Contents:

• Keynotes - Welcome and Closing
• Family Fun Night Information
• Thursday Work Shops - Schedule and Descriptions
• Friday Work Shops - Schedule and Descriptions
• Location
• Refunds
• Lodging
• Registration Fee
• Parent Scholarships
• Child Care
• General Information
• Registration Form
• Sponsors
• Planning Committee

CLOSING ADDRESS
Mike Patrick
"Think About It"
Mike Patrick, a quadriplegic since age 16 as a result of a football injury, is a health educator from Minneapolis who converts limitations to achievements. His presentation is a message of candor, wit and humor, which can help individuals overcome obstacles, creatively solve problems, and perform successfully at work and at home.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Join the fun activities including a "Porcupine Auction" to raise money for Parent Scholarships to attend this conference. "Bidding" will take place throughout the day on Thursday. To bid, participants buy tickets and "bid" on items they want by placing tickets into a container associated with those items. At 8:00 pm during the evening festivities, a winning ticket is drawn for each item. The more tickets purchased the greater your chance of winning! If you have items to donate, or questions about the auction, please contact John Shaw at (715) 386-1933, kbcman@rival.com, or Linda Rowley at (608) 263-5973, rowley@mhtc.net, or Jayn Wittenmyer at (608) 437-4628.

Also, you can make Dream Catchers with the Roders, and bring your family photos to make memory books or photo buttons. There will be games for kids; tables for talking, networking and sharing information; refreshments; face painting and other fun things for adults and kids. Hear the C & T Music Faktory with our teen DJs, Chad Murphy-Price and Taylor Pechacek.

INFORMATIONAL AND VENDOR DISPLAYS will run throughout the conference. If you are interested in sponsoring a Display, request a form from Wisconsin Family Ties, 16 N. Carroll St., Suite 640, Madison, WI 53703.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1999

8:00 - 9:30am	Registration Continental Breakfast Displays Begin
9:30 - 10:30	Welcome & Keynote Address
11:00 - Noon	Workshops, Session 1
12:15 - 1:15pm	Lunch
1:30 - 2:45	Workshops, Session 2
3:15 - 4:30	Workshops, Session 3
6:30 - 8:30	Family Fun Night

Workshop Session 1
11:00 - 12 noon
Thursday, April 29, 1999

Bridging the Gap
This workshop explores how to develop and maintain working relationships between parents and providers. How to prepare and give an inservice presentation for your child's school will also be discussed.
Kate Vanderbloemen

MAPS (Making Action Plans) and IEPs:
A Recipe for Positive Student-Family-School Partnerships Writing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) can become routine, often deficit-based, and without meaningful involvement from the student or family members. MAPS is a proactive strengths-based process that an IEP team can use to develop plans for a child's educational future. In this workshop, you will learn how to conduct a MAP, and how to use this process to generate meaningful IEP goals based on a child's strengths and talents.
Maureen Keyes

Legislative Advocacy
Senator Richard Grobschmidt, Representative Mark Meyer

Connecting with Help Whenever You Want - Night or Day!
The Internet is a growing resource for help if you have a child with disabilities. Come surf the net with us and find the resources you need!
Colleen Ellingson, Erica Interrante

Informal Strategies for Avoiding & Resolving Conflicts Related to School Services
Do you want to develop your conflict resolution skills? Do you have an "issue" you are trying to resolve with the schools? Do you want resolution before the formal dispute systems begin? Informal strategies for avoiding and resolving conflicts will be presented. Small groups will problem solve "issues" brought by the audience. Staff from the Parent Education Project, WI Coalition for Advocacy, and DPI/UWM Mediation Project will be available resources. This session will be limited to 30 participants to allow for small group work.
Lisa Webne-Behrman, Facilitator

PALS and PIP: An Alumni Opportunity
If you have particpated in PALS or PIP, this is your opportunity to reconnect with other alumni, share projects you've been working on and come up with a plan to stay connected as a group. This is an informal, interactive time to network and think about further strategies for promoting community inclusion for our children.
Beth Swedeen

