Meet Emily. This karaoke singing young lady keeps busy by doing all sorts of fun activities. She loves to travel and play sports. She loves participating in activities with different groups and encourages people to join. We’re so fortunate to have her as a member of the Self-Determination Network!

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

Emily turned 30 years old on St. Patrick's Day. She has a boyfriend named Mitchell, and they have been dating for eight years. “We like to sing karaoke, go to parties and dances, and bowl together,” she says. She lives in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin now, but she’s from Illinois. She sings in a choir and also does lots of activities with Champions of Fond du Lac which is a group for people with disabilities. She enjoys taking an online cooking class every week and she also bowls.

What does Self-Determination mean to you? Why is it important? 

Emily explains that she likes to make her own decisions and vote. She wants to spend time with people she likes, and she wants to work to make money. “I want to do things for myself like shopping, deciding what I want to eat and where I want to live, and planning my activities,” she says. Her iPad is important to her, so she can do online classes, Facebook, and Facetime with her friends.

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

Emily tells us that at a recent People First meeting they talked about voting rights. She was happy to learn that she can get help filling out her ballot.

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

Emily encourages people not to be afraid to say what you want and to ask for help. Try new things and be safe online. She encourages people to join People First and go to state meetings like the Self-Determination Conference. 

What are some of your hobbies?

Emily is looking forward to getting outside more when the weather is nice. She loves to bowl and play bocce. She also likes to do chores around the house like laundry, take out the trash, get the mail, keep her room clean. she likes to travel. She tells us that they are going to Arizona in a few weeks, and in July, they are taking a train across the country to San Francisco.

***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.