Meet Ashley.  When she is not busy participating in Special Olympics or dancing with her friends, this vibrant young lady is out self-advocating!  She encourages others to get involved also.  We are so fortunate to have her as a member of the network. 

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

Ashley is a 24-year old self-advocate diagnosed with PDD-NOS which is on the autism spectrum.  She has a passion for advocacy especially in the area of employment.  She does a lot of public speaking around the state of Wisconsin and has been featured on the TV, the radio and in the newspaper.  She was diagnosed when she was in kindergarten and had to deal with extensive bullying in elementary and middle school.  Ashley says that, “High School was a little better for me in the area of friends.  There was less bullying but it was a huge challenge to fit in and manage the school work”.  For that reason, she understands first-hand the challenges and painful experiences for people with special needs.  She sees the great value in self advocating and leading a self- determined life.  

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

Ashley is on the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and Executive Committee for People First.   She first learned about self-determination when she attended the JumpStart! Program at Nicolet College.  She took several classes in this program and learned how to advocate for herself. During that time, she started Partners in Policy Making and started developing a network. She indicates that Disability Advocacy Day, in March, and the Self Determination Conference are both great opportunities to meet people who are self advocates and learn more strategies about living a self-determined life.

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

The most exciting thing happening for Ashley right now is the Self-Determination Channel. She says, “I love making the videos and educating our audience.  I encourage everyone to subscribe to this channel.” 

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

Ashley has several tips to share:  

1. You are going to have people tell you in life that you cannot do something due to your disability....you need to prove them wrong every time.  Anyone can do anything they put their mind to.
2. You own your journey and your limits so, put your best effort in on everything you do.
3. Don’t let your disability define you.  For example, she is not Autism....she is Ashley Mathy. Be proud of who you are.
4. You need to have the dignity to fail which means you are going to fail at some things but its important to get back up and learn from your mistakes.  It’s ok to fail.  

What are some of your hobbies?

Ashley loves to be in Special Olympics in her spare time.  Her favorite sport is track, but she also participates in bowling, bocce, and snow-shoeing.  Also, Ashley love to go horseback riding and takes advantage of every dance she can go to.  She loves to dance with her friends.

 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.