Category: Member Spotlight
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Steven is an author with cerebral palsy who has seven published books (It’s New Life! My Mom Is Gone, I Found Love, and Why Did It Happen are available on Amazon). He explains that Morse code is how he writes using his head since he’s unable to use his hands. Currently, he’s working on his fourteenth manuscript. He has a literary agent and a publisher. He lives independently in Madison, Wisconsin, and he has a bachelor of science with a writing minor from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a Liberal Arts degree from Madison College. He shares that the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) labelled him as unemployable at the age of eighteen. “I was shown the door. I needed a way to access a computer,” he explains. In high school, he dictated to an aide and his mother to do his homework assignments and tests. He graduated from high school with honors. He explains that after high school, he sat at home for two years feeling sorry for himself and watching TV. I was angry at the world. He tells us that his mother made him read during the day. He read Sports Illustrated, sports autobiographies, and books. “One day mom pulled out My Left Foot by Christy Brown. Christy had cerebral palsy. He painted and wrote with his left foot. Christy didn't go to school, wanted friends, and questioned whether to live or not. I laughed and cried while I read the book. It made up my mind about becoming a writer and publishing my own book,” he says. He wanted to become Christy Brown.
“Going to college was my dream. I would cry about going to college,” he tells us. His mother would pay for his education and devoted her life to him. He explains that she bought houses, moved, purchased computers, shoveled snow, turned countless pages, and took care of him without any help or a vacation for thirty years. She never complained.
In college, Steven was a part-time student taking six or nine credits a semester and earned A's and B's in his classes determined to prove DVR wrong. He shares that some of the instructors didn't want him in their class or didn't believe he could do the work. Luckily, he found some instructors willing to teach him. “I had to prove to myself, classmates, and instructors that I did belong,” he says.
Steven’s uncle found a disabled woman who ran a nonprofit computer clinic in Chicago. He explains that she invited him to try out computers over the summer. He and his mom would travel to Chicago to try out computers. He tried out a voice recognition computer. The first sentence he ever wrote was, "I am a writer." His mother brought him the ten thousand dollar computer. It was slow since he spelled each letter of each word and he had to pronounce every command exactly the same way or the computer wouldn't work. His instructors allowed him to write his exams at home giving him extra time to write, but his didn't ask for an extension to write his papers. “I always worked ahead. I never wanted any special treatment,” he tells us.
After earning his associate degree from Madison College, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. “I needed to learn how to write. Point has a writing emphasis program meaning I had to write in every class. Then the acclaimed novelist Larry Watson taught me how to write,” he explains. He met four life-long friends while attending Stevens Point who are his inspiration. “They believed in the impossible dream. Without them, I'm nothing. They made me grow up after my mother died and I became independent,” he shares. He graduated from Stevens Point with honors. It was bittersweet. He did it, but college was over. It was time to write. He explains that he needed to adjust from being a student to a writer. In college, he saw people every day, but now he was homebound. He wrote his first manuscript and became a hermit. For eighteen years, he critiqued papers for some instructors at Madison College. They paid him out of their pockets since he would have needed an education degree to be hired by the college. He shares that speech had deteriorated even though he wanted to be a tutor working with the students. He was an author and going back to school wasn't an option. He was a writer writing and working. “When I wasn't critiquing, I was writing. My classmates always reminded me I was an author even though Special Needs college advisors told me to go back to school,” he says.
He kept writing and publishing, but he needed a literary agent to get my books in bookstores and be on TV. He shares that for years, he queried agents only to be rejected. Then, he attended a writing conference hosted by the UW. Every April, he went to the conference learning his craft, pitching manuscripts to agents, and meeting people from all over the country. “It was the highlight of my year. I worked the entire year for three days in April,” he tells us. His eighth year attending the conference, an agent offered to "coach" him. For two months, he rewrote and edited a few children's manuscripts, but the agent kept making changes. He wanted to quit, but his classmates reminded him that he wanted this. Then, he received a contract from the agent one night when he was critiquing papers. He said, "Yes." He emailed family and friends telling them he had an agent. He recalls his mother woke up to help him to bed and he said, "I have an agent!"
At the same time, voice recognition software wasn't made anymore. He explains that an occupational therapist at the Wiasman Center introduced him to Morse code as an input device. It was cheap. In two weeks, he learned Morse code. A month later, he was writing using Morse code. It allowed him to edit, email, surf the Internet, and write without any help. He tells us that he was able to write more with accuracy and write at night. It is hard for him to talk after dinner, but Morse code enabled him to write at night.
