Southeastern Wisconsin
The following programming is currently being offered in the Southeastern Wisconsin 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 Wauwatosa: 1215 Dewey Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53213
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: Multiple events per month including some weekends.
Where: DSAW Office in Wauwatosa: 1215 Dewey Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Wellness 360 (Ages 18+)
Wellness 360 is a program designed to empower adults with disabilities to enhance their daily living skills while enjoying a wide range of engaging activities. At Wellness 360, the participants engage in daily living skill workshops that cover a variety of topics, including: basic life skills, communication, and social engagement through hands-on learning, classroom instruction and community based experiences. These sessions are tailored to each individual's needs and abilities to foster independence and confidence and are paired with individualized goals! They also have a chance to participate in recreational activities, physical activity & community outings. From art classes, daily movement sessions with trainers, all the way to community based activities!
When: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 2 PM Where: Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay: 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Manufacturing Basics (Ages 18+)
In partnership with Engauge Workforce Solutions, DSAW offers a Pre-Voc employment program which teaches individuals basic skills to secure employment in the manufacturing sector. Students also learn problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills. This course runs two days per week for 12 weeks. The program provides students with classroom and on-site workplace experience. It is designed for individuals who are interested in and excited to enter the workforce. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM Where: Rely Contract Manufacturing: N59 W13500 Manhardt Dr. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Hospitality Basics (Ages 18+)
In partnership with the Ingleside Hotel, DSAW offers a Pre-Voc employment program, which teaches individuals basic skills to secure employment in the hospitality sector. Students also learn problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills. This course runs two days per week for 12 weeks. The program provides students with classroom and on-site workplace experience in housekeeping, food service, waterpark, or office. It is designed for individuals who are interested in and excited to enter the hospitality workforce.
FREE!! Dinner & 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! When: Last Wednesday from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: DSAW Office in Wauwatosa: 1215 Dewey Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53213
FREE!! Teen Club (Ages 10-17)
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. When: Once a month on the 2nd Friday Where: DSAW Office in Wauwatosa: 1215 Dewey Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53213
SPARK Connections (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!
EXTRAordinary Adventures (Ages 8-17) SUMMER ONLY Are you ready for the best summer ever? DSAW EXTRAordinary Adventures blasts off into summer starting. Each week of EXTRAordinary Adventures will include a different theme and skills like following rules, communication, feelings/emotions, coping skills, team building, sportsmanship, and much more. This service will include FUN, hands-on learning activities and community outings!
Nicolet Community Enrichment-Transition Services (Ages 18+). The Nicolet Community Enrichment, NCE, is run through Nicolet’s transition services for students who have completed their high school credits and still qualify for special education based on an IEP team decision. Students focus on maximizing independence in daily living skills, community participation skills, and employment skills.
Kettle Moraine Partnership (Middle School, High School, Transition Program) Students focus on maximizing independence in daily living skills, community participation skills, and employment skills. The program includes employment experiences and tours.
Mukwonago High School ASPIRE Program (High School) Students focus on maximizing independence in daily living skills, community participation skills, and employment skills. The program includes employment experiences and tours.
Daily Living Skills Services
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. To get started:
In Person Daily Living Skills
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!
Small Groups
Community-Based Small Groups:
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. Small groups are for participants 18+.
***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 for more information.
Project SEARCH in Watertown
DSAW is the service provider for The Marquardt Project SEARCH site in Watertown. Click here to learn more.
This project [is being] [was] supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0135 awarded to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin via the Wisconsin Department of Administration by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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 people with Down syndrome and their friends & family. See below for our current offerings in your region, and click here for our statewide, virtual support groups.
DSAW Open Play (Ages: Birth - 5)
Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00
DSAW offices in West Allis: 11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2, West Allis, WI 53227
Our newly-remodeled children's instruction room is set up to encourage collaborative and explorative play. Open Play is a great time to get to know other parents and guardians as well as build meaningful connections all while your loved one makes a splash in the ball pit. Caregivers and parents are required to stay with their child during their time at open play. Click here to get signed up.
Sibling Workshops
DSAW Sibling Workshops dedicate time to support siblings of individuals with Down syndrome or related disabilities. Workshops are a safe space for siblings to share their feelings, experiences, and struggles while making connections with other children whose families look a lot like theirs. Groups meet in person in two different age groups bi-monthly. Click here to sign up for sibling programming.
DADs Group
DSAW Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome meet at the New Berlin Ale House to come together to support and provide fellowship for dads and other male caregivers on the first Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00. No registration necessary - join us anytime!
Parent’s Night Out
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other caregivers are welcome to join us for a casual night of conversation and fun. DSAW buys appetizers, and drinks are available for purchase. We meet at Cleveland Pub in New Berlin on the second Friday of the month from 6-9pm! Join us - no registration necessary. Need childcare? DSAW has you covered! We host Teen Club at DSAW Headquarters from 6-9 PM for children ages 10-17. This program is FREE and run by DSAW Staff members and DSAW volunteers.
Grandparents Group
Join other grandparents who have grandchildren with Down syndrome for conversation and community. This group is led by volunteer grandparents and meets in person at the West Allis DSAW office on the first Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00. You can also join virtually if you’re unable to attend in person. Click here to register for our Grandparents Group.
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.
