Disabilities Services Division of Milwaukee County

12/30/2020

One of the most Frequently Asked Questions about the Birth to 3 Program is: Is there a cost for families in the Birth to 3 Program?

The following services are available at no cost to families that have a child who is eligible or may be eligible for the Birth to 3 Program: Referral, Screening, Evaluation, Development of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Service Coordination.

Families that are in the Birth to 3 Program are asked to provide access to bill their insurance company. In Wisconsin, The Birth to 3 Program uses a Parental Cost Share System where parents share in the cost of early intervention services for their child. The Parental Cost Share System takes into consideration your family size and net family income. Children will not be denied services because families are unable to pay.

Learn more here: county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DSD/Children-Services

12/30/2020

Explore your options and enrollment counseling with the Milwaukee County Disability Resource Center (DRC).

DRC staff will meet with individuals and their support network to provide consultation about publicly funded, long-term care options and other community resources, to assist in making informed decisions regarding short-term and long-term needs.

More info here:https://county.milwaukee.gov/files/county/DHHS/DSD/DSD-Long-TermCareTri-Fold.pdf

12/28/2020

A Disability Benefit Specialist is available to you at your Disability Resource Center at no cost to you.

How can a Disability Benefits Specialist help you?
• By providing accurate information on public and private benefits and programs.
• By helping determine which benefits and programs you may be entitled to.
• By helping you fill out applications for benefits, programs and services.
• By talking with you about your choices and the programs or services that might best meet your needs.
• By providing assistance in obtaining or retaining benefits and services.
• By providing referrals, connections, assistance and support on other matters including disability rights and the impact of earnings on financial eligibility for public benefits...
• In some cases, representing you in formal appeals related to denials of eligibility, termination of benefits or overpayment of benefits.

WHAT PROGRAMS CAN A DISABILITY BENEFIT SPECIALIST HELP WITH?
• Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
• Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicare, including Part D
• Prescription Drug Assistance
• FoodShare/SNAP
• Low-Income Tax Credits
• Insurance Issues
• Housing and Utility Issues
• Veterans’ Benefits

To learn more about how a Disability Benefits Specialist can help you, visit https://county.milwaukee.gov/files/county/DHHS/DSD/DSD-DisabilityBenefitsSpecialistTri-FoldS.pdf, or call 414-289-6660.

12/25/2020

Tips for coping with holiday stress

The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands — cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. And if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, you may be feeling additional stress, or you may be worrying about your health and the health of your loved ones. You may also feel stressed, sad or anxious because your holiday plans may look different during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Mayo Clinic offers these tips to prevent holiday stress and depression: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544.

Stress and depression can ruin your holidays. Here's how to keep the joy alive.

12/23/2020

¿Qué pueden esperar las familias cuando se comuniquen con el Programa Birth to 3?

https://county.milwaukee.gov/DSD/Documents/WhatFamiliesCanExpect-Spanish.pdf

12/23/2020

In these times of social distancing, we have developed a toolkit to help you and your family decrease social isolation. Check it out if you're looking for:

* Food resources in your neighborhood
* Information about where to find free cell phones, cell phone service, and low-cost Internet
* Ideas to use technology to keep in touch with friends, and find resources local to you
* Details about low-cost public transportation options

A link to the DRC Toolkit can be found at https://bit.ly/3nTgIk1.

12/21/2020

10-12 Month Old Communication Milestones

See the 9 different communication milestones baby should be reaching by 10-12 months old: https://bit.ly/397pffd. There is a clip that goes along with each milestone so you can see and hear the different communication milestones for baby.

To see more milestones, visit cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html.

If you have concerns, you can reach out to Birth to 3 for assistance. Call (414) 289-6799 to schedule an evaluation. Evaluations are confidential, multilingual, and can be done with most electronic devices.

See the 9 different communication milestones baby should be reaching by 10-12 months old. There is a clip that goes along with each milestone so you can see ...

12/21/2020

Disability Resource Center

Did you know the Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County provides FREE information and assistance regarding community resources and services for adults with differing abilities ages 18 to 59? DRC staff assist individuals to plan for short-term and long-term needs, access community services and resources, and learn about programs and benefits available.

Call us Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (or by appointment) at 414-289-6660.

Learn more on our website: county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DSD/Disability-Resource-Center

Milwaukee County’s goal is to enrich your life by providing essential services that meet your needs and those of your family, neighbors, co-workers and friends.

