Stevens Point Area School District Transition Services
What is Transition Planning?
Transition planning is the process of helping students with IEP's and their families think about their life after high school and identify long-range goals designing their high school experience. The process ensures that students gain the skills and connections they need to achieve these goals. This process is documented through the use of the PTP (Postsecondary Transition Plan).
What is the PTP (Postsecondary Transition Plan)?
The PTP is a part of the IEP that focus on transition. A PTP is written with the IEP team, which includes the student, when a student is 13 turning 14 during the timeframe of the IEP. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) developed a web-based Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) that will assist school districts to document the post high school transition requirements while meeting individual student needs. The PTP guides the IEP team through the transition process by asking a set of questions relating to post-secondary goals in the area of education/training, employment, and independent living, when applicable. The PTP will be created during the IEP team meeting with input from all team members, including the student and family. More information on the PTP, can be found at: Family's and Student's Guide to the PTP.
The WiTransition App can be used to assist you in preparing for the transition portion of your student's IEP meeting. This app may also be used with your student prior to the meeting to learn about their transition goals.
See the app: WiTransition - My Future. My Plan. My Way.
Please explore the Transition Website for information on the Stevens Point School District programs and community agencies that focus on providing transition services in the areas of: Job Exploration Counseling Services, Work-Based Learning Experiences, Postsecondary and Higher Education Related Services, Work Readiness Social and Independent Living Skills Services, and Work Readiness Social and Independent Living Skills Services for the Community, and Instruction in Self-Advocacy.
If you have any questions related to Transition Planning and services, please contact Wendy Christianson, District Transition Coordinator, at 715-345-5400 ext. 70846, email: wchristi@pointschools.net or text: 715-600-1504.
For current events and information, please go to the SPASH Transition Services page on Facebook
Transition Coordinator
- What can the Transition Coordinator Assist with?
- What is a Transition Coordinator?
- About the Transition Coordinator
- Transition Coordinator Contact Information
- Facebook Page
- Upcoming Events
- Transition Newsletters
What can the Transition Coordinator Assist with?
- Transition planning for high school courses, employment programs, post-secondary education, and independent living skills training.
- Self Advocacy skills and understanding how to request accommodations for work or post-secondary education.
- Referrals to community agencies that work with students as they transition from youth to adulthood.
What is a Transition Coordinator?
About the Transition Coordinator
My name is Wendy Christianson and I am in my second year as Transition Coordinator for the Stevens Point School District.
I started my career at Midstate Independent Living Consultants (now Choices) working with individuals with disabilities on employment and benefits counseling. After that, I started my career in K-12 education by working in the Wausau School District as a Vocational Training Specialist taking students out to work sites and connecting them to post-secondary education opportunities. We made a personal move to West DePere and I taught at the high school in a transition focused role for juniors and seniors where we focused on career planning activities and daily living skills. I then transitioned into post-secondary education and provided accommodations at the technical college level for 13 years prior to starting in the Stevens Point School District. I feel my varied experiences help me to better understand adult services and the laws and processes guiding them, which allows me to help students and families understand the change in laws and services after high K-12 education.
Transition Coordinator Contact Information
Facebook Page
Please follow our Transition Facebook page for additional events and information.
Upcoming Events
Talking Transition Monthly Presentation Series hosted by the Stevens Point School District and Community Transition Partners:
Post-Secondary Education and the Accommodation Process: February 24, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Come learn about the differences between laws governing IEP's and 504 plans and requesting accommodations at the post-secondary level and learn about available support services in college.
Presenter: Patti Lloyd, Disability Services Coordinator, Midstate Technical College
Location: Midstate Technical College Stevens Point Downtown Campus: 1001 Centerpoint Drive, Stevens Point, Room 116
Virtual Link Meeting ID: 242 859 276 270 Passcode: Ha2Gn3HY
Housing Resources: March 10, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Come learn about various housing resources in Portage County.
Presenters from: Stevens Point Housing Authority, PATHS Program, and Door2Dreams.
