Division of Access and Opportunity
The Division of Access and Opportunity is dedicated to ensuring that all students have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities.
The division oversees the following:
- Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP-DHH) is a comprehensive statewide program dedicated to supporting children and youth with hearing loss or deafblind, along with their families and educational teams. Located in Delavan, Wisconsin, WESP-DHH encompasses the Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD), Outreach Services, and the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP).
Key responsibilities include:
Residential and Day School Services: WSD provides free educational services to Wisconsin residents aged 3 to 21 with hearing loss, as specified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The school offers instruction in American Sign Language and English, emphasizing academic, adaptive, vocational, and social skills development. Students also have opportunities to engage in advanced placement, foreign language, or technical training courses at local schools and area technical colleges.
Outreach Services: WESP-DHH Outreach offers a variety of programs and services to students aged 3 to 21 with hearing loss, or deafblind, their families, and educational teams. These services include consultations, Deaf and Parent Mentor Programs, educational interpreter resources, student support groups, and transition planning resources.
Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP): WDBTAP is a federally funded initiative that provides resources and support to families, agencies, and schools serving children and youth aged from birth to 21 with combined vision and hearing loss. The project offers training, consultations, and resources to assist in the identification and service provision for students who are deafblind.
Professional Development and Resource Provision: WESP-DHH develops and disseminates curriculum and instructional materials, provides in-service training to educators and staff, and serves as a clearinghouse for information about children with hearing loss. The program also facilitates the preparation of teachers of pupils with hearing loss by providing assistance to teacher preparation programs.
Independent Living Skills and Summer Programs: WESP-DHH offers instruction in independent living skills and summer programs for children with hearing loss. These programs aim to enhance students' daily living capabilities and provide enriching experiences during the summer months.
- Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI) serves as a statewide educational resource dedicated to supporting students ages 3-21 who are blind or have low vision. Located in Janesville, Wisconsin, WCBVI encompasses the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WSBVI), Outreach Services, and the Materials and Production Services Center.
Key responsibilities include:
Residential and Day School Services: WCBVI operates a school that provides free and appropriate education to Wisconsin residents aged 3 to 21 who are blind or have low vision. The curriculum includes general education alongside specialized instruction in areas such as Braille literacy, orientation and mobility, and the use of assistive technology.
Outreach and Consultation: WCBVI offers outreach services to school districts across Wisconsin, providing consultation, professional development, and resources to educators, families, and service providers.
Summer Programs: The center organizes annual summer programs for students who are blind or have low vision, focusing on skill development and community engagement. WCBVI may utilize on-campus housing to provide instruction in independent living skills.
Resource Development and Distribution: WCBVI refers Local Education Agencies (LEA) to Braille production companies to provide materials for students. WCBVI also produces and distributes educational materials, including Braille books and tactile resources, to support the learning needs of students statewide. The center maintains a circulating library of embossed, large print, and Braille books, ensuring equitable access to educational content for students with visual impairment.
Administration of the American Printing House (APH) for the Blind Federal Quota Program in Wisconsin: Provides educational materials and technology to students throughout Wisconsin at no cost to the LEA.
- Bureau of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program
The Bureau of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP) is dedicated to enhancing college and career readiness for underrepresented youth and adults across the state. By offering free, state and federally funded services, WEOP aims to prepare individuals for postsecondary education and career success.
Key responsibilities include:
Federal
Federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Grant: This program supports students in grades 6–12, focusing on academic preparation, financial literacy, and college readiness. It includes personalized mentoring, college visits, and assistance with applications and scholarships.
Federal Upward Bound and Talent Search Grants: These programs provide academic support, tutoring, and guidance to help students succeed in high school and prepare for postsecondary education.
State
Early Identification Program: WI State Statute 115.44 specifies that through the EIP program minority and economically disadvantaged pupils in grades 8-12 shall be assisted in pursuing higher educational opportunities by providing direction toward attainment of career goals. This is accomplished by serving students that are in need of special academic support through the Federal Talent Search, Upward Bound programs, or GEAR UP.
State Talent Search Program: The State Talent Search Program is a broadly based comprehensive statewide program required under WI State Statute 115.28. The program provides information to youth and adults about postsecondary educational options as well as assistance in defining educational goals, applying and enrolling in college, and obtaining financial aid to pay for college.
Precollege Scholarship Program: This initiative offers financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students participating in precollege programs that enhance their academic skills and readiness for college-level work.
Talent Incentive Program Grants (TIP): The TIP grant aids low-income and disadvantaged Wisconsin students with additional college funding to help reduce the student’s amount of loan, work-study, or unmet need. The Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant provides grant assistance to the most financially needy and educationally disadvantaged Wisconsin resident students attending colleges and universities in the State of Wisconsin. First-time freshmen students are nominated for the TIP Grant by the school financial aid offices or by counselors of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP). To continue to receive the TIP Grant, students must continue to show financial need. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. Funding for the TIP Grant is provided by the State of Wisconsin. The TIP Grant is administered by the Higher Education Aids Board (HEAB) under Wisconsin State Legislature HEA 5.04 and HEA 5.05.
Wisconsin Students Go 2 College (WSG2C): Wisconsin Students Go 2 College is the Wisconsin based American College Application Campaign. The campaign runs from September - December assisting with college applications, FSA IDs and FAFSA Completion, statewide.