madison.com home Marketplace Entertainment Marketplace The Capital Times Wisconsin State Journal Features
Navigation bar image map
Return to Community Pages home >Home  >Moderator Sponsor info
 

 LINK: Programs Supporting Children with Developmental Disabilities & Their Families in Dane County's Communities

Home

Who We Are

Contact Us

File Library

Birth to 3 Program

Dane County Human Services Department (Children's Developmental Disability Services)

Family Support & Resource Center

UCP of Greater Dane County

Website in Spanish

A Career for You?

Community Support for Children and Their Families

You Can Make A Difference Helping Children Who Have Disabilities

WHERE DO WE WORK?

We go TO the people we serve. We're in schools, homes, child care programs and other community settings.


WHAT DO WE DO?

  1. We help children work and play successfully by assisting them in reaching developmental goals
  2. We help the community interact with children with disabilities and their families.
  3. We help children with disabilities stay with their families.


No day is a typical day. These are some of the things we do: solve problems, write, listen, teach, lead and participate in meetings, advocate, facilitate, resolve conflicts, make lots of phone calls, be with families during difficult and good times, and play with kids.


WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DO THIS?

The quality of our wok depends on developing good relationships with people. We get to know many different families and children, and we work on teams with a variety of professionals and community members.

Programs in Dane County can give you exciting experiences in
  • Early childhood development
  • Respite care
    • Understanding financial aid for families
  • Service coordination
  • Child care, recreational, and after-school programs
  • In-home programs


Experiences can lead to careers in special educaiton and rehabilitation, social work, nursing, case management, in-home support work, occupational and physical therapy, communicative disorders, audiology, and assistive technology.


HOW TO PREPARE TO WORK WITH CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES:
Direct experience with children with disabilities and their families is crucial and enjoyable.

In high school and continuing during college:
  • Get to know children and adults with disabilities as friends
  • Volunteer at childcare centers or baby-sit
  • Consider being a camp counselor, tutor, or church volunteer


In college, look for opportunities to work with children with disabilities. For example:
  • Internships and field placements
  • Job "shadowing"
  • Talk and listen to families
  • Provide respite care
  • Help children with disabilities be included in child care centers, schools, and social and recreational activities.



"I developed a friendship with a young child with a disability which I will always hold close to my heart. Interacting with him made this experience one of the best of my life."

"We help children grow and develop to the best of their abilities."We share in families' lives as they face great challenges. We celebrate the triumphs together."

"We enjoy independence, variety, flexibiity, and autonomy in our jobs."

"We value social justice. We engage with people who are in life-long struggles for equality and community inclusion."

"Disabilities affect all areas of our community. A diverse work force is essential."

Browse articles:

| Prev |1 - 5 | Next |

ANNOUNCING LINK's NEW WEBSITE!

Looking Ahead

Guiding Principles

A Career for You?

What Families Want From The Service System

| Prev |1 - 5 | Next |

Together We're Better

Banner ad

madison.com is operated by Madison Newspapers Inc., publishers of the Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Times, Agri-View and Apartment Showcase. Copyright ©2009, Madison Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved.