Peer to Peer Support

In 2009, individuals with disabilities and their families in LOV Inc. worked together to identify a major barrier to creating fulfilling, community-centered lives. They realized they needed someone to help build a bridge into community life. Based on a desire to be valued members of a community marked by self-direction, independence, and meaningful relationships, the Bridge Builder Project was established.

The Madison United IEP Parent Support Program aims to provide support and advocacy to the parents and all kinds of caregivers of students with disabilities in the MMSD special education community. The program's objective is to bring these individuals together to share resources, ideas, and feedback to improve the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for their students and create a better learning environment.

Having a child with special health care needs sets parents on a different journey than the one that was originally expected. Fortunately, many parents have “gone before” and can be a source of strength, direction and empowerment. Through a one-on-one match, Parent to Parent of Wisconsin pairs parents in need of guidance with a trained Support Parent who has walked a similar path. Like each family, every match is unique.