Steven’s agent asked him to write a middle grade manuscript. He wrote the first draft of the manuscript in four months. His agent tore it all apart. He started to rewrite it when his mother died after a brief illness.
After his mother’s death, he says he turned into an adult making all of his decisions. Within a month, he hired a care agency, adjusted to having caregivers, chose a home, moved, started living with roommates, and buried his mother. Then, he started to write again. In eight months, he wrote two manuscripts and publish them. He shares that he wrote at night when the group home was quiet.
On the anniversary of his mother's death, Steven started going to places like the Memorial Union and bars. He was exhausted from writing and needed people in his life. He tells us that a bar "adopted" him, giving him free drinks and serving him when they weren't busy. He met some guys and they watched the Packers games together. Then, he started going to the farmers' market buying vegetables every Saturday morning and the Bartell Theater became a favorite place of his. A play writing group invited him to join the group. “In a year, I had created a new life with people who love me. I was never home,” he says.
Steven admits that living in a group home was hard at times even though he had two rooms which is unheard of, but his care agency saw how passionate he was about his writing career. He had an office and a bedroom. He tells us that the office was a man cave with a big screen TV. I wrote and watched sports. It was nice, but he lived with two less than ideal roommates who couldn't be outside alone and had no responsibilities. “I'm my own guardian. I can do what I want and when I want, but I have to handle everything from reviews and the endless stream of paperwork. If there is an issue with the electric wheelchair, care, or SSI, it is my job to take care of things. Everything is on me. Plus, I have to write,” he explains.
Steven shares that caregivers come and go like the wind. “I have been called a "racist" and "I'm selfish, awful, and no one loves me," by some attendants,” he says.
He felt like he lived in two different worlds. When his care agency changed its policy of having women visit in the home, he felt trapped. He explains that the agency didn't tell him this until after he had a visitor and his caregivers threw her out. “I was informed by the agency that if I wanted to be with a woman I had to go to a hotel without the help of the staff. That made it impossible. Then I couldn't have a woman over to socialize. It was the last straw,” he tells us.
He found a new apartment building going up and applied to Movin' Out and hired a new care agency.
For two years, Steven has lived independently. “I love it,” he says. He has revised four manuscripts and a play. He shares with us that a manuscript is being read by publishers and a play might be staged in February at the Bartell Theater. “I'm writing another manuscript. I'm still looking for my friend. We'll see,” he tells us.
In a year, Steven thinks he’ll probably have to return to a group home due to the cuts to Medicaid. “It makes me question whether to live or not. I can't make up my mind. I have seven more months to live. Then I might end my life even though I don't want to,” he sadly says.
How did you become involved in self-determination? What made you join the SD Network?
Steven joined the Network in hopes of meeting new people. He feels you have to advocate for yourself when you're disabled. He explains that some people are mean to people with disabilities, but the vast majority of people do care about them. “My job is to speak for those who don't have a voice. Our representatives know who I am, including the president. I write about the disabled to show others that we have the same dreams, needs and desires like everyone else. Sadly, most of us will be dead in a year. The elimination of Medicaid will change the world of their lives. I hope my words will be heard someday. We do matter, and deserve good care in order to live. I will always live. I'll have to pay for them to give a tax break for the upper class. It is unfair,” he tells us.
What is the most exciting thing in your life involving self-determination?
For Steven, the most exciting thing is receiving nice rejections from New York publishers wishing him the best and promising he will find the right publisher. “I don't have much time left but at least I have hope of being a New York author. That's the dream. It would be the biggest challenge. I want it, but time is uncertain now. Steven Salmon, the New York author has a great ring to it,” he tells us. According to him, he loves sitting at a bar telling a person what he does. He explains that they Googled his name on their phone and their eyes lit up.
What is a tip or a resource you would tell someone who wants to be self-determined?
Steven says to never give up. He encourages people to keep working towards what they want.
What are some of your hobbies?
Steven loves watching football and basketball. He also enjoys being outside, going to movies, listening to music, dancing, reading, and being with friends. “I also love women,” he adds with a smirk!
***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.
We last shined the spotlight on you in 2017. Can you briefly reintroduce yourself and share a little bit of your story?
