State Resource Page
This is a list of resources available to people with disabilities and their families in the state of Wyoming.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 (24/7) or text "WYO" to 741-741
The Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) is a member of the national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). WIND works to assist individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, and University of Wyoming students through education, training, community services, and early intervention.
WIND envisions a Wyoming where all people can participate in everyday community life as they choose. Our commitment to be consumer driven allows us to fully realize the needs and values of all citizens with disabilities, especially developmental disabilities.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services is committed to helping people with disabilities establish and reach vocational goals that help them become productive working citizens. During any given year, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services - Vocational Rehabilitation Division actively works with more than 4,000 of Wyoming's citizens with disabilities, and, on average, approximately 700 of those citizens successfully complete a rehabilitation program and enter the workforce. For every dollar spent on Vocational Rehabilitation services, a consumer earns, on average, $11 in increased taxable income.
Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with intellectual and physical limitations.
Special Olympics believes that consistent training is indispensable to the development of an individual’s sports skills. In addition, competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these skills, measuring progress, and providing incentives for personal growth.
Employment First is the policy of the state; whereas, competitive and integrated employment shall be considered the first option when serving persons with disabilities who are of working age to obtain employment. Employment first applies to programs and services that provide services and support to help obtain employment for persons with disabilities.
The Governor’s Employment First Taskforce is developing a strategic plan to implement this employment first policy and will collect and maintain data and information relative to persons with disabilities who are or want to work.
The Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities functions as an advisory agent to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on special education issues. This panel consists of stakeholders, business and professional entities, teachers, school administrators, state governmental agencies and parents from across Wyoming whose responsibility it is to be a liaison between their regions and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on issues and concerns of those involved with the education of students with disabilities.
The Arc has a rich history spanning 60 years and marked by accomplishment. We continue to carry out the mission and vision of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings.
In 1950, a small group of parents and other concerned individuals came together to act as voices for change. At the time, little was known about the condition of intellectual disability (at the time referred to as ‘mental retardation’) or its causes. There were virtually no programs and activities in communities to assist in the development and care of children and adults with intellectual disability or to support families.
It was common at that time for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their stubborn refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, The Arc’s founders fought even harder.
Like every parent of any child, they wanted more for their children. They wanted their children to lead fulfilling lives out in the community and not shuttered away in dark institutions. It was in that spirit that The Arc was born.
Teton Adaptive Sports (TAS) was formed in the spring of 2005 in Teton County and is the first non-profit in Wyoming to be associated as a chapter with Disabled Sports/USA. Our mission is to promote and support sports and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities living in and visiting the Greater Teton Area. Headquartered in Jackson Hole, Teton Adaptive Sports is centered in a region known for endless outdoor adventures. TAS was initially created as a support organization for the Adaptive Ski Programs at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort; to provide funding for adaptive ski equipment, instructor training, and financial assistance for individuals taking adaptive ski lessons. The summer of 2008 marked efforts by Teton Adaptive Sports to encourage and assist with the development of year round adaptive opportunities. Our model is to partner with existing recreation providers to enhance their ability to deliver a quality experience, while developing our own “in house” possibilities. We are in the business of growing and enhancing opportunities. The core TAS belief is that active participation in sports and recreation promotes individuals’ physical strength, develops confidence and self esteem, forges relationships, and contributes to a level of enjoyment and quality of life that otherwise might not be experienced.
The Wyoming Afterschool Alliance (WYAA) was created in 2007 to support and promote quality, education-based out of school time (OST) programs that positively impact Wyoming’s youth and families. WYAA is a linchpin, connecting afterschool providers to the necessary resources, technical assistance and training opportunities.
Disability Friendly Dentistry. Serving Buffalo and Kaycee including the surrounding areas of Gillette, Sheridan, Clearmont, Story, Banner, Edgerton, Midwest, and Sussex.
A nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress to implement several federal laws to protect the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities. P&A has federal authority to gain access to facilities, records, and persons to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect. P&A also helps people obtain state and federally funded services, such as vocational rehabilitation, mental health, intellectual, traumatic brain injury, assistive technology devices and services, other disability services, voting rights, and access to facilities and programs. P&A focuses on civil rights and discrimination issues. P&A promotes systemic change to enhance quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. P&A provides legal representation and individual advocacy, education and training, including help with self-advocacy skills, and information and referral services.
2-l-l is an easy to remember number that connects people to a full range of non-emergency community, social, health, disaster and government services in their community. Callers will be able to reach an Information and Referral Specialist between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday by calling 211 or Cell Phone Users/PBX Phone Systems 888-425-7138. Services provided in over 150 languages. information can be accessed through our website 24/7 at www.wyoming211.org.