12/18/2020

Celebrating Wildlife and Wild Places

Marvel at the sight of dazzling illuminations from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle! Drive through the Racine Zoo's enchanting light displays of delightfully decorated trees, charming characters, a 96 ft tunnel with an incredible show of dynamic designs, and more. Perfect for the whole family.

https://www.racinezoo.org/content/wonderland-lights

Nestled on the sandy shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, the Racine Zoo is home to some of the world's most remarkable and endangered wildlife. The walk is easy for kids and seniors, making the Racine Zoo a great way to enjoy the outdoors with the family year-round.

12/16/2020

county.milwaukee.gov

Los problemas de salud mental son comunes, incluso en los niños pequeños. Aquí hay cinco formas de reducir los estigmas de salud mental en la primera infancia.

https://county.milwaukee.gov/DSD/Documents/FiveWaystoReduceEarlyChildhoodMentalHealthStigmas-Spanish.pdf

12/16/2020

In these times of social distancing, we have developed a toolkit to help you and your family decrease social isolation. Check it out if you're looking for:

* Food resources in your neighborhood
* Information about where to find free cell phones, cell phone service, and low-cost Internet
* Ideas to use technology to keep in touch with friends, and find resources local to you
* Details about low-cost public transportation options

A link to the DRC Toolkit can be found at https://bit.ly/3nTgIk1.

12/14/2020

(Somewhat fewer than) 101 Ideas for Holiday Family Fun in Milwaukee - 2020

Holiday fun might look a little different this year, but there are still local and virtual ways to make the holidays special in our area for 2020. Check out this list of 101 ideas for holiday family fun from Milwaukee Kids Out And About!

https://milwaukee.kidsoutandabout.com/content/somewhat-fewer-101-ideas-holiday-family-fun-milwaukee-2020

KidsOutAndAbout's 2020 holiday events list for Milwaukee is somewhat shorter this year than our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun, but there are still ways to make the holidays special in our area for 2020. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Ch...

12/14/2020

Have you visited the Disability Resource Center (DRC)’s online database? Check it out for a long list of organizations that can help Milwaukee County residents meet their needs!

milwcoarcresources.assistguide.net/home

12/11/2020

The Birth to 3 Program strives to help children grow and learn to their fullest potential. If you’re concerned your child may be developing more slowly than expected, or have a disability affecting early development, Milwaukee County’s Birth to 3 Program can help.

Get in touch today! Call (414) 289-6799 or email [email protected].

More info here: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DSD/Children-Services

12/10/2020

Milwaukee County Children’s Unit is excited to share information about our upcoming Community Café: Teenage Mental Health. This is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to have an open and honest conversation with licensed Psychotherapist Jessica Scheunemann, LPC from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Please review the flyers to learn how to register for this free event.

12/09/2020

Existen conceptos erróneos comunes sobre el programa Birth to 3 en el condado de Milwaukee. ¡Asegúrese de que la información que tiene sea correcta! A continuación, se presentan los principales mitos y los hechos correspondientes sobre Birth to 3 y cómo la intervención temprana puede impactar positivamente la vida de su hijo.

https://county.milwaukee.gov/DSD/Documents/MythBusters-Spanish1.pdf

12/09/2020

Milwaukee Resource Center

Watch this full-length interactive video to learn about the services that the Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County offers. This video takes an in-depth look into options and benefits counseling and the long term care functional screen.

Call the Information and Assistance Line at 414-289-6660 for more information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeVKMv4QAkc

Watch this full-length interactive video to learn about the services that the Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County offers. This video takes an-dept...

12/07/2020

Shape Sorting Activity for Preschoolers - Toddler Approved

What are fun ways to introduce shapes to preschoolers? This sticky shape sorting activity from Toddler Approved is a quick-to-set-up and creative idea!

What are fun ways to introduce shapes to preschoolers? This sticky shape sorting activity is such a quick to set up creative idea!

12/07/2020

Milwaukee County Disability Resource Center staff are available to help students with disabilities make the transition into adulthood as smooth as possible. Take advantage of our services to make the right connections to programs and resources that promote independence and inclusion.

View the DRC resource guide here: https://bit.ly/3gDpw9E

12/04/2020

Early identification of social-emotional challenges
can make a huge difference in the life of a young
child. Valid, reliable, and family-friendly, this development chart helps you pinpoint potential behaviors of concern during a child’s critical early years—and identify any need for further assessment.

View our resource on 5 key social and emotional developmental milestones here: https://bit.ly/2Kuahp0.

12/04/2020

Through Adult Protective Services, Milwaukee County DHHS Disabilities Services Division investigates all allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of Milwaukee County residents with disabilities.

