Meet Dean. This fun-loving grandpa loves to volunteer and help people in any way he can. He’s been involved in disability advocacy for many years and doesn’t let his health conditions stop him from living life the way he wants to. We are so fortune to have him as part of the Network.

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

Dean has had disabilities most of his life, but he doesn’t let them stop him from living  life the way he wants to. He shares that he was diagnosed with orthopedic problems and fibromyalgia when he was young. He also has type 2 diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. He has survived three strokes, two heart attacks and several other medical problems as he got older.  He’s losing his hearing and uses a TTY phone. He explains that he is learning to read lips and is planning on learning sign language. Some of his conditions are chronic and may never get better, but he knows giving up isn’t an option. “I am very motivated to do things I’m told I can’t do or may not be able to do. I love to prove people wrong when I can,” he says.

In 1985, Dean started business college hoping to study electronics, but ended up taking a slight detour into small business management and then supervisory management. “A very good example of where my life took several detours along the way on my journey in life. I never considered the detours I have taken any type of problem, but a great opportunity to grow and learn so much more,” he says. He thinks he learns so more from living his crazy life everyday than any classroom lesson could ever teach him. He considers himself a lifelong learner.

Dean is a very creative, spontaneous and adventurous person. He has a married daughter and two wonderful grandchildren. He also has several other people’s children who call him dad and grandchildren who have adopted him as grandpa.

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

Dean has been involved in disability advocacy for many years. He got involved with the advocacy with his involvement with People First in the 80s, then with Systems Change Network in Iowa, and then with several other organizations. He’s currently a participant representative on the IRIS advisory committee for the last seven years. 

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

Dean is excited that he was recently reappointed to the IRIS Advisory Committee for another year until December 2021 by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services.

What are some of your hobbies?

Dean has many hobbies that he loves to do. He believes in volunteering and giving back to my community and other organizations. Currently, he helps manage and operate a church and several non-profit organizations. He enjoys doing photography and videography which are things that he learned in high school.  He’s also an amateur radio operator for KC9TMG.

***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.