Updates and information on changes to Wisconsin programs and services

• Many Department of Health Services programs have provided updates as part of the DHS COVID19 website: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
• Well Badger Resource Center COVID19 specific resources/ updates at:  www.wellbadger.org/s/article/COVID-19-Resources?language=en_US
• ABC for Health/Healthwatch WI has a list of resources and videos regarding Badgercare, Economic Income Payments and other information here: safetyweb.org/healthwatchwi/covid19.html

Resources specific to families with children with Special Health Care Needs/ Disabilities 

• Autism Society’s COVID-19 toolkit of resources is here.
• Family Voices has information on their website.
• A resource list from the ARC is here.
• Carol Gray Social Stories: carolgraysocialstories.com/pandemic-social-stories-direct-access/ 
• Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Social Story:  youtu.be/xkZ23tDzN4c
• Balancing Complex Care Giving and Educating Children from Complex Child
• Information for youth from the National Transitions to Adulthood Research Center is here.
• An article on COVID-19 is from Autism Parenting Magazine 
• The National Deaf Center has information on masks, accessing assistive technology. and advocacy here. 
• Information from the National Down Syndrome Society and others on COVID19 is here. 

Schools and Special Education

• Information from DPI Spring 2021
  • Guidance for IEP teams making compensatory services determinations: The special education team has released a new presentation slide deck with additional information for IEP teams making compensatory service determinations this spring. The presentation provides clarification on the differences between compensatory services and other services provided in addition to the IEP such as extended school  year services. IEP teams will also find discussion questions to utilize when making compensatory services determinations in the presentation. To view a copy of the presentation click here.   Additional information is also updated in the DPI COVID 19 Special Education Question and Answer Document.
  • COVID-19 Special Education Question and Answer Document, Compensatory or Recovery Services: This week, the Department added a Section B to the COVID-19 Special Education Question and Answer document, titled “Compensatory or Recovery Services”. This section explains the differences between compensatory or recovery services and additional services, explains how to determine if these services are required, provides information about funding sources, and identifies considerations and requirements for students who have graduated with a regular diploma or reached the age of 21 during the 2020-21 school year.
  • Updated CoP Recording: Family Engagement and Extended School Year (ESY): The March 1, Community of Practice: Supporting Students with IEPs during COVID-19 meeting recording is now available.  This video is on the topic of family engagement as well as an update on additional services and extended school year discussions as they relate to COVID-19.  Wisconsin DPI thanks the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI) for their assistance and co-presentation of this important content.  Video links from the meeting are below and all recorded videos can be accessed on this DPI special education team professional learning events page.

Part 1: Introduction, Family Engagement during COVID-19

Part 2: Additional Services, Extended School Year Considerations and Engaging Families

• American Association of Pediatrics guidance on schools re-opening  June 2020
• National Association of School Nurses Considerations for Post COVID Return to School for Students with Disabilities and Special Healthcare Needs July 2020
• Information from DHS regarding Cloth Face Masks in school July 2020 
• Federation for Children with Special Needs: Fall Re-opening Resources
• Information from DPI’s Special Education Team regarding the provision of special education services and COVID-19 is here. 
• Information from the American Bar Association on Special Education during this time 
• A resource library from a group of national special education organizations.
• Virtual IEPs: Tip Sheets from the national Parent Resource Center

Resiliency/ Trauma

• Resources and information from the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry
• Trauma-Informed School Strategies during COVID-19 from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Resilience during COVID-19 toolkits  from Rogers Health and other partners
• A collection of resources from DPI on Mental Health and Wellness
• Resilient Wisconsin
• Parent/ Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with Coronavirus Disease (COVID) 19: Provides information for parents and caregivers about infectious disease outbreaks in your community. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce stress and help calm likely anxieties.

Access to Internet/Communications

• EveryoneOn is a nonprofit dedicated to creating social and economic opportunities by connecting low-income families to affordable internet service and computers and delivering digital skills training. www.everyoneon.org/
• Information on loan programs and Lifeline from ABC for Health: safetyweb.org/healthwatchwi/TLC.html
• Internet Service Expansion information, including coverage maps, free public access, and changes can be found here. 
• Information from DPI regarding internet access and other tools for schoolwork: dpi.wi.gov/broadband/connectivity-during-covid-19-school-closing