Location: SPASH: 1201 North Point Drive, Stevens Point. Room 1304 - come in front doors of SPASH (#1) and follow signs to the right
Virtual Link ID: 26603664072 Password: zMtpMNds927
Join by phone -1-415-655-0001 Access code: 26603664072
Independent Living Resources: April 21, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Come learn the amazing community resources available to help with independent living, recreation and community volunteer opportunities, and learning how to utilize city transportation.
Presenters: MIdstate Independent Living Choices, Opportunity Development Center (ODC), Special Sports, Stevens Point Area Adapted Recreation, and Stevens Point/Portage County Transit Services.
Location: Midstate Independent Living Choices, 3262 Church Street, Stevens Point
Transition Newsletters
Stevens Point School District Transition Programs
PAES Lab
The Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) is a hands-on program that provides the opportunity for career exploration while teaching students work skills and appropriate work behaviors in a simulated work setting.
The PAES lab is located in the Life Skills Center outside of SPASH. Typically, students attend the PAES lab daily for one period per day for one school year. Participation in the program is determined by the IEP team during Post-Secondary Transition (PTP) Planning.
PAES is a research based, functional skills curriculum with an embedded formative assessment of career potential and employability skills. PAES helps to identify: functional skill levels, career interests, aptitude for community base employment, and work behavior strengths and barriers to success.
Project Life
Project Life is a comprehensive course that focuses on Safety Skills, Self-Determination Skills, Independence, Social & Communication Skills, Financial Skills, Technology Skills, Physical & Emotional Well-Being, and Micro-Enterprise Fundamentals for Life at Work, Life at Home, and Life in the Community. This course includes a work-based learning component in addition to the comprehensive curriculum. Students/Interns will be provided with different types of work tasks to gain transferable skills that can be used in a variety of work settings, at home, and in the community. Students/interns will have the opportunity to complete jobs and tasks in the school building or out in the community, based on their interest and skill level. This class is for 2 class periods. This course is available for high school juniors and seniors and is determined by IEP team decision as part of the post-secondary transition planning process.
Job Employment Training Program (JET)
The Job Experience Training (JET) Program gives students the opportunity to gain work experience during high school, while earning high school graduation credits and earning a paycheck. Students learn and develop soft skills needed for successful employment and practice appropriate work behaviors while on their job site. Participating in JET also helps students explore various career interests in a variety of work environments.
How does JET work?
The JET program is a collaboration between the school district, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), a job development agency, and a community employer. JET provides the opportunity for a paid short-term work experience through DVR for students to try various employment opportunities and work on developing 21st Century Skills in personal work habits and attitudes. Some JET students may already have a paid position and are using JET to work towards the Employability Skills Certificate (see additional information below).
JET is an IEP team decision. If enrolled, the student will have JET scheduled into their school day (usually, but not always, 6th or 7th period). If JET is scheduled in their day, the student will leave SPASH to go to his/her scheduled work time at the internship site. Students will also have responsibilities on Schoology related to JET. They will need to complete assigned coursework in interest exploration and skill development tasks in 21st Century Skills.
Students in the JET program are expected to work a minimum of 5 hours per week (per class period enrolled in JET). Many of the students will work during their scheduled JET hours in school. Other students may work at nights or on the weekends.
Students may not always have work during their scheduled JET time. If they are not scheduled to work, they have three options: 1) leave SPASH for the day, 2) work in Lower Commons until the end of the day, or 3) Connect with the Transition Coordinator for questions or help with assigned work in the course.
What is the Wisconsin Employability Skills Certificate?
The Wisconsin Employability Skills Certificate recognizes a student’s mastery of employability skills valued by employers in a variety of worksite settings while helping students explore career interests. The program allows students to document their employability skills, employers to assess the skills they are looking for in quality employees, and educators to customize instruction to help students acquire skills that today’s workplace required. The student needs to complete a minimum of 90 hours at a paid work site in a career of interest and receive ratings to meet a required score in various employability skills areas such as personal work habits and attitudes, Communication, Collaboration, etc. The assessment can be found at DPI under Employability Skills.
