Meet Dennis Granzen. He has the unique perspective of being on both sideshe was an avid supporter and advocate for people with disabilities, but then he found himself needing support. Having this perspective has helped him understand the importance of self-determination and advocacy. We are so fortunate to have him as a member of the Self-Determination Network!

How are you involved with self-directed supports and self-determination? Why did you join the SDNetwork?

After almost twenty years working as a supporter and advocate for people with disabilities Dennis acquired that label myself, he says. His work had been with individuals, small groups and large groups of people of all ages, from four year olds to older adults, and included their families and friends. We focused on community inclusion, focusing on how people could share their gifts and abilities with those around them, he explains.

In relation to self-determination, this meant helping people create a vision of what they wanted their life to look like, and then coming up with a plan that reflected the vision. He explains that, most of these people were either teens transitioning to adulthood, or older adults trying to find a way to fit disability into their lives. After several difficult life events, he came to fit into the second category. He says that, at this time, I dont yet need formal in home supports those are performed by my wonderful family. Right now, most of his self-advocacy efforts center around doctors and other health care providers.

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

Dennis feels that Wisconsins model to have Self Determined Supports is positive and respectful, but he says, we have to be vigilant in making sure we dont lose it to the ever shifting bureaucracy. He points out thats one of the reasons why joined the Self-Determination Network.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to direct their own supports, or who would want to be more self-determined?

After attempting to teach self-advocacy to others and then finding he needed to practice it for himself, Dennis found it harder to do than to talk about. He says, taking the time to stay calm and think through your thoughts means avoiding the urge, and expectation, to know and share the answers right away. He points out that it means accepting that things may get a little messy--maybe very messy-- before order is restored.

What message would you like to share with themembersof the SDNetwork?

One important thing Dennis has found helpful is that he does better when he involves others in his decision making. A trusted family member or friend goes a long way to making decisions that are thought through and better reflect my values, he explains. He points out that if these people respect and listen to him, the resulting decision is still his--and he feels stronger acting on and sticking to it.

What's your dream vacation?

Dennis dream vacation would be to go with his wife, older son and his girlfriend and travel to New York City to stay a week checking out the music scene. His younger son lives in Brooklyn and is studying drums and percussion at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. I then would go on with just my wife to Sanibel Island, Florida for a week to explore the sun, sand, shells and surf, he adds.

***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.