Category: Member Spotlight
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Nekita is a disabled advocate who has been fighting for themselves and others for as long as they can remember. They began advocating in an official capacity in 2015 as a delegate at the WI Youth Leadership Forum. From that point forward, he has dedicated himself to intersectional inclusion in various spaces, with a personal passion for making sure that disabled spaces are queer-friendly and pride events are accessible.
How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?
At 16 years old, Nekita was a delegate at the WI Youth Leadership Forum (YLF). Shortly after that, they completed the Youth in Partnership with Parents and Educators (YiPPE) course and the Partners in Policymaking class series. He later returned to the WI YLF as a staff member, where he continues to work today.
Over the years, Nekita has attended and spoken at several Self-Determination Conferences. During their undergraduate studies, they tutored English and Language Arts through UW-Whitewater’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), helping students learn how to research, comprehend, and write various assignments. Reflecting on this teaching philosophy, Nekita noted, "I pride myself on not just going through the motions as a tutor and teacher, but in truly walking through a subject with a student so that they can walk away with a deeper understanding of the subject."
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
An exciting new chapter is beginning for Nekita this fall as they head to grad school at UW-Milwaukee! He is pursuing a Master’s in Library Media and Information Sciences, complete with an additional teaching license. Driven by a lifelong passion for learning and inclusion, Nekita's ultimate goal is to become an inspiring school librarian who connects students with the resources they need to thrive!
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Nekita advises people wanting to be more self-determined to find their community. While standing up for oneself is a very good thing, they believe that standing with others will not only help the cause but also bring joy and light into life that can sometimes be forgotten when the sole focus is on fighting.
What are some of your hobbies?
Nekita loves to write, read, and meander through nature. For those interested in his work, his writing can be explored at http://www.nk-writing.com.
***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.
Jenna is a 41-year-old educator and mother of four boys who recently celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary. Over her 18-year career in education, she worked as a classroom teacher and spent seven years as an Instructional Coach at her local elementary school. She holds degrees and certifications from UW-Milwaukee, Concordia University Wisconsin, and UW-Madison.
Throughout her life, Jenna has been dedicated to inclusion and supporting individuals with disabilities. This passion began in her youth as a student buddy, continued through various childcare and teaching roles, and led to her recent enrollment in the Self-Determination Network. As a teacher, she maintained an open-door policy for Special Education students, ensuring her classroom was always a welcoming space for everyone.
This commitment to advocacy became personal in 2020 with the birth of her fourth son, Benny, during the COVID-19 lockdown. She shares that following a difficult delivery, Benny faced severe feeding and sleeping challenges, alongside regressing developmental milestones. After 15 months of intensive medical testing, specialists, and early intervention therapies, genetic testing revealed a deletion on Benny's 15th chromosome, confirming a diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome.
Angelman Syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 15,000 people. While the diagnosis did not change their joyful son, it gave Jenna and her husband the answers, resources, and community needed to support him. Today, Jenna is incredibly grateful to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and fellow parents for their unwavering guidance and advocacy.
How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?
Although Benny's disability affects his speech and development, Jenna believes it does not diminish his inherent right to a fulfilling life. Reflecting on this, she shares, "One of the greatest lessons I've learned is that self-determination looks different for everyone. Sometimes it means advocating for yourself, and sometimes it means ensuring someone has the support they need so their own voice can be heard." Every decision Jenna and her husband make today is with the hope that Benny will grow into an adult who is fully empowered to express his preferences, make choices, and build meaningful relationships. Ultimately, self-determination is not just a concept she advocates for—it is a principle she hopes will shape his future.”
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Over the past year, Jenna experienced exciting professional changes after making the incredibly difficult decision to step away from elementary school teaching to be more available for her son’s needs. Leaving behind a beloved career in teaching and coaching was tough, but after nine months of reflection, she realized she could merge her passion for children with disabilities, her extensive education background, her lived experiences, and her need for a flexible schedule. Driven by these core values, she launched her own business, Guided by Grace, to walk side-by-side with other disability parents as a coach and mentor. As she built her business plan and conducted market research, the deep community impact of her new venture immediately became clear, with Jenna noting that "it became very apparent that this was what families need—they need someone to be a pathfinder, partner, and trusted guide through their journey."
