Meet Martha Oie, Northwoods gal and Community Connector Extraordinaire. She can't help herself... When she meets you, Martha immediately begins to look for connections, for places where you can share your talents and gifts. Learn more about Martha as we shine the Member Spotlight on her.

Why did you join the SD Network?

I joined the Network to share stories. People learn from each other and I try to do anything I can to widen my network of people. I use the social media that works for me, depending on what Im working on.

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening in terms of self-determination or Self-Directed Supports?

There are a lot of cool connections happening for folks. People are starting to focus on their skills and assets to find ways of helping each other. A couple of people I know who cant read or write are providing cares to some other people. It works for everyone theyre employed and the people theyre supporting are getting great care. Another couple has a farm and are worrying that they wont be able to pay the mortgage. So were getting them connected to some folks who might want to rent out some of their land to focus on sustainable agriculture. Everyone wins that way!

Were also working to make our local timebank (http://www.timetradersnorth.org) more effective. Were learning how help it grow & develop, connecting to more networks. Were learning to ask people, What do you have to offer? Its about the person I can do this, see me for who I am, take the time to know me.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to direct their own supports, or who would want to be more self-determined?

Get connected to the Internet. Look for special programs to get Internet in your home or use the computers at the public library. The Internet provides access to education, whats happening in the world, whats happening in your community.

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

Focus on what you have (not what you dont have). Join groups youre interested in local book clubs, etc. Start small and get started. Access whats local bring what you have.

What famous person have you met or would like to meet?

I know Rudi Stajduhar, whos originally from Croatia. He was spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General, Kurt Waldheim. I spend time with him every year and learn so much from him. Hes 93 yrs old and still reads a lot. He inspires me in so many ways.

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Both! I dont know which Id pick. We have 2 dogs & 4 cats. The cats tend to hide out.

In this SD Network Member Spotlight, we'll meet Patti Becker.

1. How are you involved with the SD Network?

I am involved with SDS in both my work and personal life. My work life has always included working with individuals using services to find the community supports they wanted, not what others thought they needed. Currently, I work with individuals using long-term care supports in both Family Care and IRIS in my role of supporting the work of InControl Wisconsin. InControl has a fantastic group of consultants and dedicated board of directors who do an excellent job of keeping the ideas and resources of self-determination present in Wisconsins landscape. I also work as a consultant to the IRIS program, providing technical support and resources to the IRIS Community Living Initiative. We are working hard to get the message out to Wisconsin IRIS participants that they can have control of where and with whom they live.

In my personal life, I have two third graders at my house, one who uses special education supports and one who uses gifted and talented supports. This year my son began leading his own IEP meetings. Both realized they did not appreciate the segregation their learning styles were creating and have advocated with us for them to return to a more inclusive self-determined school schedule. We are proud of both of them and their school district for keeping up with the paces of change.

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

What is most exciting about SDS and self-determination is the momentum it has had in growth these past few years. Wisconsin has gone from a state where SDS was active in a few counties, but now almost 10,000 people use IRIS and more folks are choosing self-determination in managed care than ever before in its history. This growth brings challenges for communities, providers and individuals using services. Challenges bring opportunity and it is exciting to think of the creative changes that are on the horizon.

3. What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to direct their own supports, or who would want to be more self-determined?

People who want or use SDS need to know that creativity and community connections are their best ally. SDS isnt about how to make the most of your public dollars. Rather it's about how to make the most of your life in the community, accessing public dollars as needed. This can be a difficult paradigm shift to make for many whove lived a system-driven life. But once the shift happens, lives really do get better.

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

I have a number of quotes I hold on to when things get rough. I think everyone should have some. I will share two with the SDS network:

• If you arent living on the edge, you are taking up too much space. ~Lou Whittaker, famous mountainclimber.
• Put your helmet back on and keep marching forward.~self-advocate and SDS leader in Wisconsin, Steve Verriden.

5. Are you a dog person or a cat person?

I have had both dogs and cats in my life. I would say I am more of a dog person. Oddly, our newest dog Herbie a lab/bassett hound mix, is a bit like a cat in his demeanor and behavior.

6. What's your favorite movie or book or song/musician?

This is the hardest question to answer. My favorites vary throughout time, but I consistently am a fan of the blues.