Who we are
The Southern Regional Center (SRC) is dedicated to supporting all families with children and youth with special health care needs/disabilities and the providers who serve them. The SRC is staffed by specialists who can help get answers, find services, connect you to community resources, provide trainings and support you on your journey. Our Center serves the following counties: Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, Sauk and Vernon, shown in orange on the map.
Connect with us
Call: 1-800-532-3321 or 608-265-8610 Please leave a message. If you could spell out your email address in your message, that will help us to follow up with you more quickly. When we call back, we may call from a number that shows as blocked. We do use a Language Line for translating languages other than English.
Email: cyshcn@waisman.wisc.edu
Stay updated, informed and involved
The Southern Regional Center (SRC) uses a listserv to inform families about upcoming trainings and events in our region and opportunities for state and national input. Families have joined us in reviewing the Navigation Guide and starting Conversations on Showing Up for Kids! Send an email to join-src4family@lists.wisc.edu. You can unsubscribe at any time.
July Recommended Book of the Month – provided by E.D. Locke Public Library Youth Services staff
This Kid Can Fly: It’s About Ability (Not Disability) by Aaron Philip with Tonya Bolden is a memoir by the author of the Aaronverse Tumblr. Aaron’s parents learned he had cerebral palsy when they moved from the Caribbean to New York City shortly after his birth. This memoir gives an account of Aaron’s many abilities and triumphs with accessibility and inclusion, along with physical and societal challenges.
Featured Resources and Events
Focus on FASD
(Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
Advancing FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act (FASD Respect Act) A bill that will bring Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) into the forefront of our health, education, social welfare, and justice systems.
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Upcoming Free Webinars on FASD
Alcohol SBI Training for Getting Comfortable Asking About Alcohol Use July 14, 2:00-3:00pm
A Functional Approach to an FASD Diagnosis July 27, 1:00-4:00pm
Effects for Alcohol and Drug Use Exposure During Pregnancy Aug 10, 2:00-3:00pm
FASD and the Family System Aug 16, 1:00-2:00pm
More information on FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act (FASD Respect Act)
Learn about this bill (Senate Bill S.2238 and House Bill H.R.4151). You can read more about the bill on the NOFAS website HERE.
Contact jwille@orchidsfasdservices.org if you would like to receive a recording of a meeting going over the bill and discuss what impact it could have for us in Wisconsin.
Commonly used referral forms: Physicians, WIC, ADRC
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Commonly Used Referral Forms
COVID Information Corner (Week of 6.20.22)
BIG news this week! I know many parents of young children have been waiting for this – COVID vaccines have now been approved for everyone ages 6 months and up!
· Need help understanding which vaccine you or child can get, or when?
–I love this graphic explaining it: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/COVID-19-vacc-schedule-at-a-glance-508.pdf
· Do you have questions/concerns about the COVID vaccine for your child?
–Talk your child’s primary care provider. They are happy to talk to you!
· Need help finding a vaccine?
–Talk to your child’s primary care provider. Please know some health systems are still getting their shipments for the youngest children, but expect to have them soon.
–Visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location. The website is updated regularly.
· Need help preparing your child (of any age!) for the vaccine?
–I love a resource from AUCD’s National Center on Disability in Public Health –Prepping Children for a COVID-19 vaccine.
What's New?
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School Information, Guidance and Resources for COVID-19–now on our School/Special Education Page
For more information please go to our School/Special Education page.
Waisman Center Resources and Updates for COVID-19
WI DHS Higher Risk/Families with CYSHCN Resources for COVID-19
Here are some current updates:
Several new versions of the family decision making tool available via our ReSET webpage (www.reset4kids.org):
- a Spanish version
- a fillable Word document that is more user-friendly
As you all are experiencing, the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a media briefing on Friday, February 25, 2022 has dramatically changed the COVID mitigation landscape, including how to mitigate the spread of infection in schools. At this time there is no targeted guidance from the CDC other than the media briefing and this new COVID-19 Community Levels webpage.
DPI’s COVID-19 Infection Control and Mitigation Measures for Wisconsin School 2021-2022 is pulled from access. The document will be revised in the next few days, hopefully with more direction from the CDC. Resources below will hopefully be updated in the near future. For now, they are for historical reference.
