In September’s Member Spotlight, we’re catching up with Mike. This amazing self-advocate is the founder of the Wisconsin AAC Network. Recently, he has become involved in government policy work, and he’s excited to see what he can do for people with disabilities. We’re so glad Mike continues to be a part of the Network.

We last shined the spotlight on you in 2017. Can you briefly reintroduce yourself and share a little bit of your story?

Mike lives in Appleton. He is the founder of the Wisconsin AAC Network. The network mission is to bring Wisconsin state holders for Augmentative Alternative Communication together to have and one voice and to share the knowledge that we have. People can go on their website at www.wisconsinaacnetwork.org to sign up and follow them on Facebook. They publish a quarterly newsletter with the happenings in the assistive technology community and Wisconsin events.

What kinds of advocacy projects are you involved with these days?

Mike tells us that he has been involved in advocating for new government policies. He is interested in anything to do with education and technology. He’s so excited to see what his involvement will mean for people with disabilities.  

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

Mike is excited to see what the US Secretary of the Education will do for the community. “We need an outsider, and a person who is willing to learn from families, adults who have been in the system themselves, and great school professionals. I think she is the perfect person for the job,” he said.

What resource can you share with us (website or article)? Why is it useful?

Mike’s favorite website right now is the AT3 Center website which is the government website for the state assistive technology programs. He explains that there is an email list that people can subscribe to which provides receive updates on each program. “I hope you enjoy it as much as I do,” he says.

What would be your dream vacation?

Mike would love to visit Japan and Japan someday.

***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.