Meet Lisa.  This dedicated mother full-heartedly believes in self-determination.  She has seen it do amazing things for her daughter.  She encourages people to be patient in understanding communication cues while discussing self-direction.  She also believes in the power of collaboration.  We’re so fortunate to have Lisa as a member of the Network.   

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

Lisa is involved with Self Determination because she believes people have a right to direct their own lives.  She explains that the thought of her adult daughter, Kelsey, living in a situation where she had no power to choose how she lives her life was simply not an option.  Through their involvement in, and utilization of, self-directed long-term support programs, Kelsey has crafted a life of community integration, natural relationships and supports.  She points out that being non-verbal does NOT limit her negotiating skills and this is what Lisa absolutely loves about her.  “It is because of Kelsey that I want self-determination for everyone – I only wish I had as much self-determination for myself,” she says.

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

Lisa thinks the perspective and self-determination of the family caregiver all too often gets lost or pushed to the way-side.  She explains that one of the definitions of Self-Determination in the dictionary is “[self-de·ter·mi·na·tion] noun - the process by which a person controls their own life.”  Through her involvement with Respite Care Association of Wisconsin and subsequent collaborations, she hopes to create greater awareness of the need for family caregivers to also achieve self-direction.   

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

A tip Lisa would like to share is to be patient and intentional in understanding communication cues in regards to living a self-directed life-- especially for those who have difficulty communicating verbally.  She explains that daughter communicates with her eyes, her behaviors, her interactions, her voice inflection – she knows with parents and guardians this comes more naturally – but to some others, this is the key to opening up many worlds for individuals with disabilities. It’s about going into it understanding it’s not always going to be an easy path (at least not in her household).

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

Lisa believes in the power of collaboration.  She explains that great things happen when shared or related visions are addressed from multiple perspectives.  She shares this quote with us: "It is the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) that those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed." – Charles Darwin

 What are some of your hobbies?

“Good question.  Who has time for hobbies,” Lisa jokes.  This is a growth area for me, but she did recently start listening to audio-books, both fiction and non-fiction, as it is a form of respite to her from the world and herself.  “Ask me again a year from now,” she says.

***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.