Family Support Organizations for Students with an Intellectual or Other Developmental Disability

The following organizations provide support, resources, and advocacy for students with an intellectual disability and their caregivers as well organizations that provide information and support related to other students with IEPs.

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) mission is to promote progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Arc of Wisconsin

The Arc of Wisconsin supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc Wisconsin works to develop programs and advocate for public policy giving people with I/DD the opportunity to learn, live, and work inclusively in their communities.

Arts for All Wisconsin

ARTS for ALL Wisconsin, is a statewide organization for arts and disability, founded in 1985 as Very Special Arts Wisconsin. It’s mission is to expand the capabilities, confidence, and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities by providing programs in dance, drama, creative writing, music, and visual art. ARTS for ALL provides many opportunities for art classes and workshops which teach many art, music, and movement programs in schools and early childhood sites.

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin

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.

Down Syndrome Hub

This web page from the Waisman Center in Wisconsin includes information about activities, research, events, news, and partners for individuals and families living with Down Syndrome.

National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD)

NADD’s mission is to promote leadership in the expansion of knowledge, training, policy, and advocacy for mental health practices that promote a quality life for individuals with dual diagnosis (IDD/MI) in their communities.

Special Olympics Wisconsin

Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports. It empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, leading to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst as well as programming around health and education, Special Olympics works to end inactivity, injustice and intolerance.

Additional Family Support and Advocacy Organizations

Information and links to a variety of statewide family support and advocacy organizations that support all students who receive special education through an IEP including the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI), Wisconsin Family Assistance Center of Education, Training & Support (WI FACETS), Disability Rights Wisconsin, Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), and the Arc of Wisconsin.

Contact Special Education