We were so pleased to see so many of you at the 10th annual Self-Determination Conference. There were a ton of great sessions and events this year. What was your favorite part? What were some things that you learned? Do you have a funny story from the conference? Did something really inspire you?
Lets keep the conversation going! Share your comments, questions, and ideas here!
I wasn't able to attend sessions because I was working the exhibit table, but I loved seeing friends and talking to lots of people. A couple things I would suggest. It was apparent in many ways that a lot of the events were geared toward people who have intellectual disabilities. It'd be cool to see some more events for those with physical disabilities. Sections or events on different adaptive sports perhaps?
First of all thank you to everyone who attended the Self-Determination Conference. I particularly loved getting to know a verity of different people and I particularly loved the session Body and Soul: Diana and Kathy's Story, the presenter was Jeremy Gundlach, it inspired me how so many people can overcome diversity. I also loved the Tool Kit sessions and getting to know job developers. My ultimate dream someday is to become a certified staffing professional Although i am not employed now my ultimate goal is to help others. I enjoyed meeting people and networking.
The Self-Determination Conference had Ben Barrett Chairperson of the Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities, Karen Secor Chairperson for the Emergency Preparedness Toolkit by the Council, and me as Vice-Chair of the Council present on the Emergency Preparedness Toolkit. I hope that our workshop entirely made people with physical disabilities feel like you all belong. I also enjoyed tremendously the work done by My Team Triumph with their booth, the keynote, and the workshop. This has huge belonging for people with physical disabilities. I don't mean to negate Stacy's point. I point out a couple of these experiences for me as if there is anything I can do with the organizers of the Self-Determination Conference to help assure in upcoming years that people with physical disabilities are experiencing their expectations being met, I feel it is the role I have taken on in volunteerism. I am happy to be of service in any and every way that I can.
I know the Self-Determination Conference to be a great success of the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and the other networks they rely on. This was my first time being able to experience the Conference thanks to Adaptive Community Approach Program (ACAP) of Waukesha. When I was involved with Ben, Karen, and Micki (DHS staff), I added the breakdown that the Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities encompasses I/DD, deaf, blind, physical disabilities, alcohol and other substance abuse, and mental health. I am completely impressed with what the I/DD community has done to lead the charge on this Conference now 10 years strong. The Toolkit we presented was inspired by the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf and others through that network in how they created a Toolkit for emergency preparedness with the deaf community in mind. I think we are at the cusp of bringing these different factions of the entire disability community together like never ever before. I applaud whatever the Wisconsinites who have a physical disability want to do to propose more attraction and satisfaction with being involved as they seek to be with the event within the Conference. Thanks for making this conversation available online like this.
I got into this channel of disability services and activities through adaptive water skiing brought to our Ski Club by ACAP Waukesha 25 years ago. My work throughout the year is wildly in the realm of over 50 options for adaptive sports, recreation, hobbies, leisure, pastimes, and therapeutic activities. I am thinking that My Team Triumph has lived up to their name and perhaps created a great pathway by which to keep rolling into this direction of activities which is remarkable by and for people with physical disabilities.
Huzzah!
I totally understand what you're saying, Kurt. It'd be neat if they'd have sessions on other adaptive sports people with all abilities can partake in--such as waterskiing and power soccer. I wish I would have gotten to the emergency preparedness session-- it sounds very interesting.
Stacy,
We have over 28 programs for adaptive water skiing, and we are building a great relationship with the folks at myTeam Triumph. I completely respect that you would never partake in that, and that you have your own perspective on that. There are other groups that do power soccer and so forth. Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA) is a great group for all the team sports. To see what you missed at Emergency Preparedness, I welcome you to check out https://cpd.wisconsin.gov/toolkit.htm
If there is anything I can do to help the kick-off event and the dance to be more attractive and satisfying for all attendees with physical disabilities, I am happy to help any and all of these new ideas and interests.
Thank you for sharing your personal opinion as I believe that these are the conversations we need to be having.
The VA coordinated with the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2014 and 2015 to run a very impressive EveryBODY Plays! Adaptive Sports and Recreation Expo which evolved to over 50 experiences right on the grounds of Nathan Hale High School in West Allis. I proceed with the premise that if it is possible to do this for an event, it is possible to deliver over 50 options to folks at home all across Wisconsin and for Conference information and experiences like the Self-Determination Conference.
