Meet InControl Wisconsin board member, Terry Lynch.  Having worked in the disability field for many years, he has had a vital role in supporting independent living and self-determination.  The extensive list of advocacy boards he has served on is a testament to his dedication to the disability community.  When he’s not busy doing advocacy work, you’ll find him at a local coffee shop conversing with others.  We’re so lucky to have him as a part of InControl Wisconsin.

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

Terry has been promoting the independent living cause since 1977, when he served as Assistant to the Director of the White House Conference on Individuals with Disabilities. He then managed a federal government disability rights program and had a key role in the establishment of the National Disability Rights Network. Terry returned to Wisconsin in 1985 to begin his consulting and speaking business.  His writing and his work in the self-determination movement are founded on this illuminating personal experience, as well as his work with other families. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle appointed Terry to the state’s Board on Aging and Long-term Care in 2006 and to its Quality Home Care Authority Board in 2009. Terry is a Board member of a national advocacy organization dedicated to elevating the status and wages of direct care workers and is engaged in shaping policy advocacy for the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin.  He assists Connections with issues related to effective support  for older adults participating in IRIS. He also is a founding member of InControl Wisconsin.

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

Terry shared that InControl Wisconsin recently held its fifth well-regarded conference on self-determination and aging. He explained that the conference was enriched by Simon Duffy, the founder of In Control in the United Kingdom, who traveled to Wisconsin to spend several days with a number of organizations, concluding with an inspirational keynote presentation at the conference-- and highlighting the pioneering aspect of Wisconsin's contribution to the advancement of empowered aging.   

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

A tip Terry would like to share is that "Dementia"-- a prominent medical issue among older adults-- is not a diagnosis.  He explains that it refers to symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion.  “Alzheimer's, of course, is a frequent cause, but dementia can be caused by other, treatable, medical problems, such as alcohol abuse, depression, vitamin deficiency and adverse reactions to medications,” he says. 

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

Terry’s definition of self-determination is based on his experiences with his mother.  He defines self-determination as, "the most control possible over the best possible life."  He explains that this was their realistic "dream" and he believes it is what we all should be striving for in our support for people of all ages in Wisconsin's long-term care programs.   

What are some of your hobbies?

Terry loves spending time in the greatest meeting place he has known: a popular Racine coffee shop which attracts people of all ages. He shares that it is a remarkable source of community support for older adults (such as himself he jokes) and others with difficulty living life without some additional assistance.  “And its coffee and pastry are superb,” 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.