Meet Cindy. This amazing self-advocate has used self-determination to get her where she is today. She believes everyone should be able to voice their opinions and needs regardless of their abilities. She encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote. We are so fortune to have Cindy as a member of the Network.

What's your story?  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Cindy is a self-advocate and the Executive Director of People First of WI. She has come a long way from her start in an institution. She explains that she had a guardian that advocated for her! The guardian helped her to get out of the institution and helped her become her own guardian. Why was this important? Because she wanted to vote!! “When we went to the courthouse to get my self-guardianship, the judge agreed and also advocated for me to become my own guardian. So, I feel the need to pay it forward with my work in People First of WI and advocate for others,” she says.

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?

“I want to be able to speak up for myself, I want to do my own thinking and not have others speak for me. It’s the same reason for myself advocacy and assisting others to advocate for themselves,” Cindy says. She feels that people with disabilities should be able to voice their opinions and needs--just like everybody else. 

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?

Cindy thinks people have more of a voice now. People are listening to people with cognitive disabilities more than ever before. She recently took Secretary Palm of DHS on a tour to showcase people with significant disabilities that successfully live in their community. “The Secretary came on the tour and listened to my input regarding the advantages of community living as opposed to living in an institution. She followed up with a thank you card - that’s exciting,” she exclaims!

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

Cindy encourages people to get out and exercise your right to vote!  She explains that many decisions that lawmakers need to make can affect people with disabilities. “You can’t complain if you don’t vote,” she says. She also wants to remind people that this year it is important to be counted in the 2020 Census.

What are some of your hobbies?

Cindy loves snuggling with her kittens. She’s an avid sports fan, and she loves watching and participating in all sports. She also enjoys reading magazines and watching TV.

***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.