2023 Wisconsin Autism Conference

Connect. Learn. Engage.

The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin’s Annual Conference is the biggest Autism-related conference in Wisconsin. The conference brings the Autism community together to learn, connect, and belong. It’s a place where Autistic adults, parents and family members, and professionals come to share experiences and learn together. The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin aims to facilitate a conference experience that empowers each person attending by connecting them to the resources and knowledge they need to live fully. 

Great conference!!! I am leaving the conference with more knowledge and feeling empowered and hopeful that my son can have a great quality of life. I feel supported knowing that there are so many resources available for families with a child with autism.

– 2022 Conference Participant

This is the highlight of my spring! It amazes me the breadth and depth of information out there and the willingness of people to share their knowledge and experiences! What a treasure this conference is.

– 2022 Conference Participant

Keynote Speakers

Challenging Assumptions

Join Jordyn for a presentation and Q&A, as she shares her own lived experience as a nonspeaking autistic person, who was not given access to effective communication until after 18 years of frustration and exclusion. Jordyn’s thoughtfulness will push you to challenge assumptions, question the status quo, and think deeply about how you can affect change and challenge perceptions in the community.

Jordyn Zimmerman, M.Ed., obtained her bachelors degree in Education Policy from Ohio University and her Masters of Education at Boston College. As a nonspeaking autistic student who was denied access to effective augmentative communication until she was 18, Jordyn has personal experience challenging the educational status quo,  which is featured in the 2021 documentary, This Is Not About Me.

Technology helped open Jordyn’s world and she began advocating for students through a series of engagements. Since then, she has keynoted and presented at conferences around the world, is on the board of CommunicationFIRST, works as Director of Professional Development at The Nora project, and has been featured by prominent media outlets. Jordyn has written blogs for companies in Amsterdam and has been featured by educators on an international level. Most recently, Jordyn was appointed to serve on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Incomplete without You: Creating Communities of Belonging for Everyone

How do we help our schools and communities to become places of inclusion and belonging for people with autism and their families? What are the postures and practices that matter most? In this keynote, Erik Carter will share a practical framework for reflecting upon and fostering belonging within the communities that matter most to the individuals we serve and love. You will gain fresh insights into the roles you can play in spurring change within communities that still too often struggle to widen their welcome.  

Erik Carter, Ph.D., is Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. His passion is helping schools, congregations, workplaces, and communities become places of membership and belonging for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. As co-director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, he is invested in research that breaks down barriers to inclusion and equips communities to widen their welcome. He has published widely on effective services and supports, including more than 275 articles and chapters, as well as seven books. Learn more about his work at https://www.erikwcarter.com.

Pre-Conference Workshops

Pre-Conference workshops will take place on Thursday, April 20th and require separate registration to attend. Both workshops will be held concurrently – please only choose one workshop to attend.

Pre-Conference Registration Cost:

Member/Non-Member – $50

Support Person/Autistic Individual – $25

Pre-Conference Only – $80

Navigating the IEP Process

Presented by WSPEI

Thursday, April 20th | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This session will include foundational knowledge to help parents and other family members become more confident participants in the IEP process. Join us to hear strategies for strengthening relationships with school staff, options for dispute resolution, and state/local resources available to assist you anytime on your child’s educational journey – and so much more!  This session will also include a panel of parents who will share their experiences.

“You’re Going to Love This Kid”: Educating Autistic Students in the Inclusive Classroom

Presented by Paula Kluth

Thursday, April 20th | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

In this interactive session, participants will learn practical ways of supporting students with autism spectrum labels & other disabilities within a general education classroom. Topics addressed include defining (and redefining) autism, listening to the voices of autistic people, and seeing inclusion as a process. Several practical strategies will be provided including several relating to communication (e.g., gaze avoidance, content-connected materials), teaching to strengths, fascinations, and areas of expertise (e.g., rolodex reader, DIY ABC book), and movement. This session is specifically focused on rethinking– rethinking inclusion, rethinking autism, and rethinking possibilities for all students.

Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and has taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Paula’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. In addition to inclusive education, her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.

Breakout Sessions

Breakout sessions will take place Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22.  Sessions are available on a first come, first served basis during the conference. We recommend picking a backup session for each timeslot in case your first choice is full.

