Meet InControl Wisconsin board member, Jim Canales.  When he’s not busy serving his community, he enjoys doing such things as biking, gardening, and hanging out with friends.  He has seen self-determination transform from a far fetched concept to an actual movement that has provided opportunities for many people to live self-determined lives.  He encourages people to keep conversations about his/her desires and wishes for self-determination going, so they can actually happen.  We’re so fortunate to have Jim as a member of the Self-Determination Network.

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

 Jim originally became involved with Self-Determination through his work as the CEO of Community Care of Central Wisconsin, now known as INCLUSA. He explains that Community Care of Central Wisconsin (CCCW) grew out of one of eight original Family Care pilots operating in Portage County, WI. The organization believed that Self-Determination was not just a concept to consider, or to use as an add on to the managed care service. Rather, Self-Determination became a valued component of their offering to their participants, or members. As a result, Self-Determination was offered and used by a good percentage of members, either through Family Care or a distinct SDS option.  When he retired in 2016, he felt really good about how Self-Determination worked for their members.

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

Jim shares that the good news is that self-determination moved on from a concept in Wisconsin Long-Term Care circles in the late 1980’s to an actual movement that has provided opportunities for so many Wisconsin residents to live self-determined lives. “The fact that there is a Self-Determination Network and so many people working to support SDS is great news,” he says.

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

Jim encourages people who want to become more self-determined in his or her life to make sure that those around you--your circle of friends and support--know what your desires and wishes for living a self-determined life are--and that you keep those conversations at the forefront of your life so that it can actually happen.

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

Jim’s involvement with self-determination has continued in retirement with his involvement with the InControl Board. He says, “this is a really dedicated group of individuals whose purpose is to keep Self Determination in the forefront of conversation when it comes to the provision of long term care opportunities for residents across Wisconsin.”

What are some of your hobbies?

In addition to his involvement with the InControl Board, Jim enjoys serving his community (Stevens Point) by being a part of the Community Foundation and Green Circle Boards, and by hosting a long time radio show on 90FM WWSP called “The Acoustic Revival” every other Sunday morning. He loves to ride his bicycle, tend to his flower gardens, attend live music performances, walk his dogs, ride trains, cook, catch fish, feed the birds, talk to his daughters, hang out with friends, and pick at his guitar.  

***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.