VPI's Early Intervention Program of Outagamie and Winnebago Counties

09/30/2025

Join us this Friday, October 3rd for free a community event hosted by the Menasha Joint School District Early Childhood Program at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library 📚✨

🕒 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Children’s Area, Menasha Public Library (440 1st St, Menasha)

This is a perfect chance for families—especially those with little ones under 3—to connect with the Early Childhood team, explore resources, and have some fun!

08/14/2025

Big News for Our Early Intervention Community! 🤝💙

We’re thrilled to share that VPI, Inc. is merging with VARC this November to strengthen and expand our services across Wisconsin. This strategic partnership brings together nearly 120 years of combined experience in disability services—including early intervention, school-to-work transitions, trauma-informed care, and inclusive employment.

We remain deeply committed to providing personalized, developmentally appropriate support for children and families. Our mission—and our values—remain unchanged.

Learn more about the merger and what it means for our community:
👉 https://vpiwi.org/2025/08/14/vpi-and-varc-unite/

Exciting news from VPI, Inc. and VARC! 📣✨

This November, we’re merging to expand disability services and employment supports across Wisconsin. With nearly 120 years of combined experience, our organizations are uniting to expand our reach, broaden our programming, and create more opportunities for individuals of all abilities across Wisconsin. 🤝

🔗 To learn more about what this means for our communities, services, and mission, visit https://vpiwi.org/2025/08/14/vpi-and-varc-unite/

08/06/2025

We still have room for a few more teams at our Third Annual Tossing for Inclusion on August 20 at GameDay Sports Bar!

This inclusive bag toss tournament and fundraiser brings people of all abilities together to support VPI’s mission — and have a blast doing it. Casual and competitive brackets are available, so whether you’re in it to win or just tossing for fun, we’d love to have you there!

Register today before we sell out!
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vpis-tossing-for-inclusion-bag-toss-tournament-fundraiser-tickets-1434663429939?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

08/04/2025

Are you a new or expecting first-time parent? 👶✨

We’re excited to partner with the Building for Kids Children's Museum for their upcoming Welcome Baby Connection Event this Saturday, August 9 at 9am!

Our very own Lauren and Jen, Speech-Language Pathologists, will lead a presentation on feeding during the first year—a supportive session designed to help you navigate those early milestones with confidence.

And as an added bonus, attendees will receive a FREE membership to the Building for Kids—how awesome is that?!

👉 Learn more and register here: https://www.buildingforkids.org/welcomebabycommunity

Are you a new or expecting first-time parent looking for parenting resources? Join us for our next Welcome Baby Connection Event on Saturday, August 9 at 9am! VPI's Early Intervention Program of Outagamie and Winnebago Counties will lead a presentation on the first year of feeding. This free event is a great opportunity to learn, socialize, and connect with other new families!

Attend this Connecting Event to receive a FREE membership to the BFK.
Learn more and register at https://www.buildingforkids.org/welcomebabycommunity

07/28/2025

We’re proud to share that our program is represented in the new mural unveiled at our new Community Programs Collective—right on the very building where our Birth to 3 team is based.

One of the individuals featured is a former Birth to 3 participant, and it’s an incredibly meaningful reminder of the important work that begins right here—supporting children and families during their earliest, most critical years of development.

Special thanks to artist Neo Medina for capturing the heart of our mission so beautifully, and to Fox Communities Credit Union for helping make this project possible. 💛

07/21/2025

Appleton Children's Week kicked off yesterday, and there is still a ton of free and low-cost family fun to be had across the city!

Children’s Week includes the Building for Kids Children's Museum Children’s Parade, the Playground Fair, a free day at the YMCA and many more family friendly events.

Check out the full schedule of activities and events here: https://appletonchildrensweek.com/events/

07/16/2025

Young children learn and grow by watching the world around them—and one of the most powerful ways they do this is through imitation. 🌎

When we pair simple actions with fun, engaging sounds, we create opportunities for little ones to copy, connect, and communicate. Imitation helps build early communication skills, supports motor development, and strengthens social bonds.

Check out these five easy action-sound combos you can try at home or on the go!👀🛝

07/15/2025

People with disabilities are too often left out of emergency planning conversations—especially parents who must protect both themselves and their children.

Join Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University for a webinar featuring Shari Myers and Melissa Marshall from the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies.

They’ll share practical tips on:
🔹Building a realistic emergency kit
🔹Sheltering in place while disabled
🔹Knowing your rights during a disaster

We’ll also hear powerful personal stories from Judy Brown and Morénike Giwa-Onaiwu, Advisory Board members of the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities.

Accessibility Note:
The webinar will be presented in English with realtime ASL and Spanish interpretation and Zoom automated captions in English and Spanish. For any other accommodations, please contact Lurie@Brandeis.edu as soon as possible. The presentation will be recorded and available for later viewing.

Register here: https://brandeis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H3VtBAe0S4iNZ_XULQO0uw #/registration

07/14/2025

Check out this sensory-friendly summer activity from Menasha Parks and Recreation 👓🩱

Every Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM, the Menasha Pool offers a sensory-friendly swim time tailored for children who benefit from a calmer, low-stimulation environment, for only $2.

07/08/2025

Support your little one’s first steps with the right shoes!👣

Pediatric Physical Therapist Kailee from The Movement Mama shares her top picks and expert advice for spring and summer shoes that are perfect for new walkers. From flexible soles to wide toe boxes, this guide helps you choose shoes that support healthy development and happy feet.

Read more:

The sun is shining and your toddler is ready for the outdoors. Here are top things to look for in spring and summer shoes for new walkers!

06/30/2025

Looking for fun and family-friendly activities this July? Check out this awesome list from Go Valley Kids! From parades and fireworks to splash pads and storytimes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. ☀️🌊📚

Explore the full guide here:

Hurray! We're deep into summer and there are so many adventures to have!

06/19/2025

Looking for a gentle, nurturing way to connect with your baby? Join us for a free 5-week Baby Massage Class designed for parents and caregivers of babies aged 8 weeks to pre-crawling. This small-group experience offers a calm, supportive space to learn massage techniques that promote relaxation, bonding, and baby’s overall development. 🌿✨

Infant massage isn’t just soothing—it’s incredibly beneficial. It can help your baby sleep better, ease gas and colic, support digestion, and even boost their immune system. These gentle strokes also encourage brain development and improve muscle tone, all while deepening the emotional connection between you and your little one. 💞

Classes are held every Friday at 8 AM, starting July 18 through August 15, at the VPI Community Programs Collective in Appleton, WI. You’ll be guided by Robyn and Joseph, both OTR/Ls and student educators of infant massage, who are passionate about helping families thrive.

To register or ask questions, simply text (920) 841-4980 or email jmichalski@vpind.com. We’d love to have you and your baby join us for this heartwarming journey.