HearthStone of WI

10/21/2025

Do you have opinions about Special Education in Wisconsin? Check this out.

The Wisconsin Council for Special Education wants to hear from you. The Council is hosting a virtual Public Forum on Special Education, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 5-6:30 PM on Zoom. The public forum gives Council members the opportunity to gather input from families, school administrators, educators, community representatives, and others, on the unique challenges and successes of special education in Wisconsin. Information gathered will be used by the council to advise the State Superintendent on matters affecting the education of Wisconsin’s children and youth with disabilities. To attend, register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SIyu8K39QBC6qLet_12UVg?_x_zm_rtaid=YWnVGZZ4QJSJxQwTZ8325A.1760982731921.b5b2b61be74c377445fb814e25418a0d&_x_zm_rhtaid=990

If you can't attend, you can submit a public comment before Nov. 14 by completing the following survey:

English: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeefmgSVGGVDiuRwIgcRKDOEiv0wb2dhiMWDXq5ETJGZlD_hQ/viewform
Spanish:https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/council-public_forum_flier_2025-26_spanish.pdf

10/21/2025

The Autism Transitions Research Project has released new findings that underscore critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic youth into adulthood. As approximately 1.2 million autistic individuals are expected to reach adulthood in the coming decade, these insights are vital for...

10/21/2025

Invisible disabilities are conditions that aren't immediately noticeable but can still significantly impact daily life. They include things like chronic pain, mental health conditions, learning differences, and more.

About 10% of Americans live with an invisible disability, meaning it's more common to meet someone with an unseen disability than you might think!

For those living with invisible disabilities, it can be hard to get the accommodation and support they need. Because their challenges aren’t always visible, their disabilities are sometimes misunderstood or not taken seriously. But just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

This week is Invisible Disabilities Week. Take a minute to share this post to remind others that not all disabilities are visible and that inclusion matters.

10/14/2025

Here is BPDD’s statement about the Friday action from the White House eliminating the entire federal Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), including Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

If you have questions or concerns, you can email the White House at https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNaGpNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoNWZ6WXFOcmVnOTVaWHVTAR4iMUubtDgVt_7etjQ8SEbnG1TtspKIsmn3R-KOmN0inIEpyTBRUyhDlx6pbw_aem_6HdEjPoRuLfMgFofFIy45g and contact your members of Congress at the Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121. When you call, you need to ask by name for your senator (Ron Johnson, Tammy Baldwin) or your member of Congress.

10/13/2025

The nation’s special education services have been significantly damaged after Fridays’s mass layoffs within the Department of Education, sources told ABC News.

10/13/2025

October is National Disability Employment Month!

We have several employees with disabilities working within The Arc Wisconsin and its many chapters. Our Advocacy and Outreach Specialist Sydney Badeau is one of them.

10/13/2025

Citing DEI, the Trump administration cut about $8 million in grant funds for Wisconsin K-12 special education teacher programs.

10/13/2025

What’s After High School? ✨🎓
A free virtual learning session for families of young adults with disabilities or special health care needs — and for the educators and providers who support them.

📅 Monday, October 27
🕠 5:30 – 6:30 PM
💻 Online via Zoom

This session, hosted by Family Voices of Wisconsin and the Children’s Resource Center- Northeast, offers a helpful overview of the transition to adult life for youth ages 14–21.

Topics include:
• Planning for the future
• Employment and long-term supports
• Moving to adult healthcare
• Supported decision-making & guardianship
• Building community connections

Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BKYB_Qk2Q-Cr-9zkRiVzww

Questions? Email: crcnortheast@childrenswi.org

🩵 This is not an Options-hosted event, but we’re proud to share this valuable resource for families planning for life after high school!

10/13/2025

Marquette’s Autism Initiative seeks input from parents and guardians of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — including more severe autism — to help understand what services are most needed beyond school. Survey: https://marquette.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ekszsuGYr0BGq1w

10/13/2025

Down Syndrome Awareness Month Fact #2 💛💙

Did you know there are three types of Down syndrome?
✨ Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) – accounts for about 95% of cases.
✨ Translocation – makes up about 3%.
✨ Mosaicism – represents about 2%.

Each type involves an extra copy (or part of a copy) of chromosome 21—but no matter the type, every person with Down syndrome has their own unique personality, talents, and dreams.

Let’s keep learning and celebrating together this month!

10/05/2025

[guide] Take Charge! A Guide for Women with
Knowing what to expect and how to talk about your needs is key to being a self-advocate of your reproductive health.
https://ow.ly/l45L50WPGqu

10/03/2025