Virtual Bonus Content

In recognition of the valuable partnership our organizations have developed after co-hosting two years of virtual conferences, the Autism Societies of Minnesota and Greater Wisconsin are collaborating to offer on-demand, bonus virtual content as part of our 2023 in-person autism conferences. We are proud to be able to extend our partnership in a way that increases access to the rich educational content featured at each of our conferences.

Thirteen select breakout sessions from our separate, in-person 2023 conferences, will be recorded and available for unlimited, on-demand viewing April 24 – May 24, 2023 as part of your in-person registration for the conference. Bonus content will include access to 13 select breakout sessions only and will not include keynote presentation recordings. This content is also available to purchase as a standalone.

Virtual Bonus Content Only Registration Fee: $100

Thursday, April 20th
Welcome Reception

5:30—7:00 PM

Join us Thursday evening to kick off the 2023 Wisconsin Autism Conference! All attendees and exhibitors are invited to join us for networking, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks in a relaxed and casual setting. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a 15-year veteran, this is a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, make new friends, and create valuable connections.

Film Screening

7:00—8:00 PM

Join us for a film screening of the documentary, “This is Not About Me,” featuring Jordyn Zimmerman who will be delivering Friday’s Keynote Address. This film is centered around Jordyn’s experiences as a nonspeaking autistic student who was denied access to effective augmentative communication until she was 18. Join us to watch her inspiring story about challenging assumptions and presuming competence.

Friday, April 21st
Brilliant Breakfast Club

7:30 – 8:30 AM  |  5:00 – 6:00 PM

Hosted by Islands of Brilliance

The Brilliant Breakfast Club (BBC) is tailored for young adults 18+ interested in a social experience and peer discussion designed to foster pathways toward independence.

From 7:30 – 8:30 AM the group will have breakfast together and participate in a facilitated discussion. Consider this an awesome power hour to get your morning off to an energized start!

From 5:00 – 6:00 PM we’ll get the group back together again but this time for a creative project! Participants will have the chance to create and connect during a 60 minute workshop with their peers in a safe and supportive environment through art, storytelling, and STEaM-based projects. Using creative technologies, pencil, pen, or paper, participants will have the opportunity to draw, create, and share their artwork with others.

Separate registration is required.

Affiliate Hour

5:00—6:00 PM

Join the Wisconsin Autism Society Affiliates for an hour of family-friendly games, activities, and networking!

Family Reception

6:00—7:00 PM

Families with children with autism are invited to join us for pizza and cake at 6:00 pm.

Talent Show

7:00—8:00 PM

Help us celebrate the diverse and many talents of those with autism during our annual talent show.

Interested in participating in the talent show? Due to limited space, participation is accepted on a first come, first serve basis. It is a requirement to provide a valid email upon registering, as you will be notified via email once your registration has been received.  If capacity is reached you will be contacted and placed on the waiting list.

Each talent show participant is asked to limit their talent to 3-5 minutes (maximum).

Dance

8:00—9:00 PM

This is a time to have fun and unwind! Join us for a family friendly night of music and fun. The dance will begin directly after the talent show.

Saturday, April 22nd
Raffle Drawing

11:30 am

Visit the raffle tables during the conference to get your tickets! All proceeds will benefit the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. Winning tickets will be drawn at 11:30 am on Saturday.

Sibshop

10:25 AM—12:45 PM

Hosted by WisconSibs

For typically-developing brothers and sisters of people with developmental disability, special health, or mental health concerns. This will be a fun morning filled with interactive activities combining recreation, learning, discussion and peer support.

Separate registration is required. This Sibshop is open primarily to children ages 8-12 who have a sibling with autism whose family is attending the conference.

Sandbox@ Workshops

10:25 – 11:25 AM |  11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

Hosted by Islands of Brilliance

Sandbox provide a safe, supportive and collaborative environment to connect through art, storytelling, and STEaM-based projects. Open to autistic students ages 8+ and their families, this workshop provides participants the chance to create and connect during a 60 minute workshop with other students in a safe and supportive environment through art, storytelling, and STEaM-based projects. 

Separate registration is required.

Registration

Registration is now closed.

Onsite registration will be available for an additional fee of $25 per person. Payment for onsite registrations is credit card only (CLTS Waiver will not be accepted as payment onsite). Conference materials are not guaranteed for onsite registrations.

Registration for the Virtual Bonus Content is still open. Click here to register now. 

 

In-Person registration fee includes access to the General Conference on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. Pre-conference workshops on Thursday, April 20 are optional and require a separate registration fee. The registration fee includes a light breakfast on Friday & Saturday morning. There is also a pizza buffet for families attending the conference on Friday evening. All other meals are on your own, lunches are not included.

