(Madison) — The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), congratulates the Family Voices of Wisconsin for receiving one of nine statewide grants to community-based organizations to expand their efforts to support communities and families who have school-aged children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Family Voices of Wisconsin, a family-led nonprofit based in Madison, will deliver in-person workshops on wellness, self-care, and information about disability resources for families in southeastern Wisconsin. They plan to host family “meet-ups” to provide opportunities for social connection and network building. They’ll also hold a large event at a nature center with adaptive equipment to give families and people with disabilities the opportunity to connect with each other while exploring the natural surroundings.
The Families Supporting Families grants began in recognition that community-based organizations run by people of the community know best how to support their families. By providing grants to support these organizations to expand their services, BPDD and DPI believe more families and their children with disabilities will get connected to 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.”