Resource Planning for People who Rely on SSI/ Medical Assistance
Discussion of how families and others can provide resources in ways that assist people who rely on SSI or Medical Assistance. Includes discussion of use of trusts and home ownership issues.
Roy Froemming

Desperate Respite
It is not always easy to ask for the help you need or get time away as a parent. This interactive session offers parents and professionals the opportunity to come together to talk about their respite needs, problems they have finding respite, and share creative solutions.
Nancy Olson

Workshop Session 2
1:30 - 2:45
Thursday, April 29, 1999

Redesigning Long Term Supports for Wisconsin Children and Families
Presenters will share a new initiative for WI children with long term support needs and their families. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns about the initiative.
Beth Wroblewski, Liz Hecht

Adaptations, Accommodations, Assistive Technology and AnyTHING
Assistive technology, adaptations and accommodations are things that can be used to enable a child to have a free and appropriate public education.
Corinne Quadland

The IEP Team Process-New Federal & State Special Education Law: Part 1
DPI Consultants will provide an overview of the IEP team process from referral to placement. An update on the status of federal and state special education law will be provided as well.
Paula Volpiansky, Janice Duff

Transition: Maker of Dreams
As parents and students think and dream about life after school, there are many questions. This workshop will help parents and students identify the issues concerning their children's transition. Strategies to work with schools will be presented, along with sharing other parents' experiences.
Sue Endress, Charlotte Price

Healing Touch as a Complement to Traditional Health Care
Americans are spending millions of dollars annually on complementary therapies. It is apparent that people are looking for something more than traditional western medicine treatments. This session will discuss and demonstrate healing touch, a complementary therapy based on energy. Participants will learn techniques that will assist in pain relief, stress relief, and overall well-being.
Ceci Shapland

Think About It!
Meet our closing speaker, up close and personal. Questions are encouraged.
Mike Patrick

Exploring Current & Future Housing Options for Families, Part 1
This two part Workshop is designed for families with varying disability and income issues. In this session, introductory information will be presented including an overview of various options in resources and financing.
Marcie Brost

Accessing Mental Health Services for Kids
A brief overview of children's mental health issues and where to find information, support, and services.
Ann Hager

Workshop Session 3
3:15 - 4:30
Thursday, April 29, 1999

The IEP Team Process-New Federal & State Special Education Law: Part 2
DPI Consultants will provide an overview of the IEP team process from referral to placement. An update on the status of federal and state special education law will be provided as well.
Paula Volpiansky, Janice Duff

Section 504 Puts the Fun Back in Learning Because Learning is Not Supposed to be Difficult!
This workshop gives an overview of the law that covers special education and related services in the "least restrictive environment." It will focus on what schools, community programs, and agencies that receive federal funding are to provide for children and adults with disabilities to "level the playing field." The focus will be on what modifications and adaptations can be done for students with special needs and the "can do" of children with disabilities, rather than the "can't." The workshop materials include many useful tips and helpful suggestions.
Karen Morgensen

Birth to 3 Program Update
State Birth to 3 staff will be available to provide an update on Birth to 3 requirements, including a description and discussion of natural environments and the results of the US Dept. of Education on-site visit. There will be time for participant questions.
Mitchell Kremer, Donna Miller

Exploring Current & Future Housing Options for Families, Part 2
This two part Workshop is designed for families with varying disability and income issues. In this session, introductory information will be presented including an overview of various options in resources and financing.
Marcie Brost

Doctors on Call
Doctors will share information about their specialty and will talk directly with workshop participants.
Dr. Bill Schwab, Moderator

Diversity in Communities
This workshop will assist providers in initiating and sustaining a culturally competent relationship with families. Also,we will discuss why this is important to providers and families.
Pat Patterson

Badger Advantage
A simple way to manage your child's needs in the three main areas of concern, education, programs, and medical.
Mike MacDonald