Registration Rates

Autism Society Member

If you are a current dues paying member of an Autism Society affiliate you may register at this discounted rate.  If you are unsure of your member status, please call us at 920-558-4602.

Non-Member

This rate is for individuals who are not a member of the Autism Society.  You may join at any time and immediately receive the discounted member rate! Membership costs $15 for an individual, or $20 for a family. 

Autistic Individual

This rate is for individuals on the autism spectrum.

If you are registering your child with autism for the conference, please keep in mind that the child needs to be at least 14 years of age, and accompanied by a support person, if needed.

Conference Support Person

To qualify for this rate your primary purpose for attending the conference must be to support an individual with autism who is also registered for the conference. Please include their name on your registration form.  Only 1 support person (per autistic individual) may register at this rate. 

Cancellations & Transfers

Cancellation Policy

Written cancellation requests must be sent to alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org by March 27, 2023 and will be charged a $25.00 processing fee. Substitutions can be made at no cost.  No refunds after March 27, 2023 – no exceptions. A $30.00 fee will accompany any returned checks or denied charges.

Registration Transfers

If a registered attendee is unable to attend the conference their registration may be transferred to another person who is not already registered for the conference at the same institution or organization at no additional charge. Contact Amber at (920) 558-4600 or alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org to transfer your registration.

Scholarship Opportunities
Autistic Adults
The scholarship application is now closed. 

With the support of the Wispact Legacy Grant program, the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin will award 15 conference scholarships and travel stipends for Autistic adults in the Greater Wisconsin service area to attend the 2023 Annual Conference.

Scholarship Details:

  • Travel stipends may be used to cover the travel expenses of attending the conference like hotel costs, gas, and meal expenses. Those approved for a travel stipend will receive their stipend upon checking in to the conference.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and early application is strongly encouraged.
  • Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis for eligible applicants.
  • Applicants living outside our service area will be placed on a waiting list and will be considered for any remaining scholarships.

Deadline to Apply: March 20, 2023

Other Scholarship Opportunities

The Children’s Long Term Support Waiver may cover the cost of attending the conference as part of Consumer Education and Training category. We encourage families to check with their county caseworker about funding options.  We also suggest that Autism Society members check with their local affiliate/chapter to ask about scholarship opportunities.

Families may reach out to Amber at alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org to inquire about other opportunities.

Continuing Education
Continuing Education Hours

The conference has been approved for a total of 12 Continuing Education Hours by the National Association of Social Workers, WI Chapter. CEHs are approved for: Social Workers, Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists. There is no additional cost to receive CEHs.

Certificates of Attendance

A general Certificate of Attendance will be available for all conference participants. Individualized Certificates of Attendance will be available by request.

Sponsorship, Exhibit, and Advertising Opportunities

Sponsoring, exhibiting, and advertising at the Annual Conference is a unique opportunity to engage with the Autism community and promote your brand. Conference attendees come to the conference looking to gather resources and learn more about the wonderful organizations that support Autistic individuals and their families. Showcase your services through a sponsorship, exhibition, or advertising at our 2023 Annual Conference.

Deadline: March 27, 2023
Exhibit Hall Hours

Thursday: 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Friday: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday: 7:30 am – 12:00 pm

Hotel + Travel Information

Hyatt Regency

A limited amount of rooms are available at the Hyatt Regency Green Bay for the night of Wednesday, April 19th at a discounted rate of $129 per night. The Hyatt Regency is connected to the KI Convention Center, and features all suite-style rooms.

Room reservation cut off date is March 30, 2023; all unconfirmed rooms will then be released to the general public.

Reservation Link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/GRBRG/G-ASGW

Hampton Inn

An overflow block of hotel rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn, located directly next to the KI Convention Center. Rooms are available the nights of Thursday, April 20th and Friday, April 22nd at a rate of $129 a night.

Room reservation cutoff date is April 3rd, 2023; all unconfirmed rooms will then be released to the general public.

