Category: Member Spotlight
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Kurt’s interest in self-determination largely stems from sports, recreation, leisure, pastimes, hobbies, and therapeutic activities. “From that, I work hard to culminate a better position by leaders and decision-makers to the regard of disability ministries; for mine, I call it ability ministry,” he says. He believes that it is all about lifestyle development and letting people be at the best version of themselves. Kurt joined the SD Network in consideration of his ambition to help the disability networks and organization be closer to people at home, and for the sake of letting folks determine more for themselves what they want their days to look like.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Kurt is very involved in adaptive water skiing. He would like to share that if individuals determine for themselves that they want to water ski, watch water skiing, or be involved other opportunities around water skiing, that there are some fantastic programs out there. He explains that five years ago, Wisconsin had five inclusive programs to water skiing; today, there are 27. Kurt hopes to convert that number to 72. He says, “my commitment is that I am reaching out to a million people in Wisconsin to see that in the year 2020 that there will be a sit ski available out of every county of Wisconsin - 72 counties.” It is collaboration with other sports/rec. options out there like Access Ability Wisconsin is doing with Action Track Chairs.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Kurt believes that self-determination can easily miss one's aspiration with church. “It is so important that if someone wants more spiritual experiences that we help each other receive more of what we intend for ourselves on a faith level,” he explains. Kurt wants to join together to see what we can do to make membership to community groups more realistic, achievable, and welcomed. He thinks that clubs such as Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, and Optimist are big examples of community groups that tend not to really organize around the plausibility of people with disabilities being in their membership. He believes that there are some exemplary exceptions to that observation, but it would be great if it were the norm. He explains that we need to think what we can do in education from kindergarten to doctorate degrees, what we can do to prepare the workforce, professionals, volunteers, and so forth to play a role in integration like never ever before. He also believes that we need to find out more ways that community can respond to individual interests when it is not as available by agencies. He thinks that all off this needs to connect more to the labor force and with employers to bring great increase to inclusive hiring; all individuals are a vital component in this as it is with reaching legislators.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Kurt wants everyone to remember that people with disabilities are the largest minority group, and no other minority group is excluded from the disability minority group. He explains that people with disabilities represent the only entirely/completely inclusive group on Planet Earth. He encourages everyone “to work towards claiming the clout deserved by every individual with a disability in the numbers of the minority group that carries the enormity in getting it right with every single individual with a disability.”
What are some of your hobbies?
Kurt enjoys water skiing and volunteering with disability organizations. Currently, he’s Vice-Chair of the Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities, a board member of Snappin' Ministries, a board member of Madison Spinal Cord Injury, a board member of Water Skiers with Disabilities Association, and Vice-President of the Lynzay Legois Free Water Ski Club.
Kurt wants spread the word about the U.S. Wake Sports Festival in Janesville August 15th to 19th. There is a specialized program and welcome to water ski for people with disabilities August 15th and 16th. For all who don't have interest in the water skiing, he welcomes them to come to the Festival anyway to be a spectator and have a chance to make new friendships.
***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.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Emily is involved with self-determination through her work with people with disabilities in the community, and helping keep them independent and living happy healthy lives. Living with a disability herself, she has always been a self-determined person in her own life as well. She joined the SD Network because she feels that it's very important for people to have self-determined lives no matter, and this network helps foster that idea which is beneficial.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Emily explains that she has defied the odds that doctors set out for her. Doctors said that there was no way she would be able to earn a college degree. It took her a little longer than most, but she received a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Social Work, and she’s planning to get a Master’s degree in the near future. She has a job that she loves and she owns a house.
As for the state of Wisconsin, Emily feels that we are moving in an exciting direction with people with disabilities and self-determination in the field of employment. She explains that there are a lot of programs out there that can help people with disabilities find employment. She recently attended an event at the capitol where some programs were proposed by people with disabilities. One of the proposed programs was a certification program for people with disabilities to do CNA and personal care work. “I think this could help with the shortage in personal care workers in the state, especially, if it can be expanded to other areas of the state,” she says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
“Fight for what you want,” Emily says. She explains that there may be a lot of push back from people around you who don't understand or want you to succeed. She says to ignore them and keep pushing. She explains that’s the technique she used succeed in college.
