Meet David. This seasoned self-advocate has played an integral role in many of the positive changes for people with disabilities in Wisconsin. Due to the trauma he endured working in a sheltered workshop for eight years, he has made it his mission to end subminimum wage in the state. We’re so fortunate to have David as a member of the Network!

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

David shares that he was employed at a sheltered workshop from 2003 to 2011 in Manawa, Wisconsin. He explains that he sometimes made just $48 a week for stapling, labeling, and packaging products. “If anyone realizes how bad I was treated at a sheltered workshop claiming to be Christian and agrees sheltered workshops should continue, [they] obviously never worked at one,” he tells us. “It’s discouraging to see people being treated like they are 5 years old at a sheltered workshop.”

When David was in his early 30s, he abruptly stopped subminimum wage work in 2011 when he was hired by McDonald’s.  He shares that he’s now making $15 per hour. He’s quick to point out, though, that there are still 39 workshops in Wisconsin with over 2,000 disabled employees who are being paid less than minimum wage.

How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?

David became involved in self-determination in 2011 when his rights were trampled on by a sheltered workshop.  He knew he deserved and he fought for better circumstances for himself. Since then, he has been instrumental in getting many things going. Supported Decision Making, ABLE accounts, and the Medicaid Purchase Plans (MAPP) are all things that he has been involved in making come to life in Wisconsin.

Currently, due to the trauma he has from working in the sheltered workshop, he is trying to get 14c (which is provision that allows some employers to pay subminimum wage) phased out permanently in Wisconsin.

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

David believes Wisconsin is moving in the right direction with eliminating penalties for MAPP, creating an ABLE account program, and allowing assets for inheritance.

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

David encourages people to stay focused on what she/he wants to accomplish. If you keep working towards it, you will succeed!

What are some of your hobbies?

In his spare time, David enjoys taking long drives.

***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.