If students are at work experience site of career interest and have completed 90 hours of work, the student is eligible to try for the Employability Skills Certificate. The Transition Coordinator will work with the job developer and employer to complete the needed assessment. If the student receives the ratings to qualify for the certificate, the earned certificate will be issued by the State of Wisconsin and becomes a part of the student’s portfolio.
Beyond 18 Programming
Beyond 18 programming is available for students to support the transition from school to outside agencies and postsecondary options that will support the student as they plan for life after high school. Planning is based on each student's unique disability-related needs to meet postsecondary IEP goals. Beyond 18 is an IEP team decision, individualized, and built by the student's IEP and Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP). It should mirror a day similar to a student who has left high school and focuses on skills and activities that prepare students for postsecondary transition goals.
Transition Programming Beyond Age 18 Resource
Beyond 18 Programming
STrIVE (Social Transition Independence Vocational Education)
- STrIVE is located in the Life Skills Apartment outside of SPASH
- A program for students with IEP's age 18-21 that have continued goals related to their postsecondary transition plan (PTP).
- Helps prepare student to function as independently as possible in the community as it relates to employment, community involvement, independent living skills for the community, home, and work
- Participation in STriVE is determined by the IEP team and designed to help students successfully work towards their goals as it relates to employment, community involvement, and independent living skills in the home and community.
Possible curriculum and daily learning tasks:
- Meal Planning and preparation
- Comparison shopping
- Cleaning and maintaining a home
- Laundry and clothes maintenance
- Grooming and hygiene
- Safety & First Aid
- Budgeting and Money management
- Restaurant ordering and social skills
- Community based recreation/leisure activities
- Community based physical fitness
- Self-Advocacy and social skills
- Human Growth and development
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness
- On the job training and skills development
Students may come to STrIVE in the morning or afternoon depending on their goals and needs. Many of the students fill the rest of the day with work, day services, or volunteering to help make the smooth transition to community employment, adult services, volunteering, or recreation in the community.
Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is an international employment training program for students and young adults with disabilities. It consists of:
- 8-12 students accepted for their final year Beyond 18 Programming
- School Year long program to include a 3 week orientation, three 10 week internships, 2 transition weeks, a commencement and follow up support at their new jobs
- Curriculum focused on employability skill development
- 60-90 minutes per day of classroom training with the instructor
- 4.5-5 hours per day at their internship site
The goal is for students finishing the program is to secure competitive integrated employment of at least 16 hours per week.
Partners include: UWSP, the Stevens Point Area School District, The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Opportunity Development Center (ODC), long-term service providers, area businesses, and families.
Project SEARCH is a competitive program and interested students need to submit an application and participate in an assessment day in the spring of the year prior to beginning of the program.
Important Dates for the 2025-2026 possible interns:
- February 14, 2025: APPLICATIONS DUE for 2025/2026 school year interested interns.
Return to Dorothy O'Connor via email at: doconnor@pointschools.net, return to IEP case manager or Transition Coordinator, or arrange a time to drop off at UWSP Project SEARCH classroom.
- February 28, 2025: Assessment Day
- Interested interns treat assessment day as an interview. They will perform a variety of employment tasks and answer some basic interview questions
- Location: UW-Stevens Point, CPS Building, Room 105
Acceptance letters will be sent out prior to Spring Break, 2025.
Interns will be asked to commit to the program by April 1, 2025.
For more information about the Project SEARCH-UWSP site please contact:
Dorothy O’Connor, Project SEARCH Instructor, 715 347 3950, doconnor@pointschools.net
Danielle Nystrom, Assistant Direction, ODC, 715-996-1705, dnystrom@odcinc.com
Kassey Anderson, DVR Counselor, 715-216-8210, kassey.anderson@dwd.wi.gov
Community Agencies
- Adult Long Term Care
- Children's Long Term Care
- Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)
- Day Services
- Employment Services
- Financial Programs or Assistance
- Guardianship & Supported Decision Making
- Housing
- Independent Living & Social Connections
- Parent Support Resources
- Post-Secondary Education
- Transportation
- Other Resources
Adult Long Term Care
Adult Long-Term Care is any service or support that an individual may need because of a disability or chronic illness that limits your ability to do the things that are part of your daily routine. This includes things such as bathing, getting dressed, making meals, going to work, and paying bills.
