Meet Kevin. This music-loving father loves watching his son succeed. He not only advocates with his son, but, as the director of an IRIS Consultant Agency, he also works with others with disabilities to ensure they have the support to be able to live and work in the community. He tells people that it’s OK to fail sometimes because failures often lead to some of life’s most important lessons. We’re so fortunate to have Kevin as a member of the Network!

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

Kevin is the Director at Connections, an IRiS Consultant Agency.  He’s the father of Tyler, a 26-year-old with intellectual disabilities. He shares that since Tyler was born, they have had expectations for him and expected those that interacted with Tyler to also have expectations. Tyler has his own shredding business. “We advocate with Tyler, not for Tyler,” he says. 

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

Kevin explains that when Tyler was born, they knew they needed to educate themselves to ensure he would have the best quality of life possible.  He applied for and was accepted to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) where he spent eight years on the Board including two years as Chair. “I learned a great deal that not only enhanced Tyler's life, but also those we got to know and share things via social media,” he says. He joined the SD Network to remain informed about what is going on and to be able to share some of the experiences that we found beneficial. 

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

Kevin explains that Tyler has completed his first couple of shredding jobs and generated income. “When I see how excited he is while shredding, I know that it is giving purpose to his life,” he tells us. Working in the IRIS program, he explains that he sees great successes of people living independently and having community integrated employment with the necessary support.   

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

Kevin reminds people that it is OK to try and fail. He explains that the best lessons he has learned in life are from his failures. Never be afraid to ask for help. “There are times I need to ask for help and it helps me make a more informed decision,” he says.   

What are some of your hobbies?

With the pandemic slowly moving behind us, Kevin is looking forward to listening to live music again—it does not matter if it is a church festival, Summerfest stages or a major concert.  If things work out, we plan to go to either Memphis or Nashville in August.

***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.