COVID-19 Webinar for Local Public Health and School Stakeholders (1.26.22)
WI Department of Health Services Clinical Guidance for vaccinating 5-11 year olds (11.5.21)
Safe, Strong & Healthy Schools with Wisconsin doctors, educators, scientists, and leaders exploring the ways that schools and districts can build and maintain “Safe, Strong & Healthy Schools”
ReSET (Restarting Safe Education & Testing) for Children with Medical Complexity from Healthy Kids Collaborative Dane County
Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html
Overview of COVID-19 Isolation for K-12 Schools (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-contact-tracing/about-isolation.html
Overview of COVID-19 Quarantine for K-12 Schools (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-contact-tracing/about-quarantine.html
Responding to COVID-19 Cases in K-12 Schools: Resources for School Administrators (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-contact-tracing/guide.html
What You Should Know About COVID-19 Testing in Schools (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/what-you-should-know.html
Schools, Child Care, and Colleges (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html
What’s New
Resources for children with special health needs and the families who care for them
Don’t worry about calming the storm. Calm yourself; the storm will pass. -source unknown
Featured Resources and Events–Tuesday, June 28
Featured resources and events, upcoming trainings, etc., will not be updated until after July 11th. We are sorry for the outdated stuff and the inconvenience.
Take the Next Step: AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) in the Cloud 2022 FREE Virtual Conference June 28 and 29, and on-demand video
July Recommended Book of the Month – provided by E.D. Locke Public Library Youth Services staff
This Kid Can Fly: It’s About Ability (Not Disability) by Aaron Philip with Tonya Bolden is a memoir by the author of the Aaronverse Tumblr. Aaron’s parents learned he had cerebral palsy when they moved from the Caribbean to New York City shortly after his birth. This memoir gives an account of Aaron’s many abilities and triumphs with accessibility and inclusion, along with physical and societal challenges.
Upcoming webinars/trainings/conversations/gatherings
Seizure Recognition and First Aid Training Certification (Virtual) July 7, 6:00pm from Epilepsy Foundation
2022 Wisconsin Respite Summit July 13-14, Appleton Agenda has been released
Parent to Parent of Wisconsin Support Parent Training (virtual) July 14, 6:00-8:00pm Registration ends July 9
Endless Possibilities — Effective Family Engagement: Honoring Diversity for Successful Partnerships Virtual Conference Aug 5, 8:00am-2:45pm from WI FACETS, WI DPI, UW-Whitewater and SRC CYSHCN
Parent to Parent of Wisconsin Support Parent Training (virtual) August 13 10:30am-12:30pm Registration ends August 8
Harnessing Abilities Summit Aug 23, 8:00am-4:00pm in Prairie du Chien — come and join us!
National Lifespan Respite Conference Sept. 13-15, Madison
Family Leadership Conference Oct 18-21, Washington D.C and Virtual
2022 WISE Meetings: Addressing Stigma at the Intersection of Substance Abuse Disorders (SUD) and Mental Health (Virtual)
- August 16, 9:30-11:30 — Registration
- November 15, 9:30-11:30 — Registration
Week of June 26
Caregiver Self-Care Guide: 10 Ways Parents of a Child With Autism Can Make Space for Themselves by Terri Huggins Hart in Elemy
Take the Next Step: AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) in the Cloud 2022 FREE Virtual Conference June 28 and 29, and on-demand video
Week of June 20
ATTN: Family Based Organizations providing supports to families who have children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing -Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has opened a public comment period to solicit input about its oversight of their Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs
Dispelling 5 PTSD Myths from Rogers Behavioral Health
Trauma and PTSD Facts from Rogers Behavioral Health
John Tracy Center currently offers parent distance education opportunities worldwide tailored to the stages of development of young children who are deaf or hard of hearing
ECHO Autism Communities June Newsletter — including celebrating Juneteenth and a spotlight on family advocates
FUNNE– (Familias Unidas con Niños con Necesidades Especiales), un programa del Centro Católico Multicultural localizado en la Calle 1862 Beld St. Madison WI 53713. Se complace en anunciar la próxima reunión con la Justicia del trabajador en Wisconsin “Worker Justice Wisconsin” el último sábado del mes que será el 25 de junio del corriente, de las 9:30 -11:00 AM Todos son bienvenidos. Los trabajadores tienen el derecho a un trabajo digno. Los empleadores deben conocer los derechos y los beneficios a los que los trabajadores tienen derechos. Durante la presentación, entablaremos una discusión sobre los derechos de los trabajadores y algunas de las habilidades que ellos tienen para unirse, y defender su dignidad. Más importante, ¡vamos a practicarlas! Esta sólo será la primera parte de un ciclo de entrenamientos interactivos proporcionados por Worker Justice Wisconsin. Robert Christl es el director de programa de “Worker Justice Wisconsin” Antes de trabajar para Worker Justice, sacó el doctorado del Departamento de historia de la Universidad de Wisconsin-Madison, donde estudió y ayudó a dar clases de historia europea. También era co-presidente de su sindicato (Federación Americana de Maestros, local 3220) y delegado al Consejo Laboral de la Universidad. Robert cree firmemente en el poder de la acción colectiva para realizar la justicia social.