Mike lives in Appleton. He is the founder of the Wisconsin AAC Network. The network mission is to bring Wisconsin state holders for Augmentative Alternative Communication together to have and one voice and to share the knowledge that we have. People can go on their website at www.wisconsinaacnetwork.org to sign up and follow them on Facebook. They publish a quarterly newsletter with the happenings in the assistive technology community and Wisconsin events.
What kinds of advocacy projects are you involved with these days?
Mike tells us that he has been involved in advocating for new government policies. He is interested in anything to do with education and technology. He’s so excited to see what his involvement will mean for people with disabilities.
Tell me some good news – what’s the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Mike is excited to see what the US Secretary of the Education will do for the community. “We need an outsider, and a person who is willing to learn from families, adults who have been in the system themselves, and great school professionals. I think she is the perfect person for the job,” he said.
What resource can you share with us (website or article)? Why is it useful?
Mike’s favorite website right now is the AT3 Center website which is the government website for the state assistive technology programs. He explains that there is an email list that people can subscribe to which provides receive updates on each program. “I hope you enjoy it as much as I do,” he says.
What would be your dream vacation?
Mike would love to visit Japan and Germany someday.
***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.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Autumn was born and raised in the small rural town of Shiocton, Wisconsin. She explains that during her junior year of high school, she was driving home from her sister’s house when she hit a patch of black ice. “My car lost control, hit a culvert, and flipped. I was thrown about 60 feet—and that moment changed everything. It was the start of my disability journey. I sustained multiple injuries including a T8–T9 spinal cord injury and was instantly paralyzed from the waist down,” she shares.
It’s been quite the journey for her. She tells us that her journey has been one full of trial and error, a ton of advocacy, and a lot of personal struggles and growth. After her accident, she finished high school, went to college, got my associate’s and then my bachelor’s degree, and eventually entered the workforce—which came with its own set of challenges.
Autumn has held a lot of different roles and job titles over the years, but the one she’s most proud of is Mom. She has a 12-year-old son who she homeschools, and she’s so thankful for the time she gets to spend with him. She shares that parenting in a wheelchair definitely comes with some unique barriers. “I hope to help break some of those down by bringing more awareness to them,” she says.
Another current role she’s really proud of is Advocacy Coordinator at Options for Independent Living. She explains that Options was there for her shortly after her injury and has been part of her life ever since. Now, she gets to be on the other side—supporting other people with disabilities and helping them live more independently.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Autumn’s mom taught her early on that her voice was powerful and that her choices were her own— and she’s forever thankful for that. “I was still in the hospital and she taught me that I had the right to speak up for what I needed and wanted. That carried through high school, college, and into my work life,” she says.
“That mindset stuck with me—my body, my choice. My home, my food, my education, my medication, etc.,” she tells us. Self-determination has always been a big part of how Autumn lives her life because it gives her a say in what’s happening to and around her. It’s how she lives my best life—and it’s also become a part of her career.
She joined the Self-Determination Network to be part of a community of people who believe in that same power. She has learned a lot over the years through lived experience—advocating for myself, facing barriers, and building resilience. She explains that she has had to speak up, ask for what she needs, and keep going even when things are hard. She wants to keep growing those skills, connect with others who “get it,” and help raise up and build other strong voices along the way.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Autumn says that she’s really excited about how she gets to use her voice in the places that matter most to her—and proud to help others, especially her son, find theirs too. She explains that at just 12, he’s already becoming a strong advocate. Helping others through her story gives her a strong sense of purpose. She always says, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” –she believes a reason she’s here is to help educate people on some of the things in our world that people just are not aware of.
Another major excitement for her is the self-advocacy classes they offer at Options. “The curriculum was created by people with disabilities—by us—for us. Self‑advocacy doesn’t always come easily and having a community where we learn with and from one another is incredibly powerful,” she explains.
Autumn is really proud of the advocates in Wisconsin right now. “We’re a fierce group of people, and the power of community and coming together really can make that difference. There’s strength in numbers, and I see that every day in the work we do and the voices that continue to rise,” she says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Autumn points out that if people are here, they probably already know about the Self-Determination Network—which is a great start! When it comes to finding support locally, she explains that it really depends on where you live. She suggests that people start by searching online, checking social media, and looking for community spaces where disability voices are present. “I’ve honestly found some of my best supporters and teachers through online communities,” she explains.
