Behavioral Health Initiative Wellness Day—April 11, 2026
Location
Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC)
Anthony J. Natalizio (AJN) Center, Building S
800 Main St.
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Details
Join the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) for our fifth annual Wellness Day.
This year's event offers many learning opportunities, activities, and surprises.
There will be workshops designed for individuals within the the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community; behavioral and mental health clinicians; and interpreters.
Registration
Registration is open. The deadline to register for Wellness Day is April 1, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding registration, contact the BHI program coordinator at 608-234-2046 or by email at dhsodhhbhi@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Schedule of events
Hybrid is again available for 2026. Attend workshops in person at WCTC or via Zoom. Please note that if you plan to attend via Zoom, you still need to register for Wellness Day.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30–9 a.m. | Check in |
| 9–10:30 a.m. | Welcome and keynote address (in person and virtual) |
| 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | Workshops and activities |
| 2:30 –4 p.m. | Fifth anniversary celebration and closing ceremony |
Keynote address
The Tides of Change: Systemic Advocacy in Health Care
Corey Axelrod, MBA, is a passionate social justice advocate and social entrepreneur. As founder and CEO of 2axend, he helps businesses and organizations deliver user-centric experiences for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. This keynote will highlight the importance of community engagement in advocating for systemic change and accessible health care for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals. We will explore best practices for navigating health care systems and participating in decision-making to collectively achieve meaningful improvements in health care access for the greater Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
Workshops
Morning workshops (11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.)
- From Vision to Action: A Strategy Lab for Health Care Advocacy (in person and virtual)
Presenter: Corey Axelrod - Introduction to Nature-Based Therapy
Presenter: Jess Dallman - What's Covered, What's Not, and How To Get It: Navigating Mental and Behavioral Health Benefits
Presenters: Katy Hagmeyer and Jennifer Koehn - Discussion Groups—Aging with Dignity: Support and Care for Our Aging Love Ones
Facilitators: Kim Barr and Nicole Keeler
Afternoon workshops ( 1:15–2:30 p.m.)
- 988: An Overview of DeafLEAD's Services and Support for the Deaf Community (in person and virtual)
Presenter: Selima Carlin - Opening the Lines of Communication: AT Solutions, Strategies, and Funding for Hearing Loss
Presenters: Laura Plummer, Jenna Sturgis, and Billy Mauldin - Deaf Leadership in Action: Statewide Advocacy, Education, and Systems Change
Presenter: Independence First - Discussion Groups—Mental Health Interpreting, Wisconsin Licensure: Gathering Your Questions
Facilitators: Steve Smart and Leia Sparks
Fifth anniversary celebration and closing ceremony
Honoring Our Gifts: Resilience, Care, and Community Healing in Challenging Times
Presenters: Angela Blackdeer and Cindi Martin
This workshop offers a reflective and grounding space for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, interpreters, and other professionals to pause, reconnect, and honor the strengths and gifts they carry—especially during times of crisis, transition, and collective stress. The session will focus on providing inspiration that everyone has a gift to offer, how to identify that strength, and how healing is action oriented.
Closing celebration and honoring of wellness
We will close Wellness Day with a celebratory gathering that honors Native traditional ways of healing through drum, song, and Jingle Dress dancing. This closing experience invites reflection, gratitude, and collective wellness as we come together to end our time in a positive way.
Accommodations
Lunch is provided and will accommodate a variety of dietary needs.
American Sign Language and voice interpretation and captioning (CART) will be provided. Additional accommodations requests can be made at the time of registration or by contacting the BHI program coordinator. Special requests are due by March 20, 2026.
Contact the BHI program coordinator at 608-234-2046 or dhsodhhbhi@dhs.wisconsin.gov with any questions regarding accommodations requests.
Bus transportation (free)
The BHI is providing free bus transportation to Wellness Day at WCTC in Pewaukee from Independence First in Milwaukee and Water Tower View in Greenfield.
If we do not have a minimum of 20 people signed up by March 20, 2026, the bus will be cancelled. Individuals can sign up for the bus at the time of registration or by contacting the BHI program coordinator at 608-234-2046 or dhsodhhbhi@dhs.wisconsin.gov. We will send a follow-up email after March 20 to provide updates on bus transportation.
Pickup and drop off locations:
- Independence First, 540 S. First St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
- Water Tower View, 3983 S. Prairie Hill Lane, Greenfield, WI 53228
Riders must be ready to leave on time for the bus to arrive at WCTC by 8:30 a.m.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7–7:15 a.m. | Load bus at Independence First |
| 7:15–7:45 a.m. | Drive from Independence First to Water Tower View |
| 7:45–8 a.m. | Load bus at Water Tower View |
| 8–8:30 a.m. | Arrive at WCTC |
| 4–4:15 p.m. | Load bus for return trip |
| 4:45 p.m. | Arrive at Water Tower View |
| 5:30 p.m. | Arrive at Independence First |
Exhibit opportunities
If you are interested in an exhibit space, contact Caroline Ludka at 262-565-6349 or email Caroline.Ludka@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Lodging
A room block is available for $139.00 per night at Tru by Hilton, 20925 Watertown Road, Waukesha, WI 53186. The last day to book at the group rate is Friday, March 20, 2026.
Book your room for Wellness Day
Continuing education units
Continuing education units (CEUs) will be available from the Wisconsin Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (WisRID), Wisconsin Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Continuing Education Program, and the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Email updates
Sign up for email updates to receive information on Wellness Day and other BHI events. Contact dhsodhhbhi@dhs.wisconsin.gov or call 608-234-2046 to be added to the email list.