Eligibility for Adult Long-Term Care
The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is the starting point for determining eligibility for Adult Long-Term Care Support. When the student turns 17 1/2 years old, contact the ADRC to set up a functional screen to determine eligibility with an Information and Assistance Specialist at 715-346-1401.
The Information and Assistance Specialist will use a functional screen to learn about the diagnosis, activities of daily living, additional supports, health related services, memory and cognition, behavioral health, and risk. The child will also need to meet financial eligibility to qualify for Medicaid.
If the child is enrolled in Children's Long-Term Care Services (CLTS) or Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), a release of information can be signed by the family and the CLTS or CCS service facilitator can make the referral when the child turns 17 1/2.
If a child is found eligible for Adult Long Term Care Supports, the ADRC Information & Assistance Specialist will provide information on Family Care Programs, a managed care program, or IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) a self-directed program.
Family Care (Managed Care Program) Options for Portage County
IRIS (Self-Direct Program) Options for Portage County
TMG The Management Group
MILC - Midstate Independent Living Choices
Connections - Lutheran Social Services
The Department of Health Services provides a scorecard for both Family Care and IRIS provides.
Go to: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Scroll to the bottom and click on Portage County under Step 1. You can then look at the scorecard for both Family Care and IRIS providers in Portage County.
Children's Long Term Care
Children's long-term support programs can offer children a range of supports and services to live their best lives in their homes and communities.
Qualification for Children's Long-Term Care Supports:
- Be younger than age 22
- Be eligible for Wisconsin Medicaid
- Live at home, in foster care, or in another approved setting
- Need a level of care that most people receive at a hospital, nursing home, or residential setting for people with development disabilities
- Able to get safe, required care at home or in the community
Eligibility for the program will be determined by a functional screen. Questions asked during the functional screen are related to: diagnosis, needs, abilities, challenges in daily living. The screener may reach out for additional information from: school staff and health care providers, including therapists.
How Families Can Prepare for the Functional Screen:
- Work hard to keep the initial appointments, rescheduling can set the process back
- Be honest about how hard it can be
- Once the child is enrolled in the program, the functional screen will be repeated annually
If child is denied and the family disagrees with the results
- Ask the screener for an appointment to review the functional screen to discuss results
- Appeal the results (must be done within 45 days of notification)
- If things change, schedule a re-screen at a future time
If the child is approved, a Support and Service Coordinator will be assigned and an Individual Service Plan (ISP) will be developed.
Possible services: Respite care, daily living skills training, transportation, day services, physical aids, housing related home modifications, mentoring, management and coordination with community integration services.
Some families may have a parental payment, but that is determined by family size, income level, and how much services in the individual services plan cost. There won't be a parental payment if the family is part of: Supplemental Security Income SSI - Related Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, Foodshare, Wisconsin Works (W-2), and Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
You may invite Support and Service Coordinator's to a student's IEP meeting, especially when postsecondary transition planning is being discussed.
To being the eligibility process in Portage County call: 715-345-5350 and choose Option 5. Portage County Waiver Staff should contact you with 10 days to schedule a home visit and your determination should be make within 45 days after the home visit.
A child may qualify for both CLTS and Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) dependent on the diagnosis and and needs as determined through the screening process.
Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)
What is Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)?
CCS is a voluntary community based program for children and adults diagnosed with a mental health and/or substance us condition. CCS offers psychological, social, and substance use rehabilitation services. These services are supportive activities assist consumers with learning the skills necessary to achieve their highest level of independent functioning, stability, and independence to facilitate recover.
CCS eligibility
Children and adults who are Portage County Residents, eligible for Medicaid and are determined to need psychosocial rehabilitation services for a mental health or substance use diagnosis.
Application Process
Contact Portage County Health & Human Services at 715-345-5350 option 5 for children or option 2 for adults. Human and Human Services will determine individual eligibility through a screening process.
Is there a cost of CCS?
