Circles of Life is Wisconsin Annual Conference

Circles of Life is Wisconsin's annual conference dedicated to families of children with disabilities and the professionals who support them. This event serves as a crucial platform for participants to learn, grow, and connect, fostering a community around shared experiences and resources. The conference features a wide array of exhibitors who provide valuable information and services, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, By Your Side Services LLC, the Children's Resource Center South, Waisman's Clinical Translational Core, and many more. Notably, the conference also recognizes three individuals each year for their significant contributions to the lives of children with disabilities and their families.In addition to valuable resources and networking opportunities, Circles of Life offers a unique track called Gathering of Youth. This program is designed for teens and young adults with disabilities, providing them with supervised sessions that focus on essential skills such as self-determination, advocacy, and independence. Participants engage in hands-on activities, goal setting, and discussions about life after high school. Siblings of children with disabilities are also encouraged to attend the Sibshop, a program that celebrates the experiences of siblings through age-appropriate activities and open dialogues. The conference aims to ensure accessibility for families by offering scholarships to assist with registration and lodging costs, funded by Family Voices of Wisconsin and the Elsie Shaw Foundation. These scholarships are available to families who may not have other means of financial support. The conference emphasizes the importance of community support and the vital role that family leadership plays in making this event possible.