent living skills with tailored goals and hands-on applications!
Virtual Daily Living Skills
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. Youth age 8+ and adults. To get started:
Community-Based Outings
DSAW offers two types of Community-Based Outings in a ratio of 2-5 participants to one staff. Meet new people by joining your 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. Learn and practice decision-making, problem-solving, social skills, money skills, and become a more active citizen in your community. Community-Based Outing participants should have an interest in social interaction, meeting new people, and contributing to group interactions. Community-Based Outings are three hours long, and are for participants 18+.
Self Advocate Adventures
Activities are planned for the month by a staff person, and you choose which outings you would like to participate in. You may meet new friends each time you attend, or find yourself joining old friends. Outing times and days of the week vary to accommodate differing schedules.
Small Groups:
A group of 2-4 participants meet weekly on the same day and time each week, and attend outings they have planned for themselves, accompanied and supported by a DSAW staff. Group members live near each other and share similar interests.
***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.
Center Based Day Services
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.
Center Based Day Services are offered at our Center in Sun Prairie, Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30-2:30. Choose up to 4 days/week, and join us for the full day, or from 8:30-11:30 or 11:30-2:30. Although we are Center Based, we are also active in our local community during these sessions. Age 18+
Respite Services
One-on-Ones:
While we don't focus on 1:1 respite services, they can be added to a participant's plan in conjunction with 1:1 Daily Living Skills services. To learn more, contact your DSAW Case Coordinator.
Group Respite:
Please check out our Community Based Outings. See above.
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.
Tim Giuliani, DSAW’s Operations Manager, 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.