Emily also recommends being educated and always willing to learn from others. “Use your mouth or communications devices to be heard, whatever it takes so that you can achieve the goals and life you want to live and be happy in,” she says. She has also been involved Partners in Policymaking which has helped her become a stronger self-advocate, and learn how to better have her voice heard with those on a higher level.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Emily encourages people to keep communicating and networking with each other. She thinks that, together, as a strong group of people, we can do what we set our minds to. “You may not agree with who is in power, or what they are doing, but they don't know that until you voice your opinion,” she says. Also, she encourages people not to be afraid to voice their opinions, and be willing to work with and educate people in order to work together to get what they want. “It might not happen today, but it could in the future. No one knows it's a problem, though, until someone voices it, but it has to be done in a constructive way,” she explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of Emily’s hobbies include reading, watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family. She also likes to do loom knitting. She has two cats that she rescued from different places in the community who she loves to death. She enjoys traveling and seeing new places. She has met a lot of friends and learned how be more self-determined by attending conferences and other events around the state. She also loves being involved in supporting Special Olympics in a number of different ways. She loves being out in the community!
***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.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Cathy explains that she thinks that as people, we are all involved with self-determination or can be. “We can all help each other to become our best selves. Self-determination is about sharing your dreams and then moving towards them. It is about finding trusted allies who will support you to get there,” she says. Right now, she works with Family Care at Community Care of Central Wisconsin. She is a resource for everyone connected to their organization around self-determination. She helps people learn more about self-directing their supports, think about getting a job, or present at a conference. She also helps her co-workers come up with ideas for creating conditions for self-determination. She points out that self-determination is a way of life--not just part of her work. Cathy joined the SD Network when it was first developed because she was part of some state wide groups that were working on self-determination.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Cathy points out that the past few years have been exciting in the face of adversity. When changes to the long-term care system were proposed, recently thousands of people with disabilities and their allies were activated. “It was scary, but also invigorating to gather with others from across the state and make sure our voices were heard,” she says. Cathy accompanied people to the capitol several times. She explains that some of the were people had never spoken with their state representatives, and they became amazing advocates for themselves and for their peers. She believes that the energy from this will continue to grow and we can further expand the practice of communicating with our elected officials and keep them on their toes!
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Cathy believes that think our own communities are our greatest resource. She explains that there are friends, neighbors, clubs, groups, organizations that will offer what some people call ‘radical hospitality’ where we feel really welcomed and supported; then we can find our allies and spend our time doing what we love to do!
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Cathy appreciates all that she learns from advocates every day. She knows that we all come from different places and have differences in what we think and believe, but we can support each other and learn together what self-determination means for each of us.
What are some of your hobbies?
Cathy enjoys planting a garden every summer to grow food and to create a home for birds, bees and butterflies. She also loves to travel anywhere and meet new people. She’s a member of a group called PINC. PINC was born at the Self-Determination conference because they were doing some fun things and wearing pink shirts. Now, they work in the community at events or offer sessions in self-determination. She works a lot, but “I love my work so maybe it qualifies as a hobby” 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.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Jennifer was asked three or four years ago by Deb Wisniewski to help her in a breakout session at the Self Determination Conference. She had a great time helping people sign up for the Network. Jennifer joined the Network so she could help others as well as herself learn about self-determination. “I have been an advocate most of my life,” she says. She has been involved in People First and the State People First of Wisconsin for over 11 years now. She wants everyone with and without a disability to have a say in how their life is ran--not to have someone else tell us who we can and cannot be with or what we do in our daily life. She has attended most of the first Self Determination Conferences. “I have seen with my own eyes how much self-determination can do to impact a person with a disability,” Jennifer explains.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Jennifer is currently attending Fox Valley Technical College pursuing her second degree. My first degree is a technical one-year Office Assistant and she’s working on getting her associates degree to be an Administrative Assistant.
In addition to her schooling, Jennifer was recently elected to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD). This is a huge honor that she’s extremely proud of.
Jennifer also mentioned that she has been happily married to her husband for 10 years now. They met through People First Wisconsin.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
The tip Jennifer would give to people is not to give up on what you want. She was told in second grade by her special education teacher that she wouldn’t be able to do things like graduate high school, go to college, drive, live on her own and get married. She has done all of those things and then some. “I turned that thinking that this teacher had for me and used it to my benefit-- wish she could see me now,” she says.
Jennifer suggests that people use their friends and family for support. She loves how the BPDD has helped her tremendously in her life. She recommends the BPDD and Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) for assistance.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
The message Jennifer would like to share is go for your dreams in whatever they may be. She explains that people can do anything if their put your mind and soul into it. “I hope you don’t get discouraged and give up. I want you to succeed like I am doing,” she says.
What are some of your hobbies?
Jennifer loves being a part of the Self-Determination Network, and she’s enjoying her new position on the BPDD. In her free time, she loves to read, spend time with her husband and two animals--a cat named Sassy and a dog named Dylan. In addition to everything else she does, Jennifer also enjoys being a part of People First Wisconsin. She is the current President for People First of Wisconsin also the Vice President for her local People First group.