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
In her reflections on self-determination, Jenna emphasizes that it is a journey of gradual growth, stating, "Self-determination isn't something that happens overnight. It grows one decision, one question, and one act of courage at a time." For families navigating this path, she offers the following advice:
- Remember that you are the expert on your child.
- Stay organized by keeping evaluations, reports, questions, and resources together to feel prepared for appointments and meetings.
- Ask questions without fear, and keep asking until you fully understand.
- Find your community among other families who have walked a similar path to find encouragement, practical advice, and hope.
- Celebrate progress, even when it looks different than originally expected.
Looking back, she notes that while she never imagined how becoming Benny's mother would completely redirect her life, she is profoundly grateful for the lessons learned and the opportunity to support others. Sheremains a steadfast advocate for inclusion, concluding that her ultimate hope "is that every individual with a disability—and every family walking alongside them—knows that their voice matters, their choices matter, and they deserve every opportunity to live a meaningful and self-determined life.”
What are some of your hobbies?
Outside of work, Jenna enjoys fitness, walking, live music, books, and spending time with her loved ones.
***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 David. This seasoned self-advocate has played an integral role in many of the positive changes for people with disabilities in Wisconsin. Due to the trauma he endured working in a sheltered workshop for eight years, he has made it his mission to end subminimum wage in the state. We’re so fortunate to have David as a member of the Network!
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
David shares that he was employed at a sheltered workshop from 2003 to 2011 in Manawa, Wisconsin. He explains that he sometimes made just $48 a week for stapling, labeling, and packaging products. “If anyone realizes how bad I was treated at a sheltered workshop claiming to be Christian and agrees sheltered workshops should continue, [they] obviously never worked at one,” he tells us. “It’s discouraging to see people being treated like they are 5 years old at a sheltered workshop.”
When David was in his early 30s, he abruptly stopped subminimum wage work in 2011 when he was hired by McDonald’s. He shares that he’s now making $15 per hour. He’s quick to point out, though, that there are still 39 workshops in Wisconsin with over 2,000 disabled employees who are being paid less than minimum wage.
How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?
David became involved in self-determination in 2011 when his rights were trampled on by a sheltered workshop. He knew he deserved and he fought for better circumstances for himself. Since then, he has been instrumental in getting many things going. Supported Decision Making, ABLE accounts, and the Medicaid Purchase Plans (MAPP) are all things that he has been involved in making come to life in Wisconsin.
Currently, due to the trauma he has from working in the sheltered workshop, he is trying to get 14c (which is provision that allows some employers to pay subminimum wage) phased out permanently in Wisconsin.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
David believes Wisconsin is moving in the right direction with eliminating penalties for MAPP, creating an ABLE account program, and allowing assets for inheritance.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
David encourages people to stay focused on what she/he wants to accomplish. If you keep working towards it, you will succeed!
What are some of your hobbies?
In his spare time, David enjoys taking long drives.
***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.
Brett shares that he was born with two speech disabilities, Apraxia of Speech and Dysarthria. The earliest his speech affected him was when he was a few years old at Disneyland, where an elderly couple complained about him “screeching like a monkey”. Throughout his childhood, he was in speech therapy in school, summer school, and Children’s hospital. He explains that it was very hard to see the other kids “graduate” from his speech therapy groups, and he always wondered when it’d be his turn. Still to this day, his speech disabilities are apparent, but he has finally accepted that this is something about him that will never change. “I had big dreams about where I wanted to go to college, what career I wanted to be, and the life I wanted to live. I had hoped I would “grow out” of my speech disabilities by age 18,” he says.
Pulled out of in-person school freshman year by his mother, Brett started attending an online school before COVID. Socially, he was isolated, and he felt segregated due to his disability. He explains that he always wanted to go to private school as a young kid as he felt it must be better quality education; however, his mother would tell him that they would never accept him due to his disability. Systematically, he feels that the school system failed him as the bias of teachers had a major effect on him. “When I was 18, I was thrown into the world without any path of transition between school to workforce,” he tells us.
Brett never felt like he could go to school or apply for most jobs because he felt like his speech disability prevented him. He interviewed about 100 times before someone finally hired him for his first job. “I remember every interview where I was discriminated against without any way to prove the ADA violation. I felt like I was forced to look for only cleaning and dishwashing jobs as those didn’t involve speech for my whole life. Furthermore, it was very hard making social connections, as I would not speak to anybody,” he explains.
