(Madison) — The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), congratulates Living Our Visions Inclusively (LOV Inc.) for receiving one of nine statewide grants to community-based organizations to expand their efforts partnering with the Ho-Chunk Nation to support tribal communities and families who have school-aged children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
LOV, Inc. is a family-led organization based in Dane County working to unite people with disabilities to engage and build their best lives through innovative services focused on empowerment, independence, and community integration. Since 2019, LOV and the Ho-Chunk Nation have partnered to provide education and support to more than 50 tribal youth with disabilities and their families. Their grant activities will bring tribal families together for events to connect, learn about resources, and engage in activities that help them plan for the future. They aim to expand awareness of disability issues among Wisconsin’s tribal communities and involve more tribes in their programming.
The Families Supporting Families grants began in recognition that community-based organizations run by community members know best how to support their families. By providing grants to support these organizations in expanding their services, BPDD and DPI believe more families and their children with disabilities will connect with the people, activities, and community resources they need to live the lives they want.
“We are excited to invest in these groups that are trusted community resources and already are making important impacts on families’ lives through both group education and individualized supports. We know that when families have the information and support they need, they and their children succeed,” explains Beth Swedeen, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.
“We are proud to partner with BPDD and these remarkable organizations to support families in their communities,” said Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly. “We know that investing in families and communities to support access to services is integral to student success.”
