HearthStone of WI

10/13/2026

Recording of the webinar addressing aging and disability issues/funding/programs in Wisconsin. You can also access the related written materials

Below is the link to the recording of this morning's Disability and Aging Policy Forum! The powerpoint slides used during the event along with an Op-Ed written by Tami Jackson of BPDD/Survival Coalition and Emily Petersen of the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network. We will be sharing clips, quotes, and some data discussed for you to share to your networks and in your advocacy, over the next couple of weeks.

Forum recording: https://youtu.be/fsLKdWe4-qk
Powerpoint slides:https://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AD-Forum-slides-10.13.26.pdf
Op-Ed The issue that's missing from Wisconsin's debate for governor:https://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/OpEd_TheIssueMissingFromWisconsinGovDebate_101326.pdf
Facts about Wisconsin’s Home Care Programs:https://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/SurvivalWAAN_HomeCareCheaperThanInstitutionalCare_101226.pdf

10/11/2026

People with Down syndrome have several differences in their gastrointestinal (digestive) organs and tissues compared to people without Down syndrome. These differences cause people with Down syndrome to be more likely to develop certain gastrointestinal conditions including dysphagia (swallowing problems), celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, heartburn), gallstones, ulcers, and constipation, among others.

Our Resource Library has recordings from a 2-part webinar series presented by Brian Chicoine, MD, on gastrointestinal health in people with Down syndrome. Dr. Chicoine discussed:
➡ ways to optimize gastrointestinal health
➡ common symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions
➡ testing that may be done as part of an evaluation for gastrointestinal conditions
➡ common gastrointestinal conditions of adolescents and adults with Down syndrome

Access the recordings and slides for free at the link below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/gi-health-webinar-5-2025/

10/11/2026

The bodies of people with Down syndrome regulate body temperature differently compared to people without Down syndrome. This may be due to multiple factors including differences in blood flow to the skin, sweating, the autonomic nervous system, and, in some individuals, abnormal thyroid function. While more research is needed, some of the possible implications of these differences are shared below.

😓 People with Down syndrome may not be able to cool down in the typical fashion when the outside or room temperature is high and/or they are exercising.
🚰 People with Down syndrome may need to drink more cool water, take more breaks, or move to a cooler place when their body temperature increases.
🤒 Fever response may not be a reliable measure of infection in some people with Down syndrome.

Brian Chicoine, MD, shares more information on temperature regulation in people with Down syndrome in the article linked below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/temperature-regulation/

10/10/2026

Having a guardian does not automatically mean losing your right to vote.



Graphic reads: Guardianship & Voting Rights. Only a judge can take away someone’s right to vote. Many people under guardianship retain the right to vote. You can get your right to vote back after it’s been taken away.
Having a Power of Attorney does not mean you have lost your right to vote.

10/04/2026

10/03/2026

Live in Sheboygan County? Come to Sheboygan South High on Thursday to find out about all the services offered in our county! Remember to register so we know you are joining us!

10/02/2026

10/01/2026

This is a way to find out about disability resources.

💙 Looking for disability resources or not sure where to start? We’re here to help!

Whether you’re looking for information about benefits, employment, housing, education, caregiving, aging, community supports, or other disability-related resources, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Our team can help connect you with information, resources, and organizations that may be able to help. 🤝

🌐 Visit our website to explore resources: www.thinkabilitywi.org
📞 Have questions or need help finding where to start? Give us a call: 888-695-2030

One call can help connect you to the right resource. 💙

10/01/2026

What happens after college? 🎓 For students with intellectual disability, graduation is just the beginning of the journey toward meaningful, paid employment. 💼 Our latest article introduces From College to Career (FCTC), our newest project. Collaborating with our colleagues at ICI Boston, FCTC explores how postsecondary education connects to employment outcomes and what college programs can do to help students take the next step.

Early findings show that young adults with intellectual disability who participated in postsecondary education or career/technical training through vocational rehabilitation services were more likely to get a job, work more hours, and earn higher hourly wages. 📊

Learn more about the project, explore the first study’s findings, and watch our recent webinar featuring in our article here: https://thinkcollege.net/think-college-news/from-college-to-career-what-helps-students-with-intellectual-disability-find.