The following counties will be served: Albany, Carbon, Converse, Goshen, Laramie, Niobrara and Platte. More counties will be added to the service area as funding is available.
The Department of Family Services' mission is to promote the safety, well-being and self-sufficiency of families through community partnerships. Local DFS offices can help qualifying families with supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP), child support enforcement, Medicaid, child care assistance and other needed services in their communities. Our goal is to connect people with time-limited resources that promote healthy, safe, self-sufficient families so they can contribute to their communities.
Parent Information Center (PIC), is a statewide parent center for families of children with disabilities. PIC provides information, support and referrals to families on their rights and responsibilities under the special education law- the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We help families understand their child’s disability and support them in working as partners with schools and service providers to receive better education programs and services for their children. PIC staff can attend Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings with families and provide workshops, webinars and trainings on specific disabilities and other disability topics upon request.
PIC offers workshops and trainings to families and educators on IDEA, IEPs, Positive Behavior Interventions, PIC Brochure and other related topics as well as specific disabilities such as Autism, Sensory disorders, Down Syndrome, Attention disorders and more.
Wyoming Community Service Providers (WCSP), formerly Regional Service Providers, began as local grassroot efforts organized by concerned citizens, providers, and parents of children with developmental disabilities. The WCSP advocates for Wyoming providers at the federal and state level, working with legislators, other elected officials, and regulators to protect and enhance the advocacy, quality and care environment that has been the hallmark of disability providers in Wyoming.
A central goal of the WCSP's advocacy efforts is to create a unified vision and voice on behalf of all providers, large and small.
Wyoming Guardianship Corporation (WGC), a 501 (c)(3) organization, active since June 1997, serves as the umbrella corporation for the Guardianship Program, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Ombudsman Program, the Representative Payee Program and the Pooled Trust Program. The WGC is a non profit organization governed by a Board of Directors.WGC provides staff to serve as guardians, conservators or substitute decision makers for incapacitated persons when no other appropriate person is willing or able to serve. The mission of WGC is to increase public awareness of guardianship and the alternatives to guardianship by providing problem solving, advocacy, public education and in-service training.
The Wyoming Relay/Deaf Services Program is proudly offered by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services - Vocational Rehabilitation Division. The Wyoming Relay/Deaf Services Program provides numerous services to individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech impaired, and to individuals, businesses, or agencies that work with or assist these individuals.
The Wyoming Down Syndrome Association was established by Ark Regional Services in Laramie, Wyoming to address a void that existed in adequate support available for families of individuals with Down syndrome in Wyoming. Using the resources provided by the annual Wyoming Buddy Walk® and other grants and donations, WyDSA provides education, information, networking opportunities, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Children's Special Health (CSH) is a program for Wyoming children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) who require something beyond routine and basic care.
The Centrum for Disability Services was founded by Joe Schaffner and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in January of 2004. Previously the Centrum was part of Casper College known as the Wyoming Centrum for Assistive Technology.
The Centrum for Disability Services provides assistive technology assessments for schools, waiver clients, and VA/ DVR clients throughout the State of Wyoming. Centrum is a Wyoming Waiver Provider for home modifications, specialized equipment, & specialized equipment repair. Specialized equipment includes: assistive technology shower chairs; vertical lifts; stair lifts; ramps; and barrier-free showers.
In September 2006 & 2013, the Social Security Administration awarded the Work Incentive Planning Assistance (WIPA) contract to the Centrum. The WIPA services are provided throughout the State of Wyoming operating under the Wyoming Work Incentive Planning Assistance Services (WyWIPAS).
The Mayor's Council for People with Disabilities (MCPD) serves as an advisory board to the Mayor's Office, the Governing Body and Cheyenne City staff for the inclusion of, as well as, on the problems and concerns of persons with a disability or handicap as they relate to activities of daily living; including Accessibility, Recreation, Commerce, Employment, Transportation and Self-Advocacy for people with disabilities and their families in the Cheyenne community.
Project Lifesaver assists county residents who have a medical condition that may cause them to wander. The project is a rapid-response unit that aids victims and families suffering from dementia related disorders such as Alzheimer's, Down Syndrome, Autism and other brain injuries.
Developmental Disabilities Community Programs - Provides funding and guidance responsive to the needs of people with disabilities to live, work, enjoy, and learn in Wyoming communities with their families, friends, and chosen support service and support providers. Click here to see updates on the Supports and Comprehensive Waivers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Provides funding, support and leadership to help meet Wyoming's mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention needs.
The Wyoming State Hospital, located in Evanston, provides quality active treatment for a variety of mental disorders. Major areas of emphasis include adult psychiatric services and criminal justice treatment services.
