Member Spotlight: Emily
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Emily is involved with self-determination through her work with people with disabilities in the community, and helping keep them independent and living happy healthy lives. Living with a disability herself, she has always been a self-determined person in her own life as well. She joined the SD Network because she feels that it's very important for people to have self-determined lives no matter, and this network helps foster that idea which is beneficial.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Emily explains that she has defied the odds that doctors set out for her. Doctors said that there was no way she would be able to earn a college degree. It took her a little longer than most, but she received a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Social Work, and she’s planning to get a Master’s degree in the near future. She has a job that she loves and she owns a house.
As for the state of Wisconsin, Emily feels that we are moving in an exciting direction with people with disabilities and self-determination in the field of employment. She explains that there are a lot of programs out there that can help people with disabilities find employment. She recently attended an event at the capitol where some programs were proposed by people with disabilities. One of the proposed programs was a certification program for people with disabilities to do CNA and personal care work. “I think this could help with the shortage in personal care workers in the state, especially, if it can be expanded to other areas of the state,” she says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
“Fight for what you want,” Emily says. She explains that there may be a lot of push back from people around you who don't understand or want you to succeed. She says to ignore them and keep pushing. She explains that’s the technique she used succeed in college.
Emily also recommends being educated and always willing to learn from others. “Use your mouth or communications devices to be heard, whatever it takes so that you can achieve the goals and life you want to live and be happy in,” she says. She has also been involved Partners in Policymaking which has helped her become a stronger self-advocate, and learn how to better have her voice heard with those on a higher level.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Emily encourages people to keep communicating and networking with each other. She thinks that, together, as a strong group of people, we can do what we set our minds to. “You may not agree with who is in power, or what they are doing, but they don't know that until you voice your opinion,” she says. Also, she encourages people not to be afraid to voice their opinions, and be willing to work with and educate people in order to work together to get what they want. “It might not happen today, but it could in the future. No one knows it's a problem, though, until someone voices it, but it has to be done in a constructive way,” she explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of Emily’s hobbies include reading, watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family. She also likes to do loom knitting. She has two cats that she rescued from different places in the community who she loves to death. She enjoys traveling and seeing new places. She has met a lot of friends and learned how be more self-determined by attending conferences and other events around the state. She also loves being involved in supporting Special Olympics in a number of different ways. She loves being out in the community!
***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.
