Autism Society- Central Wisconsin
Mike Johnson- Autsim Society Educator
Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter
The Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter is a chapter of the Autism Society of Wisconsin, which is part of the National chapter of the Autism Society.
The Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter is 100% volunteer dedicated to helping raise Autism Awareness and help parents of children with autism. The Central Wisconsin Chapter serves all of counties north of Stevens Point Wisconsin and does not have an office to indicate when they are open or not, rather whenever a volunteer's phone rings is when they are open.
Email: autismsocietycw@gmail.com
Website: http://www.asw4autism.org
Location: Central Wisconsin, Wisconsin
Phone: (715) 359- 0886
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Autism-Society-of-Central-Wisconsin/103631943027730?ref=ts&fref=ts
History of the Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter
The history of the Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter started 12 years ago as a support group. Then 10 years ago the Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter became an actual chapter recognized by the National Chapter of the Autism Society. The purpose of becoming an actual chapter as opposed to being just a support group was to better serve families, gain resources, gain credibility, become a new level of support, and last to become an information and referral source for families with children who have Autism.
The Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter today is now often the first call from parents who need help/advice/information about their child who has Autism.
Central Wisconsin Chapter interaction with schools, parents, and youth
The Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter interacts with parents frequently by providing support groups, information through their website (http://www.asw4autism.org/), family events, and networking experiences.
The Society interacts with the youth through their three social groups called “Awesome Social Groups”, and free social experiences that they provide for the family.
Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter Funding
The Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter receives its funding by putting on fundraisers that take place throughout the year, especially in April, since April is Autism Awareness month. As well as a bowling fundraiser called Bowling for Autism held in Wausau Wisconsin at Danes Weston Lanes. Another common fundraiser the society participates in is a puzzle piece fundraiser through Trigs grocery store in Stevens Point and Wausau that goes through the month of April. Trigs grocery store sells paper puzzle pieces to help raise awareness of Autism and to help support the Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter. Along with the fundraisers the chapter has optional membership dues, and private donations.
All the proceeds go toward the free fun social experiences that are provided to the families with children who have Autism.
Services Central Wisconsin Chapter Provides
Services provided by the Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter include the following: information and referral services (most important service that the society provides), monthly support groups, monthly social events, educational seminars located all over Central Wisconsin, school resource fairs, family networking fun events, and a annual state conference.
A Valuable Experience for all
To learn more about this amazing experience click on the link below:
Accessibility to Services
Individuals can access the services through the Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Autism-Society-of-Central-Wisconsin/103631943027730) or by calling (715-359-0886).
Evaluation of the Central Wisconsin Chapter
The agency is evaluated by the state of Wisconsin Autism Society Chapter, and in order for the Central Wisconsin chapter to keep its credibility it has to meet a certain amount of requirements. Requirements include maintaining availability, following mission statements, carry insurance/carry certain level of insurance, and much more.
Their link to the IEP/Transition process
The Autism Society- Central Wisconsin Chapter is not directly linked in the IEP/Transition process but, instead helps parents with children that have Autism. The volunteers of the Central Wisconsin Chapter offer information, referral services, and provide general advice.
No one from the chapter is allowed to be at the actual IEP/Transition meeting, because the society is not recognized as a worthwhile agency by the schools.