CCS is a Medicaid program. Participants must be eligible for Medical Assistance, Badgercare, or other Medicaid programs.
If a children or adult is eligible for CCS, they will be assigned a service facilitator and mental health professional. A Recovery Team is then formed that includes the consumer, service facilitator, mental health professional, service providers, and any other individual the consumer wishes to include.
An Assessment is completed to determine the individual's strengths, needs, and desired outcome. After that, a Service Plan is developed that is based on the assessment process.
A child may qualify for both CCS and Children's Long Term Care Services (CLTS) dependent on the diagnosis and needs as determined through the screening process.
Day Services
Employment Services
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR works to obtain, maintain, and improve employment for people with disabilities. DVR supports Pre-Employment Transition Services for students that have a disability diagnosis. In collaboration with the school district, DVR can provide, or arrange to provide: vocational counseling, job exploration counseling, counseling on post-secondary education, workplace readiness skills, benefits counseling, etc. Students can apply two years prior to graduation. The Transition Coordinator can provide the appropriate referral forms to interested students and families. If students are not currently enrolled and are graduating in May, they can apply for adult services through the DVR webpage. For additional questions on DVR services, please reach out to Kassey Anderson, SPASH DVR Liaison at kassey.anderson@dwd.wisconsin.gov or 715-216-8210 call/text. You can also work with the Transition Coordinator for appropriate referral forms and to set up an initial meeting.
DVR Job Developers for Portage County
Once students are determined eligible for DVR services, they would chose a Job Developer to help provide the pre-employment transition services through the support of DVR. Available Job Development Service Providers are:
- The Connection Co
- IBA Resources
- GOALS
- Opportunity Development Center (ODC)
- Aurora Vocational Services
Prior to choosing a job developing, you are welcome to connect with the agencies to help determine the best fit for your child. Here are some questions to ask a possible job developer:
- What services do you provide through DVR?
- How long have you been a job developer?
- How many people are you working with right now?
- How you worked with others who have a similar disability?
- Tellme about other people you have helped find the kind of work I want to do.
- How would you help me find a job?
- How quickly can we get started?
- Where and how often would we meet?
Forward Services
Forward Services uses WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funds to support young adults who need help finding a job, getting a GED, or enrolling in some type of post-secondary education. Eligibility criteria for in-school youth: 16-24 years old, low income, and a barrier to employment such as pregnant, parenting, offender status, homeless, high school drop-out, low basic skills, and/or disability.
Services provided by Forward Services Career Planners: Career interests and aptitude testing, career exploration including job shadowing, job search assistance including applications, resumes and interview preparation, paid incentives, help connecting to post-secondary education and short-term training, and paid work experience opportunities.
The Career Planner for Portage County is: Kristie Sentkowski, 1100 Center Point Dr. #203 Stevens Point. P: 715-900-2060 E: ksentkowski@fsc-corp.org W: www.fsc-corp.org
To Apply:
Complete Application or contact Wendy Christianson, Transition Coordinator, to set up an appointment to connect with Kristie. Wendy can be reached at: wchristi@pointschools.net, 715-600-1504 (call/text) or her office in the SPASH library (2228E).
FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET)
The FSET program is a no-cost program that helps FoodShare members build their jobs skills and find jobs.
Eligibility
- Receiving Food Share Assistance
- Age 16 or older
How do I sign up for the FSET Program?
Get a referral from a county worker, talk to the Stevens Point School District Transition Coordinator, or Fill out the FSET intake Form
Possible services: developing employment goal, increasing job skills/education, developing a resume, job leads, transportation costs, work-related costs, education costs, child care.
For additional information on FSET, contact Macie Wienke, FSET Case Manager - Portage County. 1317 College Court, Stevens Point. Phone: 715-544-0767 or email: macie.wienke@woodcountywi.gov or to to Northcentral FSET Program
Job Corps
A free, residential career training and education program for low-income adults ages 16 through 24. Students can learn skills and resources to be successful in a career while earning a high school diploma or equivalent in one of 10 different industries. Can offer residential living depending on location. There are over 120 campuses across the United States.
Interested applicants would start by filling out an interest form online.