Over the years, as Brett got older, he felt like he failed, failed again, and kept on failing; however, he kept on learning and gaining new experiences. He says that these failures helped him develop faster due to his own stubbornness that I wanted to at least find a place in society for myself. Eventfully, he was acknowledged as a hard worker, and he gained the confidence to seek promotions. Still, he was denied due to his disabilities sometimes.
Finally, Brett found himself promoted after arriving to a new employer under a European version of his name “Bretislav”. He explains that people always come up to him and ask him where he’s from and try to guess the country. It happens every month, and many will refuse to believe him when he says, “I’m from the southside of Milwaukee” and keep on imploring. Through adversity, he learned to love business management and leadership, where he found high sales, metrics, and employee retention. Teaching and training, servant leadership, having a mentor mindset has all led to him loving being a manager. However, he got burnt out and saw a new opportunity. He attended Moraine Park Tech College for their Health and Wellness Program to learn how to be healthy. He succeeded and became an all-A student for the first time in his life at age 29. When he made this decision, he stepped down to become a van delivery driver through his company where he makes grocery deliveries into people’s homes and fridges. Many of his customers are people with disabilities who are unable to shop in store.
How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?
People have always called Brett stubborn, but now he sees that it’s his self-determination. He has just graduated from Wisconsin’s Board for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Partners in Policymaking class of 2026 where he made many bonds with advocates all over Wisconsin who he’ll be working with long term towards achieving their goals. He has also been active with political parties and grassroots organizations. He had recently run for Treasurer of his local pollical party, where he received the first election ended in a tie in the party’s history. Unfortunately, he did not win the tie breaker, but it really showed his community acknowledging him.
Brett is starting to use social media as a way to project his voice and influence. “Public speaking will be my next goal, which is crazy to think of when you have a speech disability,” he says. He’s looking to expand into community education and engagement. He shares that his big goal is once he’s out of university, he’s planning to run for offices in his community and State--such as Assembly or Senate. He excitedly exclaims, “these elections I will win, as it’ll be through the community’s acknowledgement of my worth of a person!”
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Brett is looking forward to graduating with a Health and Wellness degree from MPTC with high honors, and he received the “Campus Impact” student award through his leadership as President of the Health and Wellness Club. He has recently accepted a full scholarship for a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Leadership at Bellevue University. As mentioned above, he was in the 2026 class of Partner’s in Policymaking where he will forever be grateful to his fellow partners. He’s also looking forward to applying for a new leadership job position now that schedule accommodates it with school. “Most importantly, I am looking forward to my wedding with my wonderful fiancée who has supported me the most,” he says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Brett encourages people to be stubborn but be accepting, be prideful but be humble, and be curious and be patient. Every day, he wakes up and says, “This is my life. This is my life. Nobody can decide what happens to me. I choose to be myself. I look forward, I look towards everything in my future, I reflect on all the good that I have done, I embrace those positives around me in the present.” He says do not segregate yourself. He shares it has been his greatest struggle. Brett’s boss once told him while he was trying to earn his first promotion, “I want to see how you handle adversity.” Brett didn’t know what he meant, so he asked what kind. His boss said, “any kind.” Upon reflection, Brett noticed that, all his life, he has been handling adversity, and that’s when his leadership grew.
What are some of your hobbies?
Brett’s biggest passion is history. “I studied far and wide, and in a world without needing money, I would have a PHD in history,” he says. Local adventures keep his mind fresh; however, he hopes to have adventures farer one day. He likes to stay engaged in his community and is looking to start a YouTube channel based on community education and engagement. He loves meeting and talking to new people. Late at night, he likes to end the last hour of his day relaxing and accidently falling asleep on the couch as he and his fiancée watch tv, movies, or play video games.
***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.
Daniel’s story began in Burkina Faso, Africa. He shares that when he was 12 years old, he came to America to live with his family as an adoptee. “I knew from a young boy that I wanted to grow to be independent and live out my purpose,” he tells us. He has three older siblings. Like them, he lives in his own house that he shares with his cat, Hank. He has worked at Goodwill for five years and enjoys position there.
How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?
