Forum Activity for @deb-wisniewski

Family members and self-determination

Open Discussion

I think you make such a great point, Terry. I especially like it when you said, "Many family members are a resource to be supported and nurtured, not just a "given." I think that's true for neighbors and allies from the community. As the loved ones in my life age, I am constantly thankful for those people in the community that are there... One of my loved ones has the best neighbors one could ask for. They help keep her lawn mowed and her driveway clear, and graciously accept the few dollars she offers them for doing it (so she doesn't feel like she's a burden). They check on her when they notice she hasn't left the house in a couple of days or her mail hasn't been taken out of her mailbox to make sure she's ok. And they are truly thankful when she shares her wonderful cooking with them, reinforcing the idea that she still has many gifts to share.

My Question is . . .

Open Discussion

I'd say focus on quality, not quantity. In other words, it's better to have a few committed members than a lot of people who really don't want to be there. Start with a few folks who really care about doing what you want to do and see where it goes from there. And be open to doing things differently than you might envision... Find out what they think you should focus on... And good luck! It's great when someone like you wants to get active on something you obviously care about.

My Question is . . .

Open Discussion

These are some great questions, Marie, and I'm going to respond with more questions!What kind of group are you interested in growing? Is it a social group? A support group? A group that is focused on finding jobs and growing careers? Or a group that wants to contribute their gifts, time & energy to the community? I think there are lots of possibilities. Give us some idea about what you'd like your group to do. Then you need to find people who care about the same thing as you do and want to act on it.In general I think the best way to get people involved is to find out what they care about enough that they actually want to do something. For example, lots of people care about the environment. But not everyone is involved in a group that actively works to clean up the environment. That doesn't make some people "good" and some people "bad". It's just that some people care enough about the environment to do something. I care about the environment and so I make a big effort to recycle, use energy-efficient lightbulbs, and keep my heat turned down at night. But I don't join clean up highways, ride my bike in the winter, or personally work on getting environmental laws changed. I'm glad other people do these things, but I have many other things I care about.Sorry for rambling on... I hope this helps!Deb

Highlights of the 3rd Annual Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

yes, it will be heldNovember 9-11, 2015at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. I think they will probably start sharing info about it in June.

Highlights of the 3rd Annual Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

Congratulations on receiving the Self-Advocacy Award, Jennifer! From what I know about you already, I can see you deserved it. Keep up the good work!Deb

Highlights of the 3rd Annual Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

Glad you were at the conference. What did you like about the Conference, Marie? Was there anything that you learned or anyone you talked with that was particularly helpful?

Highlights of the 3rd Annual Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

The 3rd Annual Self-Determination Conference took place in Wisconsin Dells on Nov. 8-10, 2010. What were some of the highlights of the conference for you? What are you going to do with the information, ideas, resources, contacts you got from the conference?
updated by @deb-wisniewski: 02/23/16 03:06:00AM

The ADA and Health

Resources

Thanks to theDBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center (www.adagreatlakes.org) for the following information:
updated by @deb-wisniewski: 02/23/16 03:06:00AM

The NYLN & The Youth Empowerment Press

Resources

Here's a great new resource from the National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN). Here's how they describe themselves: "The NYLNis a non-profit organization led by young leaders with disabilities.We are youth-run, youth-led, youth-driven. Our members live all over the United States and its territories. NYLN promotes youth leadership, education, and advocacy. We make sure that youth with disabilities know how to set and reach their own goals."
updated by @deb-wisniewski: 02/23/16 03:06:00AM