She also points out that Wisconsin also has incredible organizations like the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), Disability Rights Wisconsin, and our local Independent Living Centers. These groups offer resources, advocacy, and connections that can really help you grow in your self-determination journey. “No matter where you are, finding people and organizations who truly understand disability and self-determination makes all the difference,” she exclaims!
What are some of your hobbies?
Personal hobbies for Autumn can feel hard to come by these days, but she does love being out in nature whenever she can. She loves to grow plants and her summer garden on her deck is one of her favorite things to watch grow! “And honestly, eating homemade tableside guac might qualify as a hobby at this point,” she jokes.
She also really enjoys baking. She shares that her grandma taught her when she was young, and it's something that’s always stuck with her. When she went gluten-free, it became a challenge—but after a lot of trial and error, she has figured out the right touch for gluten-free baking. “When I have the time, it’s something I genuinely love doing,” 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.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2025, Karyn lives in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The youngest of six siblings, she was born in Nicaragua, but raised in Wisconsin. She shares that she was born with Cerebral Palsy from birth and has been navigating life with a physical and visible disability. She received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Human Development and Family Studies, and she works as a Behavioral Health Specialist. Now preparing to begin her master’s in social work at UW-Milwaukee, a long-term goal is to become a certified crisis clinician for a police department.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
As someone who is strongly self-determined, Karyn tells us that she’s always looking to learn something new educationally and vocationally. Growing up, she has faced many obstacles and society’s opinions on how someone with a physical disability should live their life. “My own self- determination has motivated me to continue breaking negative stigma about disability; to grow my voice to be the healing and guidance of many. No one is bound to their labeled disability and anything and everything is possible if you believe it,” she says.
Joining the SD Network gives Karyn the opportunity to share her platform: Disability Inclusivity and Society as the new title holder, “Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2025.” It also gives her the opportunity to diminish the negative label on the disability community by showcasing that any individual regardless of their type of disability can and will achieve anything and triumph in every battle. “I am here, not so that people believe in me, but that they can believe in themselves as ambassadors to empower change in the good of all,” she says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
The most exciting thing that is currently happening for Karyn is exploring the journey of a lifetime as the new titleholder Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2025.
There is a need of a voice. A voice that speaks for the many. A voice that stands for the power within the disabled community. There is great light. There is great strength, I see it long and far. The many with the label disability will know. Know that they can stand up. They can fight for equality. They will fight for the end of stigma. There shall be no more marginalization. I stand to defend the many hearts out there with a greater fight than I. To be, to help, to deliver, to heal and to create awareness. I will not stop fighting until every voice out there is heard. -Karyn
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Karyn has a couple of tips for people who want to become more self-determined. They include: setting goals for yourself, challenging yourself to try new things that may be outside of your comfort zone, and build a positive and valuable support network with those that will help with seeing your potential as well as push you to grow.
What are some of your hobbies?
In her spare time, Karyn enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, going on sporadic adventures, trying new foods, and nature walks in the summertime.
***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.
We last shined the spotlight on you in 2015. Can you briefly reintroduce yourself and share a little bit of your story?
Jason Endres lives in Eau Claire with his wife Julie and their service dog Pinky Jellybean. He shares that he’s a self-advocate for himself, but he truly advocates for others that cannot speak for themselves.
What kinds of advocacy projects are you involved with these days?
Right now, like everyone, Jason is advocating for Medicaid not to be dismantled. “Losing just one part of Medicaid will harmful for many people in the country,” he says.
Statewide, Jason has been working with the Independent Living Council of Wisconsin. He explains that when he was appointed to be on the Council, they were a real mess and was in jeopardy of losing money from the federal government for not sending in reports and not having the right number of people on Council. “I helped with turning the council around and made many changes, so when I have to leave the Council in July, I feel I did my part,” he tells us.
Tell me some good news – what’s the most exciting happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination
It’s really hard for Jason to think of exciting news for himself—especially in the political climate we are in right now—but, if he had to choose one, it’s helping his sister find resources for his nephew, Nick. He explains that Nick was having a real hard time at school, so he helped him get tested for Autism. It turns out that his nephew was diagnosed when he was 13 years old. “So, we are all learning what’s best for Nick,” he says.
What resource can you share with us (website or article)? Why is it useful?
A resource Jason often recommends to people is the Independent Living Council of Wisconsin website. He explains that the Council does do a great deal of collaborating between the eight Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin. They are always looking for new board members, so if you are interested in finding out more details, he suggests going to their website.
