Meet Don and Tyler.  For this dynamic father/son duo, it’s all about sports.  Tyler is a multi sport Special Olympian and has competed all around the world.  This talented athlete has run multiple marathons and gearing up for the World Track & Field Championships in Australia!  For dad, Don, volunteering with Special Olympics ultimately led to a career switch, so he could make an impact in the lives of people with disabilities.  He and his wife raised Tyler in a way that always prepared him to be on his own, and he is very proud that Tyler is living independently.  It’s not easy, but he encourages parents to push children and help them grow to be productive members of society!  We’re so fortunate to have Don as a member of the Network! 

What's your story?  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Don is the proud father three adult children—two boys and a girl.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, but, after volunteering for seven years with the organization, in 2010, he became the Vice President of Sports & Health Programs with Special Olympics Wisconsin.  He made the switch to the non-profit to make an impact in the lives of people with disabilities.  His middle child, Tyler, is a Special Olympian.

Tyler lives independently in a condo with the assistance of a part-time caregiver.  He works in the online ordering department at Woodmans.  He participates in Special Olympics and has competed in over nine sports including track, bowling, alpine skiing, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and flag football.  He went to the 2014 Special Olympics USA games and won a gold medal on the state flag football team.  As the Special Olympics Wisconsin Health Leader and Global Ambassador, he promotes healthy lifestyle and spreads the positive message of Special Olympics. He has raced in multiple half-marathons (best time 1hr 36min) and one full marathon (3hr 39min). He has competed in world level competitions in track (Ecuador) and half-marathon Portugal) and is currently training for the World Track & Field Championships for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Australia this October. 

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

Don shares that he has always been a strong proponent of finding ways for individuals to help create and fulfill their life dreams. He explains that he and his wife raised Tyler in a way that they were always preparing him to be able to live on his own, and their school district did a very good helping Tyler learn work skills that transitioned in many years at Panera Bread and now Woodman’s. “Tyler loves being productive and bring home a paycheck. He had been planning on moving out for several years and last October that dream because a reality,” he says.

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

Don is extremely proud that Tyler is living on his own.  He explains that young adults of any ability dream of moving out from mom/dad’s house and living independently. Young adults with disabilities are no different.

For Tyler, the Paralympic running experience has been pretty exciting. He is able to travel on his own with the USA Team. 

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

Don encourages parents not to treat your child different just because they have a disability. He says to push them and help them grow to be productive members of society that will someday not need mom or dad. “That is hard as parents. Especially when you have a child with a disability. Also help prepare them for life without you,” he says. 

What are some of your hobbies?  

In his free time, Don enjoys reading, doing crosswords, hiking, and watching sports.  When Tyler isn’t busy working or training, he enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends. 

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