Week of June 13
WI Office of Children’s Mental Health June 2022 Newsletter (Prevent Lead Poisoning Fact Sheet, Lived Experience and Lead, Policy Updates, Articles, Lived Experience Academy begins a new cohort in August)
New Issue of Birth-3 All in for Kids Newsletter in English, Hmong and Spanish (includes summer ideas, baby formula, updated milestones)
New Issue Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) All in for Kids Newsletter in English, Hmong and Spanish (includes summer ideas, resources and program updates)
Latino Children/Youth with Special Health Care Needs/Disabilities and their Families June 8, 2022 Recording will be available soon. Hector Portillo is co-founder and director of Padres e Hijos en Accion–a grassroots organization of individuals with disabilities, their families, friends, and community members building fulfilling and community-centered lives for Latino children. English/Spanish interpretation will be provided. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Mindfulness in Life and Special Education May 25 Recording We were joined by Professor Shannon Stuart from UW-Whitewater and join in the discussion about how mindfulness can be useful for all people. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Week of June 6
Summer Safety for People with Seizures from Epilepsy Foundation
How To Access Compensatory Services For Students With Disabilities from Disability Scoop
The system is in ruins’: Minnesotans with disabilities feel left behind amid workforce shortage from StarTribune
IEP Mini-Modules from WI FACETS
- Starting the IEP Process: Special Ed Basics
- The Special Education Referral Process
- Evaluation and Eligibility in the IEP Process
- Re-evaluation & Independent Educational Evaluations
- Writing the IEP (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)
- IEP Revisions & Extended School Year
- Parent Rights in the IEP Process
- Useful Resources in the IEP Process
HealthWatch Wisconsin‘s Pulse Updates
- Updated Guidance to State Governor’s on the eventual end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- FDA authorized boosters for 5-11 year olds
- Emergency FoodShare Allotments for June
- USDA clarifies when emergency allotments end
- Medicaid Enrollment Snapshot
- Medicaid.gov enhancements
- CMS complaint line with questions/concerns about surprise medical bills
- Private health insurance companies may owe rebates
- Affordable Connectivity Program (Internet discounts for people with SSI)
- ABC for Health is hiring: Bilingual Health Benefits Assistant; Agency Operations Manager; Health Benefits Assistant
Recruiting Autistic Adults, DBT Clinicians and Clinic Directors/Leaders for a Research Study from University of Washington
Previous highlights
Katie Beckett Medicaid Helps Children with Disabilities Access Needed Services
Katie Beckett Medicaid provides access to Wisconsin Medicaid services for children with disabilities, mental illness, or complex medical needs. Katie Beckett helps some children whose parents have too high of an income for Medicaid, and those covered by private insurance, get a ForwardHealth Medicaid card so they can receive needed services and equipment that might not otherwise be covered. To apply, families can call 888-786-3246. They will be connected with an eligibility specialist who will explain the Medicaid benefit and help the family decide if they want to pursue enrollment. Learn more on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Revised Katie Beckett Fact Sheet from Family Voices of Wisconsin
Disability Information and Access Line Help with COVID-19 vaccinations for people with disabilities from Administration for Community Living
Dane County Behavioral Health Resource Center — If you, someone you care about, or someone you are working with needs help finding mental health and/or substance use services in Dane County. The BHRC phone line is available Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm at (608) 267-2244; Email the BHRC at BHRC@countyofdane.com
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Interested in participating in research?
Research Studies:
- Up to date listing of Waisman Center studies that are currently recruiting
- ABLE Study (research) looking for children 8-12 years old with significant anxiety and/or depression OR 8-12 years old without mental health challenges from UW Madison Psychiatry
- Research Study on Parent-Child Learning (ages 10-14) Study includes clinical assessment visit, MRI brain scans, and a final visit. From the UW BRAVE Research Center.
- Research study on Emotional Development (ages 10-16) Study includes a clinical interview, MRI brain scan, questionnaires and biological samples. from UW BRAVE Research Center
Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center is a statewide public health Information and Referral (I&R) service and resource program offering a toll free phone line and website for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and more. Well Badger is staffed to provide information and referrals with a deliberate focus to engage high-risk populations and for those with special needs.
The WI Children’s Mental & Behavioral Health Navigator is a free, confidential, online tool designed to help parents, caregivers and professionals in Wisconsin navigate (find, access, pay for) mental and behavioral health services and support for children, adolescents and young adults under the age of 21. Just answer a few questions about the child, and the Navigator provides a customized guide to connect kids and families with the resources and support they need and deserve.
Website: https://wellbadger.org/
Phone: 1-800-642-7837
The Southern Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs tries to help families, and the professionals who support them, through providing current resources, news articles, interesting items and more. We post “What’s New” on our home page each week. We regularly post this content and more on our Facebook page. We send out a weekly Resource Round-up on Fridays (send an email with Weekly Resource Round-up in the Subject Line to cyshcn@waisman.wisc.edu to join).We bring together the “What’s New” resources by topic and place them on the Resources page. We hope you can find some help, encouragement, or just information on this page. New content is added regularly.