Call 414-289-6660, or report abuse online here: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DSD/Adult-Protective-Services-Referral-Form

12/03/2020

Today (December 3) is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Disability is part of the human condition. Almost everyone will be temporarily or permanently impaired at some point in life. Despite this, few countries have adequate mechanisms in place to respond fully to the needs of people with disabilities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one billion people — about 15% of the world's population — experience some form of disability. This figure is predicted to rise given population aging and an increase in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. While disability correlates with disadvantage, not all people with disabilities are equally disadvantaged. Much depends on the context in which they live, and whether they have equal access to healthcare, education and employment, among others.

DRC is committed to working to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Milwaukee County.

12/02/2020

Family Free Days | Milwaukee County Zoo

Looking for some outdoor family fun this week? The Milwaukee County Zoo is hosting a Family Free Day on December 5! Visitors of all ages can enjoy the nearly 200 acres of parkland with no admission cost.

Click here for more info and to make your reservation: http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/events/familyfreedays.php

For the remaining 2020 Family Days, to adhere to physical distancing, both general visitors and Zoo Pass holders must reserve a time to visit in advance. Each visitor may reserve up to 8 tickets. Click here for further information and details to make your reservation.

11/30/2020

One of the most Frequently Asked Questions about the Birth to 3 Program is: What happens when my child turns 3 years of age?

If your child is currently enrolled in the Birth to 3 Program, your service coordinator will work with you to develop a transition plan at least 6 to 9 months prior to your child turning 3 years old. Your child can transition to your local education agency or public school, head start program or other programs within the community.

Learn more here: county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DSD/Children-Services

11/30/2020

Explore your options and enrollment counseling with the Milwaukee County Disability Resource Center (DRC).

DRC staff will meet with individuals and their support network to provide consultation about publicly funded, long-term care options and other community resources, to assist in making informed decisions regarding short-term and long-term needs.

More info here:https://county.milwaukee.gov/files/county/DHHS/DSD/DSD-Long-TermCareTri-Fold.pdf

11/28/2020

Parents’ Guide to Screen Time for Kids

While screens aren’t recommended for toddlers, they don’t have to be cut out altogether. An overuse of screens can cause issues with fitness, motor abilities, speech and language, and transitioning between activities. The AAP recommends screen time for toddlers is limited to 1 hour a day.

Tips to make screen time positive:

• Do it together
• Learn something new
• Show your little ones pictures
• Talk about what you’re looking at
• Engage with your little one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vcrrzxOlP8

It’s hard to keep screens away from your little one. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children have no screen time during the first 1...

11/27/2020

A Disability Benefit Specialist is available to you at your Disability Resource Center at no cost to you.

How can a Disability Benefits Specialist help you?
• By providing accurate information on public and private benefits and programs.
• By helping determine which benefits and programs you may be entitled to.
• By helping you fill out applications for benefits, programs and services.
• By talking with you about your choices and the programs or services that might best meet your needs.
• By providing assistance in obtaining or retaining benefits and services.
• By providing referrals, connections, assistance and support on other matters including disability rights and the impact of earnings on financial eligibility for public benefits...
• In some cases, representing you in formal appeals related to denials of eligibility, termination of benefits or overpayment of benefits.

WHAT PROGRAMS CAN A DISABILITY BENEFIT SPECIALIST HELP WITH?
• Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
• Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicare, including Part D
• Prescription Drug Assistance
• FoodShare/SNAP
• Low-Income Tax Credits
• Insurance Issues
• Housing and Utility Issues
• Veterans’ Benefits

To learn more about how a Disability Benefits Specialist can help you, visit https://county.milwaukee.gov/files/county/DHHS/DSD/DSD-DisabilityBenefitsSpecialistTri-FoldS.pdf, or call 414-289-6660.

11/26/2020

Parents' Guide to Crawling

Let’s talk crawling! Are you worried that your baby isn’t hitting this 7-9 month milestone? Watch this video from Pathways for some activities you can do to encourage the process.

There are two types of crawling: army crawl and creeping. Army crawl is where baby’s stomach remains on the floor; while creeping is when baby pushes up to h...

11/25/2020

Children Services

What makes a child eligible for the Birth to 3 Program? Here are the quick facts:

- The Birth to 3 Program is for children ages birth to 36 months.
- Each child referred to the program will receive a team evaluation that includes two or more professionals from the following areas: special education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and more.
- Eligibility is based on a 25% delay in one or more areas of development, a diagnosed condition that is likely to result in a developmental delay or atypical (unusual) development that is likely to affect overall development.

If you have questions, reach out! Learn more here: county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DSD/Children-Services.

The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Disabilities Services Division (DSD) Children's Programs provide resources to individuals with disabilities under the age of 18.