Daniel served on the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities for several years and, through that involvement, has participated in Disability Advocacy Day. He also has learned about accessible voting and has been able to use his voice through voting.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Daniel explains that he continues to work to be a leader in his community—both through his employment and with his peers. He has been invited to share his story through several advocacy groups. “I hope my experience encourages others to keep advocating and make their needs known,” he says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Daniel believes that it's important to find a good support system and people who can advocated alongside you. His friend Ashley taught the concept of "nothing about us without us." It's important to find people who will support you and listen; not just tell you what to do.
What are some of your hobbies?
Daniel is involved in Special Olympics. His favorite sports are track and bowling. He also plays the drums on the worship team at his church and serves his community through volunteering. He likes to make tiktok videos and watch shark movies as well!
***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
Julie was a pediatric occupational therapist and a manager at a clinic; she also worked with the babies at a local hospital in the NICU. “My forte was older children and babies,” she says. She also worked and loved the Early Intervention System. Since she lives right on the border, most her stuff is/was in Illinois. She saw some kids in the water near Kenosha at the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex as well where she worked with children of all varying abilities. She had her OT license in both IL and WI. She shares that she was trained in a variety of different skills, but she was certified in aquatics and started the aquatics program at her clinic for many children. She also took older children with various abilities into the Boundary Waters and the St. Croix River. “I taught everything from adaptive paddling to cooking on an open fire,” she tells us. Personally, she did a half Iron Man for cancer, two marathons, and a multitude of half marathons and triathlons. She loved hiking with her dog Porter (and at that time Remmie too) and husband Kelly. “I also loved kayaking on Lake Elizabeth which is just a block down from my house- the main reason why we have this house,” she exclaims!
Then, after nearly 20 years of treating and being active, Julie suffered a bilateral Pons vertebral dissection or in other words, a severe stroke. Doctors said it was due to COVID, even though as a health care worker, she was vaccinated. She was in a drug induced coma for over a week. “I will always remember on 7-2-21, I went walking into the ER and then months later when I was finally discharged, I could not walk, I couldn’t talk, I had double vision and numerous other things,” she shares. Due to being so sick, she was not moved very much and suffered a severe sacral wound that required two surgeries. She shares that ,to this day, she’s still dealing with this. Unfortunately, she doesn’t remember much of her hospital stay. She remembers it being a dark time for her because she went to completely independent to dependent. “Even though, I worked with children bridging out to the ‘real world’, I was not capable of doing this or at least I thought so,” she says. She’s trying to accept and manage her new normal. Thankfully, even though she was in pediatrics, she has many resources available to her. She jokes, “sometimes too many- you know the adage ‘do I say, not as I do’- well that totally rang true!” She shares that she uses a wheelchair, but her vision has slightly improved. She still has difficult writing and typing. “Yes! I am an ot that has difficulty writing, typing, throwing a ball and talking normally,” she tells us. She hasn’t held a baby since her stroke because, right now, that is too hard for her both emotionally and physically. Even though her talking has improved, she still has not talked on the phone. “Yes, I definitely could use adapted equipment to help me, but what I have found is that I tend to lean on the adaptations and not push myself, so, for the more expensive AT (assistive technology), I have tried to do without,” she explains. She still renews her ot license for IL even though she can’t treat, and she has renewed her aquatic certification even though she can’t swim or breathe properly in the water. She shares that she lost her job in the NICU right away and she isn’t a manager anymore. However, thankfully, the owner of the clinic where she was a manager is one of her best friends. She’s able to go there to the meetings and she’s involved as much as possible, but she admits is hard. “I have seen 2 managers go through and of course you compare. I miss treating more than ever and I see the younger therapists and I yearn to be where they are,” she tells us. She has most of her cognitive abilities, but she realizes that she has lost some. “I have cognitive fog often. I definitely cannot say what I mean. It’s amazing on what all the things I want to say, but can’t,” she explains. She has to take continuing education for her license, but most people don’t know what she has gone through. “I have no idea what my next path will be, but, obviously, it will have something to do with abilities and awareness. I may or may not be ready for it but I will adjust,” she enthusiastically says!
How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?
