Meet Autumn. This amazing lady has held a lot of jobs, but the one that she’s most proud of is being a mother. Her journey has been one full of trial and error, a ton of advocacy, and a lot of personal struggles and growth. She has used her lived experience to support others in becoming independent. We are so fortunate to have her as a member of the Network!

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

Autumn was born and raised in the small rural town of Shiocton, Wisconsin. She explains that during her junior year of high school, she was driving home from her sister’s house when she hit a patch of black ice. “My car lost control, hit a culvert, and flipped. I was thrown about 60 feet—and that moment changed everything. It was the start of my disability journey. I sustained multiple injuries including a T8–T9 spinal cord injury and was instantly paralyzed from the waist down,” she shares.

It’s been quite the journey for her. She tells us that her journey has been one full of trial and error, a ton of advocacy, and a lot of personal struggles and growth. After her accident, she finished high school, went to college, got my associate’s and then my bachelor’s degree, and eventually entered the workforce—which came with its own set of challenges.

Autumn has held a lot of different roles and job titles over the years, but the one she’s most proud of is Mom. She has a 12-year-old son who she homeschools, and she’s so thankful for the time she gets to spend with him. She shares that parenting in a wheelchair definitely comes with some unique barriers. “I hope to help break some of those down by bringing more awareness to them,” she says.

Another current role she’s really proud of is Advocacy Coordinator at Options for Independent Living. She explains that Options was there for her shortly after her injury and has been part of her life ever since. Now, she gets to be on the other side—supporting other people with disabilities and helping them live more independently.

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

Autumn’s mom taught her early on that her voice was powerful and that her choices were her own— and she’s forever thankful for that. “I was still in the hospital and she taught me that I had the right to speak up for what I needed and wanted. That carried through high school, college, and into my work life,” she says.

“That mindset stuck with me—my body, my choice. My home, my food, my education, my medication, etc.,” she tells us. Self-determination has always been a big part of how Autumn lives her life because it gives her a say in what’s happening to and around her. It’s how she lives my best life—and it’s also become a part of her career.

She joined the Self-Determination Network to be part of a community of people who believe in that same power. She has learned a lot over the years through lived experience—advocating for myself, facing barriers, and building resilience. She explains that she has had to speak up, ask for what she needs, and keep going even when things are hard. She wants to keep growing those skills, connect with others who “get it,” and help raise up and build other strong voices along the way.

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

Autumn says that she’s really excited about how she gets to use her voice in the places that matter most to her—and proud to help others, especially her son, find theirs too. She explains that at just 12, he’s already becoming a strong advocate. Helping others through her story gives her a strong sense of purpose. She always says, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” –she believes a reason she’s here is to help educate people on some of the things in our world that people just are not aware of.

Another major excitement for her is the self-advocacy classes they offer at Options. “The curriculum was created by people with disabilities—by us—for us. Self‑advocacy doesn’t always come easily and having a community where we learn with and from one another is incredibly powerful,” she explains.

Autumn is really proud of the advocates in Wisconsin right now. “We’re a fierce group of people, and the power of community and coming together really can make that difference. There’s strength in numbers, and I see that every day in the work we do and the voices that continue to rise,” she says.

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

Autumn points out that if people are here, they probably already know about the Self-Determination Network—which is a great start! When it comes to finding support locally, she explains that it really depends on where you live. She suggests that people start by searching online, checking social media, and looking for community spaces where disability voices are present. “I’ve honestly found some of my best supporters and teachers through online communities,” she explains.

She also points out that Wisconsin also has incredible organizations like the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), Disability Rights Wisconsin, and our local Independent Living Centers. These groups offer resources, advocacy, and connections that can really help you grow in your self-determination journey. “No matter where you are, finding people and organizations who truly understand disability and self-determination makes all the difference,” she exclaims!

What are some of your hobbies?

Personal hobbies for Autumn can feel hard to come by these days, but she does love being out in nature whenever she can. She loves to grow plants and her summer garden on her deck is one of her favorite things to watch grow!  “And honestly, eating homemade tableside guac might qualify as a hobby at this point,” she jokes.

She also really enjoys baking. She shares that her grandma taught her when she was young, and it's something that’s always stuck with her. When she went gluten-free, it became a challenge—but after a lot of trial and error, she has figured out the right touch for gluten-free baking. “When I have the time, it’s something I genuinely love doing,” she says.

***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.

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