Life Enrichment

Community Life Skills Hub (CLSH) 18+

Explore places within your community, increase independence, improve decision-making skills, and make connections with others who share your interests with our Community Life Skills Hub. This program provides opportunities to engage with peers and community members. Outings are designed to build social skills and peer relationships, focus on fitness and wellness, and explore community engagement and volunteering in various community settings. We will help people with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence and quality of life by exploring interests, learning skills, building confidence, and discovering available resources and encouraging them to be a lifelong learner.

Activities occur in small groups of one staff to 2-6 participants or with one-to-one support in our center and the community. Activities and programs include fitness & wellness, art, cooking, money & budgeting, music, travel, reading, life skills, hobby development, social and interpersonal skills, and awareness of community resources.

Need help with transportation? Please contact us.

Virtual Services

The DSAW Connects program, our premier online program offering, provides both paid and free curricula and activities for individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin. Daytime and evening courses are geared for ages 12 and up, although individuals of all ages are welcome to try them. Virtual daily living and independent living skills training is accessible for all individuals with disabilities who may experience barriers to in-person support due to lack of transportation, mobility restrictions, or simply a preference for a virtual setting.

Our virtual service model includes a skills assessment, customized goals, and an evidence-based curriculum. Contact your DSAW Specialist to register for any DSAW Connects classes. If you don’t yet have a DSAW Specialist, click here to get started. If you have any questions, please contact info@dsaw.org.

Some courses include: Creative Corner, Fitness, Kitchen Basics, Sports Talk, Young Leaders Acacem

Daily Living Skills

These sessions typically last between one to four hours and can accommodate one to four people. Participants and their assigned staff work together on personalized goals during these sessions. Sessions can be held in person, at home, in the community, or virtually.

Wellness 360

This program is designed to empower adults with disabilities to enhance their daily living skills while enjoying various engaging activities. At Wellness 360, participants engage in daily living skill workshops that cover various topics, from basic life skills, communication, and social engagement through hands-on learning to classroom instruction and community-based experiences. These sessions are tailored to each individual’s needs and abilities to foster independence and confidence. Participants also have a chance to take part in recreational activities, physical activity, and community outings including art classes and daily movement sessions with trainers.

Manufacturing Basics (18+)

In partnership with Engauge Workforce Solutions and designed for people interested in entering the workforce, DSAW offers a Pre-Voc employment program which teaches individuals basic skills (problem solving, teamwork, and communication) to secure employment in the manufacturing sector. This course runs two days per week for 12 weeks (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), and the program provides students with classroom and on-site workplace experience. On-site experiences take place at Rely Contract Manufacturing (N59 W13500 Manhardt Dr. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051).

Hospitality Basics

In partnership with the Ingleside Hotel and designed for people interested in entering the hospitality workforce, DSAW offers a Pre-Voc employment program which teaches individuals basic skills (problem solving, teamwork, and communication) to secure employment in the hospitality sector. This course runs two days per week for 12 weeks, and it provides students with classroom and on-site workplace experience in housekeeping, food service, waterpark, or office.

Daily Living Skills

These sessions typically last between one to four hours and can accommodate one to four people. Participants and their assigned staff work together on personalized goals during these sessions. Sessions can be held in person, at home, in the community, or virtually

SPARK Connections

Looking for a fun after-school program to target socio-emotional skill building? During summer and the school year, this small group setting allows participants to focus on building skills around emotional and physical wellness to help build and maintain friendships while having a blast. Participants will create a calming tool box, learn the art of compromising, organize a workout plan with their friends, and have many opportunities to dance, learn a new game, and more.

Free Teen Club (Ages 10-17)

The ultimate hangout spot, Teen Club is where you can connect with friends, dive into exciting games, and try out new activities. It’s the perfect place to relax, laugh, and make memories with your peers. It takes place on the second Friday of every month at our office in Wauwatosa.

EXTRAOrdinary Adventures- Summer Only

Are you ready for the best summer ever? EXTRAordinary Adventures is here to take your summer to the next level. From hands-on learning activities to community outings, each week of EXTRAordinary Adventures will include a different theme and skills like following rules, communication, feelings/emotions, coping skills, team building, sportsmanship, and much more. Participants must be between eight and 17 years old. This program happens during the summer only, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Dinner and a Movie 18+ Free

FREE Dinner and a Movie – This program is offered monthly on the last Wednesday from 5:30-8:00 PM at the DSAW office in Wauwatosa. Participants can enjoy time with their peers by getting together, sharing a meal, and watching a cinema classic. Movies that have been watched include Elf, Night at the Museum, and Pitch Perfect! Donations of food are welcomed but never expected! FREE.