Meet Jennifer Kuhr.  This disability advocate extraordinaire fully encompasses the definition of self-determination.  In addition to pursuing her second college degree, not only is she actively involved in People First Wisconsin, she was also recently elected to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.  She believes that everyone should have choices in how their life is run and she fully believes in the power of self-determination.  We’re so fortunate to have her as a member of the Network.   

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

Jennifer was asked three or four years ago by Deb Wisniewski to help her in a breakout session at the Self Determination Conference.  She had a great time helping people sign up for the Network.  Jennifer joined the Network so she could help others as well as herself learn about self-determination.   “I have been an advocate most of my life,” she says. She has been involved in People First and the State People First of Wisconsin for over 11 years now. She wants everyone with and without a disability to have a say in how their life is ran--not to have someone else tell us who we can and cannot be with or what we do in our daily life.   She has attended most of the first Self Determination Conferences.   “I have seen with my own eyes how much self-determination can do to impact a person with a disability,” Jennifer explains.

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

Jennifer is currently attending Fox Valley Technical College pursuing her second degree. My first degree is a technical one-year Office Assistant and she’s working on getting her associates degree to be an Administrative Assistant.

In addition to her schooling, Jennifer was recently elected to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD).  This is a huge honor that she’s extremely proud of.

Jennifer also mentioned that she has been happily married to her husband for 10 years now. They met through People First Wisconsin.

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

The tip Jennifer would give to people is not to give up on what you want.  She was told in second grade by her special education teacher that she wouldn’t be able to do things like graduate high school, go to college, drive, live on her own and get married. She has done all of those things and then some. “I turned that thinking that this teacher had for me and used it to my benefit-- wish she could see me now,” she says.

Jennifer suggests that people use their friends and family for support. She loves how the BPDD has helped her tremendously in her life. She recommends the BPDD and Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) for assistance.

What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?

The message Jennifer would like to share is go for your dreams in whatever they may be. She explains that people can do anything if their put your mind and soul into it. “I hope you don’t get discouraged and give up. I want you to succeed like I am doing,” she says.

What are some of your hobbies?

Jennifer loves being a part of the Self-Determination Network, and she’s enjoying her new position on the BPDD.  In her free time, she loves to read, spend time with her husband and two animals--a cat named Sassy and a dog named Dylan. In addition to everything else she does, Jennifer also enjoys being a part of People First Wisconsin. She is the current President for People First of Wisconsin also the Vice President for her local People First group.

 ***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.