EASTER SEALS WISCONSIN - DISABILITY HELPLINE OF OUTAGAMIE COUNTY

The HelpLine is located in Appleton, WI and is a service available to Outagamie County residents with disabilities. The HelpLine provides disability related information to individuals, their families and service providers looking for up-to-date information about services for those with disabilities. The HelpLine attempts to alleviate some of the time, frustration and expense people experience navigating local, state and federal programs. KARS (Kids Are Riding Safe) program provides families and therapists an opportunity to receive information and hands-on experience with car restraints that may meet the needs of children with special needs. A Certified Passenger Safety Technician will provide information specific to safe transportation options for children and provide an opportunity to try out seats in an office setting to determine the option that best fits the child and the family vehicle.

Conditions that may benefit from this program include neuromuscular issues such as head and trunk support, orthopedic needs, higher weight needs, and behavioral needs. In select cases the HelpLine may be able to assist families residing in Outagamie County with financial assistance for disability related equipment when no other funding exists. The HelpLine collaborates with CP of Mideast Wisconsin to provide a support group for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. The support group meets the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held at the Thompson Community Center in Appleton during the school year and at member’s homes during the summer months. The group is open to any interested person caring for a child with a disability. The HelpLine also partners with other community groups to help with projects that create local solutions to disability related issues. The Easter Seals HelpLine has been involved in the "community build" of an accessible playground, development of a local Recreational Opportunities Handbook and advocating on behalf of individuals experiencing difficulties with ADA para transit.