What would be your dream vacation?
Jason has two dream vacations. The first one is going to Australia, and the second is going Hawaii.
***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.
Meet Lauren. This resilient author found her happy place at camp when she was a kid. She graduated from college, worked in nonprofit marketing for years, and now is a camp coordinator for a weeklong summer camp and weekend camps for adults with neuromuscular diseases. She and her friends are hosting a wheelchair accessible wellness and nature camp coming up in April. We are so fortunate to have her as a member of the Network.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself
Lauren lives with spinal muscular atrophy type II and has been a power wheelchair user since the age of four. An only child of two incredibly supportive parents, she grew up in New Lisbon, a small, rural town in central Wisconsin. She explains that she had a fairly typical childhood, aside from relatively frequent hospital stays and a few major surgeries. “The highlight of my year was attending MDA Summer Camp where I spent a week with kids like me and was introduced to mentors with similar disabilities who attended college and inspired me to do the same,” she tells us. After high school, she moved almost two hours away to pursue a degree and independence at UW–Whitewater. Not only did she earn a BA in multimedia digital art, but the skills to live independently with a team of caregivers. Shortly after graduation, she met her partner of 15 years and moved to Janesville, where she currently resides. She worked for 14 years in nonprofit marketing until recently retiring to focus on her health. Last spring, her partner and full-time caregiver passed away unexpectedly. In order to remain independent and stay in her home, she recruited and hired a team of 10 personal care assistants from scratch thanks to Family Care's SDS program. After seven months of living with her parents so they could care for her while she grieved and recruited caregivers, she’s incredibly grateful to be living on her own with the support of her amazing team, with her two dogs, in her home of 11 years.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Lauren is currently one of two camp coordinators for With A Little Help, Inc., an organization that provides a weeklong summer camp and weekend camps for adults with neuromuscular diseases. More information can be found at walh.org
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Lauren and some friends are also hosting a wheelchair accessible wellness and nature retreat April 25th–27th at Easter Seals Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin Dells, WI. This weekend-long retreat experience will offer professionally led group sessions and workshops focusing on mental health, nature immersion, and community building for individuals of all abilities, as well as access to miles of paved nature trails, nourishing homemade meals, and fully accessible accommodations. More information and registration can be found at bit.ly/retreatable
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
In 2015, Lauren wrote and self–published a children's book entitled The Out Of Reach Peach by Lauren Oh. She explains that it was originally created as a baby shower gift for her best friend's first child, and the story follows, Leon, an owl who doesn't let his uniquely small wings prevent him from going on adventures and conquering challenges with the help of his new friends. The book is available now on Amazon.
What are some of your hobbies?
Lauren loves art of all kinds and enjoy writing, photography, and creating digital art. She also enjoys anything involving nature including going on trail walks and gardening. She and her partner used to enjoy traveling, camping, and attending music festivals in our converted shuttle bus camper.
***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.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Rose shares that she wouldn’t be surprised if she was misdiagnosed with having an intellectual disability at a younger age, but she was diagnosed with ADHD when she was 13 and Asperger’s when she was almost 15. She works at Water Performance Products in Mukwonago, but what keeps her busy is going to the gym, taking care of her pets, streaming movies and TV on Chromecast, playing computer games, and running and biking outside when it’s warmer.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network? .
Rose is currently taking the Partners in Policymaking class. She is advocating for Medicaid expansion, but knows that it’s going to be a really hard battle due to the incoming administration.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Rose was really excited to join the Network because it’s a way for her to connect with others in the disability community virtually. She tells us that sometimes interacting with people with disabilities scares her, so the network gives her the opportunity to connect virtually.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Rose encourages self-advocates to take the Partners in Policymaking class. “If people with disabilities want to make a difference for the better of all types of disabilities, then, yes, absolutely take this course,” she says.
What are some of your hobbies?
In her spare time, Rose enjoys doing photography, playing computer games, and scrapbooking.
***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.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Katrina shares that she lives with Cerebral Palsy and uses a power wheelchair for primary community mobility. She works at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Institute on Community Integration. She lives independently in an apartment and utilizes Home and Community Based Services to do so.