Assistive Technology for Hidden Disabilities
Many children have learning difficulties that are not immediately apparent. However, these difficulties can cause frustration for students, families, and educators. This workshop will explore a variety of low and high tech devices to assist children who experience problems in the following areas: Memory, attention, sequencing, hand-writing, organizational skills, time management, behavior, and health care compliance. Participants will be provided with resource lists. Additionally, they will be able to try out several devices during and after the session.
Linda Rowley

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1999

7:30 - 8:30am	Registration Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 9:45	Workshops, Session 4
10:15 - 11:30	Workshops, Session 5
Noon - 2:00pm	Luncheon, Closing Address

Family Voices Update - State & National Issues
Participants will be updated on local and national issues affecting children with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
Trish Thomas, Linda Rowley

Finding Strengths in Kids, Families & Communities
Research tells us a lot about what protects children in adversity and helps them grow into resilient adults who live well, play well and work well. Learn practical steps you can take to promote developmental assets.
Rick Brooks

Listening in a Busy World
This workshop will examine the intriguing subject of listening and its role within our lives. Our success as communicators depends to a large degree on the ability to listen openly, accurately, and with compassion. Specifically, we'll discuss barriers to listening, explore a listening model, and examine the steps we can take to become better listeners.
Greg Lampe

I'm A Beginner - Where Do I Go From Here?
Parents and special education parent consultants give perspectives on services, rights, and responsibilities for families of children with disabilities.
Chris Shafer, Sue Gilbertson, Marsha Roder

Parental Grieving: A Journey Together
A child-family therapist relates grief and disability through a discussion of the book "Grief Dancers," by Susan Zimmerman. Participants are encouraged to read this book and/or take part in the discussion.
Bonnie Behee-Semler

Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System
A presentation of the mediation system in special education in Wisconsin, dynamics of conflict, mediation in IDEA and Chapter 115.
Charlotte Price, Nissan Bar-Lev

Talking About Sexuality with Your Child
This session explores parents' concerns and issues around children/youth with special needs and their sexuality. Effective strategies for teaching sexuality information and talking about sensitive issues will be shared.
Susan Heighway

Care for the Caregiver
This interactive session for parents of children with disabilities and service providers will offer wonderfully healing techniques for finding joy in the midst of sometimes serious situations. Practical tips for "hope-filled" living will be shared, including how to build personal support activities throughout your life. Guided meditation experiences will assist participants in opening their own inner wisdom.
Laurine Lusk

Workshop Session 5
10:15 - 11:30
Friday, April 30, 1999

Special Education Law: Strengthening Parent Partnerships
New federal and state laws require increased parent involvement throughout the entire special education process. Learn about the requirements of the law related to parent involvement. Find out ways to increase parent involvement through stronger parent partnerships with schools. Identify strategies to support and increase parent involvement in decision-making and the IEP. Panel of four will address key questions and issues. Participants should have a basic knowledge of the new laws.
Sister Patrice Colletti, Kelly Brodhagen, Mike MacDonald, Mary Skadahl, Pat Patterson

Mobilizing Partners for Inclusive Childcare
This workshop will provide an overview of the MPIC, a three year federal demonstration program funded by the Dept. of Health & Human Services and the Admin. for Developmental Disabilities. It will provide an overview of state level activities related to inclusive childcare, and offer a local perspective on how MPIC funds are being used at the local level to promote inclusive childcare.
Jane Penner-Hoppe, Rita Klinkhammer

Estate Planning for Families with a Person with Disabilities
Attorney Stocking will talk about the transfer of assets from parents for the benefit of a child with disabilities. He will present how to do this so that the child's qualification for SSI and Medical Assistance is not violated even though the child is continued as an integral part of the family's estate planning. He will also discuss how guardianship fits into the estate planning purpose.
John A. Stocking

Panel of Young Adults with Disabilities
Presenters will tell about what it means to live with different abilities. One presenter looks to the future by the use of an IEP and tells about what life will look like if I have my own ideas. Another presenter will describe how he likes to dream and reach for the stars, and another describes how he "took charge."
Allison Plese, Angel Shingler, Luther Mitchell, Santy Perez. Karen Morgensen, Moderator