Financial Programs or Assistance
Economic Support Services
- Provides access to and eligibility for public assistance program such as BadgercCare Plus, Medicaid - Elderly, Blind, and Disabled, Family Care, Family Planning services, FoodShare, FoodShare Employment and Training Program (FSET), Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy, and Caretaker Supplement
- Eligibility is determined by family size, income, assets, and other household information. To find out if you are eligible to go "Am I Eligible" on Access Wisconsin Website
Disability Benefit Specialist
Disability Benefit Specialists provide services to people with disabilities ages 18-59. There is no charge for disability benefit specialist services. The Disability Benefits Specialist services are available through your local Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
Portage County Contacts:
Maxine Hogan or Nicole Wierzba
ADRC of Portage County, 1519 Water Street, Stevens Point
Phone: 715-346-1401
Services they can provide:
- Information on public and private benefits and programs
- Help fill out applications for benefits, programs, and services
- Provide assistance in obtaining or retaining benefits and service
For transition aged youth, applying for adult benefits through Social Security can not start until age 18, however, benefit specialists are available to talk with in regards to your questions prior and to set up an appointment to help with the application after the child turns age 18.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
Can help pay for heating and electricity bills if you meet income requirements.
Apply online: If approved for WHEAP assistance, the WHEAP agency will refer you the weatherization agency for further assistance.
Guardianship & Supported Decision Making
In Wisconsin, a person becomes a legal adult at 18. If an individual may need assistance with making decisions that come with being an adult, students and families can explore guardianship and support decision making agreements.
Guardianship
Wisconsin law requires lesser restrictive alternatives to be considered before pursuing an adult guardianship and that a court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evident that the individual's needs for assistance in decision making or communication is unable to be met effectively and less restrictively through other means such as training, education, support services, health care, assisted devices, or a supported decision making agreement.
At age 17 1/2 if a child has Children's Long term Services (CLTS) or Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), the service coordinator may make a referral to Portage County Adult Protective Services to discuss Guardianship or less restrictive options. If a student is not with CLTS or CCS, they can start with the Aging & Disability Resource Center for the adult functional screen for long term care services and a referral can be made to Adult Protective Services.
Additional information on Guardianship:
Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center
Portage County Health & Human Services: Adult Protective Services: 715-345-5350 ex. 2
Supported Decision Making
Supported Decision Making is an alternative to guardianship through which individuals get help from trusted family members, friends, and professionals to help them understand the situations and the choices they face, so they can make their own decisions enabling individuals to ask for support where and when they need it. Supported Decision- Making agreements can be used for many kinds of decisions including medical, financial, housing, and other life matters. Powers of attorney, representative payees and simple release of information forms can also help families provide the needed supports and safeguards without going to court and imposing guardianship restrictions.
WISCONSIN STATE LAW
Wisconsin state law formally recognizes Supported Decision- Making agreements as legal arrangements1 that allow persons to retain their right to make their own decisions, while also
choosing trusted people (called Supporters) to help them gather and understand information, compare options, and communicate their decisions to others.
1 Wis. Stats. Ch 52. (2017 Wisconsin Act 345)
Where can I find the agreement form?
Supported Decision Making Agreement Form
What other resources are available for me to learn more about Supported Decision Making?
Wisconsin BPDD Supported Decision Making (includes a toolkit)
I
Housing
Stevens Point Housing Authority
Offers rent based income and is approximately 30% of adjusted income at Hi-Rise Manor, Madison View Apartments, and Scattered-Site Family Apartments. More information and application online
All programs do have waiting lists, so sign up as soon as possible!
Contact information: 715-341-3444 or info@spha-wi.org
Housing Authority of Portage County
Owns and operates federally subsidized housing complexes for elderly and disabled households of Portage County. All properties are for independent living and are not assisted living or nursing home facilities.
Contact 715-346-1392 with questions.
Housing Authority of Portage County
PATHS Program
PATHS serves young adults ages 17-21 who have intersected with child welfare and are currently unhoused or at risk of being unhoused. Youth can receive the following services: Mentorship, Case Management, Advocacy, Housing Assistance, Connection to Local Rental Properties, Support Services, and Referrals to Community Programs.