Advocacy is still fairly new for Julie. “What I have come across- if it’s visible, people are more interested, but, if it’s not visible, then I think most people are ignorant,” she tells us. She’s involved with the Independent Living Council of Wisconsin where she serves as Secretary and the Assistive Technology Council of Wisconsin. She’s also on the board for Camp Avanti which is the camp where she used to take the kids to the St. Croix River. She explains that the camp was in Amery, but it just moved to MN. She also tries to visit her representative, Bryan Steil, when he’s in town, but it can be challenging because she doesn’t drive and doesn’t talk very well.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Due to the system being in such chaos, Julie often uses humor. “Yes, it can be a deflection, and often because I do not talk very well, people don’t get my jokes, but one has to relax and smile at the stupid things that might have been done or said,” she says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
To be more self-determined, Julie’s tip would be to learn from your mistakes; you will make plenty and that’s ok. She also encourages people to do what makes you happy. She explains that if you want to write your Senator, then do that. “I’m not a huge advocate because that stuff doesn’t make me happy and, for me, it takes me forever to do it. Life is too short,” she tells us.
What are some of your hobbies?
Julie loves to listen to audiobooks, take or watch her dog out to play in the backyard, exercise, go for hikes, talk to her dog (she doesn’t have to repeat!), and laugh. She also enjoys just hanging out with her husband, watching movies, and especially watching college hockey. Her favorite team is the University of North Dakota. Why UND, you ask? She explains that her brother, her husband, and Jonathan Toews (he used to play in the NHL for the Blackhawks—now, he’s on the Jets!) all went there!
***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.
Tanya is a 38-year-old woman who works at Bath and Body Works. She has seven nephews who she adores. They range in age from 4 to 22. While the older ones work or are in school, the younger ones like to do from building things with blocks to making obstacle courses. “I’m also considered everyone’s auntie,” she tells us.
Tanya shares that hydrocephalus (water on the brain) is her main disability. She also has mild cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Tanya shares that she is just beginning to get involved in disability advocacy. She serves on two committees for Molina MyChoice. She enjoys being able to make suggestions on how to help others. She also is currently taking the Partners in Policymaking course. She loves learning about the different legislation and the representative branches. She also likes meeting new people.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Tanya is excited that she’s looking for a place to live. She’s looking forward to becoming more independent and being able to ride the bus places. She's also excited to be able to walk or ride her bike places if close enough.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Tanya shares that she loves to help people find answers to questions they have. Using her own experiences, she is good at finding a variety of different resources for people.
What are some of your hobbies?
Tanya doesn’t just have one hobby. She is very open to trying almost anything. One of her favorite things to do it listen to music. The genre of music usually depends on her mood. She listens to anything from country to hip hop. She can switch genres in an instant! “It helps get creative juices flowing,” 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.
Annie is a kind, fun, intelligent, and hardworking person with a great sense of humor. She’s 27 years old and lives in Dane County, Wisconsin. She’s a multi-business owner, social media influencer, author, graphic designer, speaker, Christian, and lifelong disability advocate. “My life and work embody the belief that disability doesn’t mean inability,” she tells us. She shares that she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy at 13 months and was using a wheelchair by age 2, she has dedicated her life to breaking barriers, championing inclusion, and inspiring others with a message of resilience and faith.
In 2023, she was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin, using her platform Caring Is Caregiving to reach more than 100,000 people through 52 events across the state. From schools and conferences to organizations and media outlets, she has shared her passion for advocacy and accessibility. That same year, she competed at the Ms. Wheelchair America national competition, where she placed in the top five, earning Second Runner-Up and the Best Speech award! She was later honored as, Woman of the Year, in Dane County for her leadership and community impact!
Through her businesses, Annie Designs and Annie Speaks, she been able to combine her love for creativity, advocacy, and empowering others, whether through design, speaking, writing, or simply sharing about life. “My mission is simple but powerful: love, serve God and others, work hard, and never give up,” she says.
You can follow her journey on Instagram at @annieheathcote, visit annieheathcotedesigns.com to explore her creative work, and find her collaboration book at annie-speaks.com.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Annie has attended the Self-Determination Conference three times now. “It’s a great conference that like-minded people and those under the umbrella of disability can come together to gain knowledge, resources, community, and create positive change,” she says. She wanted to join this network to connect with likeminded people, advocate more, and share her experiences and what she has learned with having a disability that can help others.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Annie is excited to share that she recently became a published author through a global collaboration advocacy project. She’s one of the authors of Still We Rise, a powerful collection of true stories from ten disabled authors and resilient voices who share their journeys through paralysis, rare diseases, trauma, injustice, grief, and loss — and the unexpected strength and purpose they discovered along the way. She explains that These are raw, honest accounts of rising above hardship and finding healing in places they never thought possible. Each chapter ends with practical tools to help you navigate your own challenges and take your next steps with clarity and confidence. At its heart, this book is a reminder that God can meet and help us in any circumstance — and that no matter what we face, there’s always a way to rise above and move forward. Still We Rise is more than a book; it’s a movement of courage, compassion, and renewed hope for anyone navigating life’s ups and downs. Rise with us and get your personally signed copy today at annie-speaks.com!