Nurturing the Caregiver
What do we do to actually nurture the caregiver? This workshop will provide nurturing and fun ways of not only reaching the caregiver, but also prolonging the great feeling of being nurtured.
Ben Ortega

Please Excuse the Informality-Self Abuse is a "Pain in the Neck"
The varieties, causes and strategies of self abuse will be discussed based on the speaker's clinical experience.
John Polodna

Overview of the BadgerCare Program
The state recently received Federal approval to implement the BadgerCare Program. This session will give the historical background of the program and go over program components including eligibility, benefits, services provided and discuss plans for outreach.
Jim Johnston

Spiritual Life of Persons with Handicaps
How to go about showing individual churches that persons with disabilities are a part of their mission. Examples of adaptive worship services, specialized Bible classes and fellowship activities will be discussed.
Mary Micheel

Dates:
Thursday & Friday, April 29 and 30, 1999

Location:
Sheraton Hotel, Madison
Click here for Map
Click here for Close-up Map

Refunds:
Refunds will be made up to one week prior to the conference, April 22, 1999. Registration can be transferred to another individual at any time.

Lodging:
A block of rooms have been set aside at the Sheraton Hotel until April 18, 1999. These will be available at the state rate of $52.00 single occupancy and $62.00 double occupancy. Participants, other than scholarship recipients and speakers, are responsible for making their own reservations and paying for their room. Ask for Circles of Life Conference when calling, 1-800-325-3535.

Registration Fee:
$70.00 Professional Full Conference Registration
$50.00 Parent Full Conference Registration
$35.00 Professional One Day Only Registration
$25.00 Parent One Day Only Registration
$30.00 Children over 12 meals, both days
$15.00 Children under 12 meals, both days

Parent Scholarships:
A limited number of scholarships are available for parents. Please call Wisconsin Family Ties at 1-800-422-7145 for an application form. Deadline for return of the form is April 9, 1999.

Child Care:
Families whose children join them are encouraged to use options for child care. Bring a friend, relative, or provider from home to take care of your child while you attend sessions. The caregiver may join you for meals at no additional cost. On-site child care will be available on a limited basis provided by South Central Respite, Pardeeville, Wis. Arrangements must be made two weeks in advance. Contact Deb Catenacci, Program Director at (608) 429-3439. Families may be asked to contribute to the cost of child care to the extent they are able. No "drop-in" child care will be available!

GENERAL INFORMATION

For further information: Maggie Mezera
Wisconsin Family Ties
16 N. Carroll St. Suite 640
Madison, WI 53703
PHONE: (608) 267-6800
(800) 422-7145 (parents outside Madison calling area only)
FAX: (608) 267-6801

Sponsors:

• Department of Health and Family Services: Division of Supported Living, Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services - Family Support, Katie Beckett, and Birth to 3 Programs,
• Bureau of Community Mental Health, and Division of Public Health-Maternal and Child Health Section-Children with Special Health Care Needs Program;
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction;
• Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities;
• Special Needs Adoption Network of Wisconsin;
• Children's Hospital of Wisconsin;
• Wisconsin Family Ties;
• Parent Education Project of Wisconsin;
• FACETS;
• Great Lakes Intertribal Council;
• OMATAYO;
• Families Forward;
• Family Village Project;
• KBC Inc.;
• Respite Care Association of WI.

PLANNING COMMITTEE:

• Maggie Butterfield, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
  
• Sister Patrice Colletti, Parent Education Project
  
• Sara Critser, Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services
  
• Jill Haglund, Department of Public Instruction
  
• Sue & Peter Lohmeier, Parents
  
• Mike MacDonald, WI Coalition for Advocacy
  
• Maggie Mezera, Wisconsin Family Ties
  
• Nancy Olson, Wisconsin Respite Care Association
  
• Charlotte Price, FACETS
  
• Linda Rowley, Family Village Project
  
• John Shaw, KBC, Inc.
  
• JoAnn Stormer, Wisconsin Family Ties
  
• Ann Marie Winecke, Children With Special Health Care Needs
  
• Beth Wroblewski, Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services