Call or text housing resource line for more information: 715-218-2887
Door2Dreams
Non-Profit corporation run by parents, professionals, and self-advocates helping adults with Intellectual and Development Disabilities working to expand independent housing options and build community engagement.
Adult Family Homes (AFH)
AFH's are where one to four people with disabilities live. An agency or individual provides supports and services. There is support from staff, but they may not be available at all hours. They ensure individual needs are met. Individuals can private pay for room and board or long-term care programs can help fund supports and services.
Consumer Guide: Finding and Choosing an Adult Family Home
Community-based residential facilities (CBRF)
CBRF's are homes where five or more people who have disabilities live. Support and services are available from staff 24 hours a day. Individuals can private pay for room and board or long-term care programs can pay for supports and services.
Consumer Guide: Finding and Choosing a Community-Based Residential Facility
Independent Living & Social Connections
Down Syndrome Association - Central Wisconsin Chapter (DSAW - Central WI)
The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin's mission is to provide support to Wisconsin families and individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences. DSAW - Central Wisconsin connects families with local resources through educational programming, support, groups, and fun family events.
Midstate Independent Living Choices (MILC)
MILC provides opportunities, services, and advocacy to help people living with disabilities gain skills, confidence, and build community.
Independent Living Services provided are: Advocacy, Skills Training, Peer Support, Transition, Information and Referral and Assistive Technology. Additional services provided through MILC: Personal Assistant Services, Mental Health Services, IRIS Consultants, and Business Solutions (Creating more accessible spaces and building an inclusive workplace).
Contact MILC to learn more: 3262 Church Street, Stevens Point. 715-344-4210
Opportunity Development Center (ODC)
ODC provides life enrichment programing for Youth & Adults in an effort to improve physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Services provided are related to daily living skills/community supportive living, housing counseling, and assistive technology. They also host the Better Together -Friendships program that helps to create friendships by matching adults with disabilities to volunteers from the community and Community Connections which helps to explore a person's strengths, interests, and goals to find places in the community where they feel welcome, valued and with a sense of belonging.
YMCA
Adapted Groups & Social Events
Safe and fun environment for all individuals to play sports and attend social events. Opportunities for adapted recreation participants to socialize and have a good time, including dances, field trips, and designated social times.
Parent Support Resources
Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin
Central Chapter: Parent support group meetings and social activities. For additional information reach out to: autismsocietycs@gmail.com
Central Wisconsin Autism Support on Facebook
Courageous Parent Network
A Non-profit organization that orients and empowers parents and others caring for children with series medical conditions, by providing resources and tools that reflect the experience and perspective of other families and clinicians.
Additional Information and Resources
Children's Resource Center - North
The Northern Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) is a resource for families with children (0-22) who have any type of disability or need help finding a diagnosis.
Additional Information and Resources
Connecting Families
A network of peer support in the state of Wisconsin for families of children and youth with special health care needs.
Additional information and Resources
Epilepsy Foundation - Wisconsin
Support group for individuals with epilepsy and their families.
Additional information and Resources
Family Voices
The role of Family Voices of Wisconsin is to educate and promote the inclusion of these principles in the design, implementation, and delivery of support and services throughout Wisconsin.
Additional Information and Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Advocacy, education, support, and public awareness for people who lives are affected by mental illness. Support Groups for families or individuals led by trained facilitators.
Additional Information and Resources
Parent-to-Parent of Wisconsin
Parent-to-Parent of Wisconsin pairs parents in need of guidance with trained Support Parents who have walked a similar path. Support Parents can be a source of strength, direction, and empowerment.
Find support or provide support to another parent additional information
Wisconsin FACETS
Free one-to-one special education support to families of children with disabilities. They work to empower families to feel confident navigating their child's special education journey.
Additional Information and Resources
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI)
WSPDI works to provide supports and strategies resulting in strong home - school partnerships.