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Annie shares two tips with us:
- Invest in your social media platform for disability advocacy, to reach more people with the limited time and energy we have as disabled individuals.
- Believe in and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior! She shares that her faith in Jesus changed her life and eternity for the better, by saving her soul, giving her disability meaning, and her life a loving joyful purpose! Annie encourages people to get involved with a church and have good community around you. (Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, & John 1:12 ESV)
Annie also shares a list of disability-related books for better understanding and encouragement.
What are some of your hobbies?
Annie explains that creativity and joy are a part of her everyday life — from travel, art, and music to her experiences as a former elite athlete in the adaptive sport of Power Soccer, she enjoys living life to the fullest!
***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.
Carl is a 45-year-old C5 quadriplegic. He shares that he became disabled 18 years ago after drinking too much at Oktoberfest and falling off of his friend’s back porch. At the time, he was foreman of a concrete company and played guitar in three different groups. Since then, he’s been enjoying life and raising his three kids. “I’m very lucky I don’t have a breathing tube and that I can use my arms quite well,” he tells us.
For over ten years, Carl has been dreaming of crossing the country in my wheelchair. He explains that it started as a selfish desire to pack all of the adventures he has missed out on in life into one big trip. After speaking on the phone with three different people who have already crossed the country in their wheelchairs, it turned into an activist campaign. He spent about three years trying to build a team without any success before having the epiphany that he should do a proof of concept and drive from his apartment to the state capital Madison. His goal was to raise awareness of the lack of home healthcare access for people like himself who are on Medicaid and the underlying problem which is low pay for home health workers. Last summer, he left his apartment located in the Fox Valley and drove for two hours until the batteries died. He made it 10 miles. He then got in his van and went home to charge his batteries. The next day, he picked up where he left off. After a total of 13 days on the road, he made it to the Capitol. Along the way, he had some great awesome press coverage to raise awareness.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Carl recently learned about the Self-Determination Network. He shares that he’s guilty of not being involved in the disability community up until now. “My life has been comfortable and I didn’t feel that I was missing anything until recently when three of my longtime aides moved on” he explains. Last summer, he learned that he seems to have a knack at communication, and he wants to use that skill to highlight issues in the disability community and get them fixed.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Carl is currently taking the Partners in Policymaking course and he’s considering a run for Winnebago County board supervisor this spring. He’s also thinking about next year‘s ride to Madison. “If I’m able to cross the country, I should be back by the middle of August which will leave me plenty of time to also go from my apartment to the capital again. I want to make this a yearly event,” he says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Carl says if people are interested in becoming more self-determined, they’ve already achieved the first step. There are tons of ways to get involved. He encourages people try to narrow your cause down to a single issue if possible because that would be easier to focus on and hopefully create change.
What are some of your hobbies?
Right now, Carl’s favorite hobby is trying to break his all-time record of likes for a tweet on Twitter. His record is 256k.
***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.
Meetra is an author living with Spina Bifida. Her first book is entitled, Dis-ability to This-ability, and it can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Kindle, and here.
She also works as a Community Support Manager for adults with disabilities.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Meetra explains that she has always strived to push herself and challenge what she’s capable of doing. She wanted to join because she wanted to continue putting herself out there and helping others challenge themselves.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Meetra shares with us that she’s working on her next few books and she has a few speaking engagements lined up. She has also started an adaptive fitness group class at Peter Kraus Fitness.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
“You can start anywhere, from the smallest aspect,” she tells us. She explains that staying in your comfort zone does not allow us to grow and thrive.
What are some of your hobbies?
In her free time, Meetra enjoys writing, participating in adaptive fitness, and watching movies. She also loves mentoring others with disabilities and volunteering with dogs.
***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.