The Wyoming Life Resource Center, located in Lander, offers a residential community with therapeutic and medical support services. The center's programs serve those with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries.
These programs offer a full continuum of educational services for children with disabilities, aged birth through 5, as part of an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program. This continuum may include speech, occupational and/or physical therapy, outreach and consultation support with families.
The Wyoming Department of Health's Aging Division is committed to providing care, ensuring safety, and promoting independent choices for Wyoming's older adults.
The Healthcare Financing Division brings Wyoming's public healthcare programs together under one umbrella to better serve eligible citizens. The division includes Wyoming Medicaid, the Developmental Disabilities Section, Kid Care CHIP, and the Medication Donation Program.
Hospice
The definition of a Hospice Program is a program of care for the terminally ill and their families given in a home or health facility which provides medical, palliative, psychological, spiritual, and supportive care and treatment.
The Medicare Plans Patient Resource Center supports the families and loved ones of older adults and people with disabilities. We’re dedicated to providing access to affordable health care through educational programs, interactive resources, and functional tools. Our team of experts helps current and future Medicare patients build their understanding of Medicare while navigating the complex system. With an active community of patients, experts, and health care providers, we support the elderly and disabled communities with community-based education and actionable solutions for Medicare to address your health care needs.
WYSNLA Wyoming State Network for Language Access
WYSNLA, the Wyoming State Network for Language Access, is a community of legal and healthcare professionals, law enforcement personnel, interpreters, translators, service providers, advocates and community members dedicated to ensuring Wyoming’s local and state agencies understand and comply with the language access provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Wyoming Special Education Programs Division provides leadership, support, and regulatory guidance to Wyoming educators, parents, and students with disabilities. Our goal is to improve educational and functional outcomes for Wyoming students by providing high quality professional development, technical assistance, data facilitation, and IDEA monitoring services for districts, schools, and families.
Through collaboration and partnerships, the Prevention Management Organization of Wyoming is dedicated to strengthening the prevention efforts around alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, suicide and chronic disease.
Wyoming Mental Health & Substance Abuse Provider List
NAMI of Wyoming is the State’s primary organization for information about relevant issues, advancements & progress in the field of mental illness. We lead for positive change in the attitudes of the general public, public officials & the media. NAMI WY strives to ensure the availability & accessibility of quality support & research; leading to a better quality of life for people affected by mental illness. NAMI WY eliminates barriers & confronts prejudices; helping people recognize that mental illness is a challenge like any other illness.
UPLIFT takes their name from the Lessons from the Geese story: "As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an 'UPLIFT' for the bird following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone." It is UPLIFT’s desire to provide that for parents and families coming behind us. The UPLIFT name in all caps is not an acronym, but signifies the lift they hope to provide.
UPLIFT UNDERSTANDS
The entire family feels the impact of a child or youth with a disability or special need. Their care may be physically, emotionally, or financially draining to the family. Parents and caregivers are often reluctant to talk openly about their child’s struggles with relatives, teachers, professionals, or friends. They may not know where to go for help. The majority of the staff and board members of UPLIFT are individuals and family members of children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and special needs.
The Wyoming Aging and Disability Resource Center (WyADRC) provides Information & Referral, Options Counseling, and assistance in connecting people to resources for long term care services and supports. Assistance is directed toward those citizens aged 55 years and older as well as those living with a disability over the age of 18, their families, friends, caregivers and healthcare providers.
The WyADRC Program is managed by SW-WRAP , a Wyoming 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, and administered by the Wyoming Department of Health.
To ensure that services are provided to eligible children birth through 5 with Developmental Delays and disabilities in accordance to the IDEA and Wyoming State laws.
WATR is Wyoming's Assistive Technology Act program and a resource for all assistive technology (AT) needs in Wyoming. AT may be a device or solution that enhances an individual's ability to live, play, or work independently. AT can take the form of a device, tool, or adaptation that supports a person when participating in everyday activities and settings.
Wyoming Families for Hands & Voices is dedicated to supporting families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodology. We’re a parent-driven, non-profit organization providing families with the resources, networks, and information they need to improve communication access and educational outcomes for their children. Our outreach activities, parent/professional collaboration, and advocacy efforts are focused on assisting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children to reach their highest potential.
The Wyoming Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was established under the authority of Title VII Section 705, of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act as amended (P.L. 113-128)
Our primary purpose, together with the directors of the Centers for Independent Living (CILs), is to jointly develop, and sign the State's Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). Additionally, we monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the SPIL. We work with our two CIL's concerning different independent living issues that affect the citizens of Wyoming living with significant disabilities.