Reservation Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=GRBHXHX&groupCode=CHHASW&arrivaldate=2023-04-20&departuredate=2023-04-22&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Parking Information:

Lot parking is available at Hyatt Regency Green Bay at the following rates:

  • 0–20 Minutes – Complimentary
  • 21–60 Minutes – $1.00
  • Over 60 Minutes – $1.00 per hour (Registered hotel guests pay a max $5.00 per every 24 hours)
  • Non-registered hotel guests will pay $1.00 per hour with no maximum

Event and overflow parking is available in the parking structure across the street at the Main Street Parking Ramp. There is a skywalk on the 2nd level to bring you across the street into the Hyatt Regency Green Bay and KI Convention Center. Accessible parking is available in the Hyatt Regency Green Bay parking lot.

Ramp Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Weeknights after 6 p.m., all day Saturday, Sunday and holidays are free
Ramp Fees: $0.85 per hour (first 15 minutes free)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the registration fee?

Registration includes access to the General Conference on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. Pre-conference workshops on Thursday, April 20 can be purchased as an option add on.

A light breakfast will be provided for registered attendees on Friday and Saturday morning. All other meals will be on your own.

Registration fees do not include hotel accommodations.

Can I register for just one day?

Thursday’s pre-conference workshops are available to purchase separately for $80. We do not offer single day registration for Friday or Saturday of the conference.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Written cancellation requests must be sent to alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org by March 27, 2023 and will be charged a $25.00 processing fee. Substitutions can be made at no cost.  No refunds after March 27, 2023 – no exceptions. A $30.00 fee will accompany any returned checks or denied charges.

What is the cost of attendance?

There are different registration rates for different groups. The cost will also depend on when you register and whether you are part of a group registration. Registering early will ensure you receive the best rate. Please review the detailed descriptions under the Registration tab to help you understand what rate will be appropriate for you.

Are there any available funding sources/scholarships to cover the cost?

The Children’s Long Term Support Waiver may cover the cost of attending the conference as part of Consumer Education and Training category. We encourage families to check with their county caseworker about funding options.  We also suggest that Autism Society members check with their local affiliate to ask about scholarship opportunities.

When is the deadline to register?

Early bird registration discounts are offered until January 6, 2023.  General conference registration will run from January 7th through March 27, 2023.  Registrations will not be accepted after March 27th, no exceptions.  Substitutions may be made at no cost.

How will I know I am registered?

An e-mail confirmation will be sent once your registration has been processed. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please contact us to ensure your registration was received. It is important that you provide an email on your registration.  Important information, including access to handouts, will be emailed prior to the conference.

Do I need to pre-select the concurrent sessions I plan to attend at conference?

No, breakout sessions do not need to be pre-selected and are available on a first come, first served basis during the conference. We recommend picking a backup session for each timeslot in case your first choice is full.

Is child care available?

We are unable to offer childcare during the conference. Please keep in mind that children must be age 14 or older to register and attend the conference.

Where is parking for the KI Convention Center?

Lot parking is available at Hyatt Regency Green Bay at the following rates:

  • 0–20 Minutes – Complimentary
  • 21–60 Minutes – $1.00
  • Over 60 Minutes – $1.00 per hour (Registered hotel guests pay a max $5.00 per every 24 hours)
  • Non-registered hotel guests will pay $1.00 per hour with no maximum

Overflow parking is available in the parking structure across the street at the Main Street Ramp. There is a skywalk on the 2nd level to bring you across the street into Hyatt Regency Green Bay and the KI Convention Center. This service is complimentary for overnight guests only with a parking pass issued by Hyatt Regency Green Bay.

Accessible parking is available in the Hyatt Regency Green Bay parking lot.

More parking information can be found here.

Are meals included?

A light breakfast will be provided for registered attendees on Friday and Saturday morning. All other meals will be on your own.

Can I bring my spouse/children?

Although attendees may bring family members to the hotel, only paid registrants wearing conference names badges will be permitted to attend conference sessions. The only exception is the Family Reception on Friday evening, in which family members may attend without being registered.

Can I receive CEUs for attending the conference?

The conference has been approved for a total of 12 Continuing Education Hours by the National Association of Social Workers, WI Chapter. CEHs are approved for: Social Workers, Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists. There is no additional cost to receive CEHs.

A general Certificate of Attendance will be available for all conference participants. Individualized Certificates of Attendance will be available by request.

Are sponsorship opportunities available?

Yes. We have several sponsorship levels, as well as exhibitor and advertisement opportunities. More information can be found here.

Can’t find an answer? Contact Amber LeFevre at 920-558-4600 or alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Gold Sponsor

Family Reception Sponsor

Conference Bag Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Nook pod Sponsor

Sensory Space Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Supporting Sponsor