Katrina is the coordinator of the Self Advocacy Action committee at ICI. She explains that the purpose of that committee is to make sure that all of the policy and research products produced at the institute are “vetted” by individuals who live with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. “We meet once per month and focus on a specific product. All are welcome at our meetings,” she tells us.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Katrina explains that their mission as a committee is to improve self-determination (and the knowledge base around it) for people living with I/DD and other disabilities. She joined this network to become more connected to similar efforts and to learn about best practices around self-determination.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Katrina is just now finishing a class that is focused on lived experience partnerships for research outcomes in Cerebral Palsy. “I am excited to hopefully become more involved in that work in the future,” she says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Katrina encourages people who want to be more self-determined to educate themselves about the choices available and the topic that they care about. Knowing what options are available is really important in self-determination.
What are some of your hobbies?
In her spare time, Katrina loves going to Target and playing video games. She also loves helping people. “One time I got to help someone pick out a video game at Target. It was a really great day,” she exclaims!
***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.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Peter is 37 years old and lives with cerebral palsy. He works in the contact center at Exact Sciences. He explains that he has always been passionate about advocating for individuals with disabilities, striving to improve their lives so they can achieve independence and thrive comfortably. His journey in self-advocacy began in childhood when he wrote to the school superintendent, urging her to install automatic door buttons.
He shares that as he has grown older, he’s witnessed firsthand the positive impact advocacy can have for people with disabilities. “I am committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue the American dream,” he tells us. In addition to his advocacy work, he’s an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoy all Wisconsin sports. He also loves connecting with people through meaningful conversations, where each person can share their unique story.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Peter is the founder of an organization called Squeaky Wheel, dedicated to promoting self-determination for individuals with disabilities through technology. Their mission is to provide diverse communication tools and engage people with various disabilities in meaningful activities.
He’s passionate about reaching out to businesses and organizations to raise awareness about Squeaky Wheel and help them understand how they can enhance accessibility. This includes reducing physical barriers, creating screen readers for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and developing tactile solutions for those on the autism spectrum. He explains that they aim to create a more inclusive environment for people with sensory sensitivities.
In the future, he explains that Squeaky Wheel will evolve into a social network where users can discover accessible vacation destinations. Businesses will also be able to leverage Squeaky Wheel to develop solutions and set accessibility goals. Ultimately, Squeaky Wheel will empower individuals to achieve self-determination and transform our perspective on accessibility in the world.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Peter recently relocated from Arizona back to Wisconsin to be closer to his family and friends. “Having a strong support system enables me to live more independently and positively impacts my mental health, providing me with comfort and encouragement,” he says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Peter shares that he has always relied on Access to Independence (an Independent Living Center) to stay informed about developments in the accessibility community. “They are well-connected within the Madison area and recently organized an accessibility gaming convention, among many other activities they promote,” he explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
In his spare time, Peter enjoys playing video games, going to Green Bay Packers games, and going out with friends. He tells us that he has gotten into podcasting as well and enjoys being able to share his opinions and views.
***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.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Cindy currently works for AssuranceSD focusing on growth and development in the companies that are part of the AssuranceSD family. In Wisconsin, this includes LKiChoice and Premier. Her approach to this work is centered on relationship building and partnering.
Before working at AssuranceSD, she worked at GT Independence where she was the Chief Talent Officer responsible for employee engagement, learning and development, language access, and culture and belonging; and at TMG, where she held a variety of roles from Director of the IRIS Consultant Agency to Senior Director of Organizational Performance and Development.
“I am passionate about work that focuses on partnering and collaborating with individuals receiving services and community stakeholders,” she tells us.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Cindy explains that she has been involved in self-determination through the work that she does, though more importantly, through the relationships she has developed over the years with self-advocates and families. “I am deeply grateful for these relationships and feel passionate about continuing to have self-directed options for people,” she says.
Tell us some good news – what’s the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
The most exciting thing for Cindy is to see the power of the self-advocates. She’s inspired to see them speak truth to power in many settings.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Cindy shares that there is a resource that will be launched this fall by InControl and available on the InControl website. The project is called Caring Across Cultures and was part of the ARPA funding that the State of WI provided. She explains that the focus of the resource is on the relationship between employers and their direct care staff, especially when there are cultural differences. “I think this is a great resource for anyone who might be self-directing,” she says.
What are some of your hobbies?
Cindy enjoys time with her family, sitting around a fire in the backyard, hanging out with her granddaughter, reading a good novel, and brewing kombucha.
***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.