Wyoming Independent Living (WIL) is the CIL that serves the eastern half of the State and Wyoming Services for Independent Living (WSIL) serves the western half of the State.
We coordinate activities with other state councils by having mutual liaisons serving on each other's councils. It is our hope that by sharing information, mutual issues which affect Wyoming citizens with disabilities can be addressed.
The SILC meets four times a year and all meetings are open to the public. Meeting times and locations vary and are advertised in newspapers statewide.
Finally, we provide periodic reports to the public and Federal government that describe the activities of the SILC.
The Wyoming Stare Rehabilitation Council's Mission is to review, analyze, and advise the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the delivery of effective rehabilitation services which lead to employment and the independence of Wyoming's citizens with disabilities.
Wyoming State Advocates in Leadership develops leaders within the developmental disabilities population. In order to learn new skills and teach others to stand up for their rights, choices, and ideas in a productive way. Despite their developmental disabilities. All Advocacy workshop groups will understand communication skills to address their own personal issues. https://wyosail.org/
Many seniors are unaware of the available care options and programs that can help maintain their independence and quality of life. Caring.com is a free resource that provides comprehensive information on topics like financial support, organizations, and available care options that are in every city in Wyoming that can help senior citizens stay connected with their community.
We are a statewide organization dedicated to supporting people with Down syndrome and their families. We organize the annual Wyoming Buddy Walk® and implement numerous projects that further our mission.
Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s dementia, and it’s often left to loved ones to become part- or full-time caregivers. Most of these caregivers provide unpaid care, and also juggle other jobs and responsibilities. MemoryCare.com was founded to provide support for caregivers who feel overwhelmed and isolated, as well as those in the early stages of memory and cognitive impairment. MemoryCare.com’s mission is to support older adults living with memory impairment and their families by using the latest, data-driven research and collaborating with memory care experts to provide resources that are accessible to all who are in need. Whether you are in the early stages of memory or cognitive impairment or care for a loved one in the later stages, MemoryCare.com has tools that can help.
If you know of a resource that is not listed or are having any issue connecting to any of these resource please let us know at wgcdd@wyo.gov
Employment First is a policy of the state; whereas competitive and integrated employment shall be considered the first option when serving persons with disabilities who are of working age to obtain employment.
People with developmental disabilities need access to the resources and supports necessary to gain and maintain meaningful, inclusive, competitive and integrated jobs earning a livable wage.
Employers can utilize these resources to learn about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, how to foster inclusion in the workplace, how they can support an employee with a disability, information about relevant tax credits, local area disability resources, and other topics related to disability and employment.
Providers that support and assist individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment must have a vast understanding of employment from all perspectives. They must be able to educate the individuals they support on the benefits and rights of employees with disabilities.
visit our resource page at: http://employmentfirst.wyo.gov/
Pre Employment Transition Services
Pre-Employment Transition Services. Section 113 provides that from the funds reserved [see below] and any funds made available from State, local, or private funding sources, each State shall ensure that the VR agency, in collaboration with the local educational agencies involved, must provide, or arrange for the provision of, pre-employment transition services for all students with disabilities in need of such services who are eligible or potentially eligible for services under this title.
Required Activities. Funds available must be used to make available to students with disabilities—
1) job exploration counseling;
2) work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after school opportunities, or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships), that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible;
3) counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education;
4) workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living; and
5) instruction in self-advocacy, which may include peer mentoring.
Authorized Activities. Funds available and remaining after the provision of the required activities described above may be used to improve the transition of students with disabilities from school to postsecondary education or an employment outcome by—
1) implementing effective strategies to increase the likelihood of independent living and inclusion in communities and competitive integrated workplaces;
2) developing and improving strategies for individuals with intellectual disabilities and individuals with significant disabilities to live independently, participate in postsecondary education experiences, and obtain and retain competitive integrated employment;
3) providing instruction to vocational rehabilitation counselors, school transition personnel, and other persons supporting students with disabilities;
4) disseminating information about innovative, effective, and efficient approaches to achieve the goals of this section;
5) coordinating activities with transition services provided by local educational agencies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.);
6) applying evidence-based findings to improve policy, procedure, practice, and the
7) preparation of personnel, in order to better achieve the goals of this section;
8) developing model transition demonstration projects;
9) establishing or supporting multi-state or regional partnerships involving States, local educational agencies, designated State units, developmental disability agencies, private businesses, or other participants to achieve the goals of this section; and
10) disseminating information and strategies to improve the transition to postsecondary activities of individuals who are members of traditionally unserved populations.
For more information, contact your local Workforce Development Center, or visit http://www.wyomingworkforce.org/workers/vr/