Additional Information and Resources
Wisconsin Family Connections Center
Providing services and support to individuals, families, and caregivers with past or present involvement with foster care, adoption, reunification, kinship, and guardianship
Post-Secondary Education
For students that are planning to attend post-secondary education here are a few tips to help the transition from high school to college:
- There are differences in services between high school and college. High School laws provide a free and appropriate public education while colleges follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide equal access to programs and services.
- It is the responsibility of the student to request accommodations through the Disability Services Office at their college/university.
- Students must provide documentation of their disability to the disability services office at the college to be eligible to receive disability accommodations. Make sure to review documentation guidelines for the college of interest.
- Students will be part of an intake meeting for disability staff to learn more about the disability, functional limitations, and what type of accommodations were used in the past.
Important note on documentation:
- Make sure to keep a copy of the student's last high school IEP & 3 year re-evaluation. Adult assessments for learning disabilities can be a very expensive process and would be a responsibility of the adult student to obtain.
- All seniors with an IEP should have had the option to sign a document to have their IEP & last 3 year re-evaluation kept on file through the school district for 5 years. If you are unsure if your student did this, have the student reach out to the Transition Coordinator to make sure the appropriate form was signed.
Connecting to Disability Services Offices
Midstate Technical College Disability Services
Northcentral Technical College
Wisconsin Technical College System: Polices & Procedures for Disability-Related Accommodations
If a student needs help connecting to a disability services office at a post-secondary institution, please reach out to the Transition Coordinator for assistance.
For more information on college accommodations, please watch: Transitioning to College Video
Transportation
Central Transportation
The following services are provided by Central Transportation in Portage County:
- Stevens Point City Bus
- Buses are wheelchair accessible
- Buses run from 6:45 am - 6:10 pm or 6:40 pm (route dependent)
- Anyone age 17 or younger rides for free
- Free Travel Training to learn how to use the bus
- Free program that wants to learn how to use the bus system
- Travel Trainer will help you learn your routes
- Passio Go! App
- City Bus Routes & Schedules, Fares, and Trip Planner
- Paratransit
- Specific Eligibility requirements:
- A person who cannot navigate the transit system without assistance
- A person who, because of a disability, cannot travel to or from the bus stop due to, for example, distance, terrain, weather, safety, or other obstacles that impede them due to their disability
- Application
- Specific Eligibility requirements:
- Portage County Services
- Individuals with disabilities may qualify for the below programs
- Application
- Volunteer Driver Program
- Provides rides that start or end in Portage County for medical, nutrition, or other essential business. The ride is free. Donations are welcome.
- Taxi Services
- Provides rides that start and end in Stevens Point or Plover for medical, nutrition, or other essential business. The cost is $3.50 for a one-way trip.
- Grocery Shopping Program
- Provides bus service to grocery stores throughout Portage County. The ride is free. Donations are welcome.
- Volunteer Driver Program
Plover
If a ride begins in Plover, there is a subsidized cab, Plover Taxi. It is $1.oo each way for a person with a disability. The ride must originate in Plover. Plover Taxi contact 715-342-1313.
Other Transportation Options:
Courtesy Cab: 715-342-8863 Accessible options available
MTM provides rides for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in Wisconsin for Wisconsin Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus covered health care appointments. To schedule a ride to routine services, call MTM at 866-907-1493 at least two business days before you appointment. You can also schedule your rides online.
Driver's Education Information
- Teen Drivers: How to apply
- Grant Program: Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may apply to have their classroom and behind-the-wheel driver training for a Class D (Regular) driver license paid through the Driver Education Grant Program. Students with grants can enroll in any driver education program offered by an authorize driver education provider. The tuition will be paid directly to the driver training school
- Due to the popularity of the program, the program has reached their capacity of applications.
- Sign up to be added to an email list to be notified if/when applications will again be accepted
- Drivers Education Schools in Portage County
Other Resources
Challenge Academy: a way for high school students behind on credits to finish high school on time, get in shape mentally and physically, and learn the life skills needed to reach their full potential.
Planning for Life as an Adult: Transition for Youth Guide (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)
United Way 211: Resources & Referrals in Portage County
Wisconsin Wayfinder: Essential Children's Resources