***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.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Chad joined the SD Network because he wanted to help others become more self-determined in their lives. He finds it very rewarding to be able to self-direct his care attendants when he goes on trips and speaking engagements. He says it makes him feel very self-determined.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Right now, Chad is really looking forward to being the keynote speaker at the Speak Up Speak Out Conference in Chicago at the end of October. He presents about livin
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
The tip Chad would like to share with others is “no matter how hard or how difficult things may seem, always remember to continue the very best you can, and that will in turn get you through the times."
What are some of your hobbies?
In his free time, Chad enjoys doing website design and adaptive waterskiing.. He skies with the Pewaukee Lake Waterski Club every Thursday in summer.
***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 Wanda Viellieux. After finding out she could make her better self-direct her supports and services through IRIS, she was better able to fulfill her passion of volunteering. She believes that everyone has the right to be involved in making decisions and is a firm believer in self-determination. We’re so fortunate to have as a member of the Network!
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Wanda decided to transfer from Family Care to IRIS because she was not getting what she needed. She wanted to make her own choices about who she wanted to hire for the services she needed. “I’ve been very happy as the decisions I have made; they have fulfilled what I absolutely needed,” Wanda said. She joined the Network because she wanted to keep updated on the latest news affecting Self-Determination. She has wanted to attend conferences, but barriers such as distance, transportation and finances have kept her from being able to do that. “The unfortunate part of self-determination is that I live in a more rural part of the state and some services I need are more scarce,” she pointed out.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Wanda looks to the Self-Determination Network to get the latest news about the programs and services that she uses. She has followed the 2017 Long-Term Care changes especially close. The Network “gave me the information I needed to contact state legislative people to advocate for myself and others who may be in my situation,” Wanda said.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Wanda encourages people to be determined and do not let other people tell you otherwise. Everyone has the right to be involved in their own care. She said, “if you believe you are not getting the care you should be getting, go ahead and make other appropriate contacts to get the care you need.” Wanda suggests that people get involved in learning how they can be his/her own “best advocate” and also knowing when they need to ask for someone they can trust to advocate on their behalf.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Wanda wants people to know that having disabilities or limitations in some areas of your life does not make you less dignified or less important than anyone else. She said, “we all have differing abilities which makes life much more interesting and fun. Sometimes it can get frustrating and depressing, keep believing in yourself and what your goals are."
What are some of your hobbies?
Self-directing my services helps Wanda remain an active part of her community. She doesn’t have much time for hobbies as she’s an avid volunteer. She has been a disaster volunteer for the American Red Cross since 1997, and her current focus is on disaster preparedness. She’s also a VFW Auxiliary lifetime member. She’s very active in supporting our veterans as patriotic instructor where she goes into schools and community youth groups to do flag programs, and to recognize how they support our veterans. In addition to all of that, she’s involved in her church and is a presenter to youth and adults. “These three areas of my volunteer work are also where my passion in life is. It is so fulfilling when you can find your passion in something you love to do. That’s what enriches my life so much more,” Wanda said.
***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 InControl Wisconsin board member Laura Hanson. A friendship that began years ago has led her to a career and passion in self-determination and disability advocacy. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors with her family, she is very involved in supporting and advocating for Self-Directed Supports (SDS) and Integrated Employment. She has a wealth of knowledge in both of these areas. In fact, she recently started a group on the Network for people who are involved in SDS to share their experiences and ideas with others. We encourage you to contact Laura for more information about the group. She’s a great addition to the SD Network!
· How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
I’ve been an advocate for self-determination since the beginning of my career. My journey started while learning from a friend who had been institutionalized in a nursing home for 35 years. When he was 55 he was finally able to move into the community residing in a group home. (This was before the Home and Community Based Waivers were an option.) He was a voracious self-advocate and impressed on me the values of self-determination. I carried this experience with me throughout my career, advocating within the Long-Term Care (LTC) system to support self-determination through person-centered planning, development and implementation of personal experience outcomes in the CIP/COP Waivers and Family Care Programs, and promoting/supporting Self-Directed Supports and Integrated Employment in both Family Care and IRIS Programs. Currently, I am working at Disability Rights Wisconsin and serve as a board ember for InControl Wisconsin; both organizations are actively engaged in supporting self-determination.
I have joined the SD Network to connect with others around critical issues that impact people’s options and ability to self-direct within Family Care and IRIS in the near future. It is more important than ever to keep people informed and engaged so we can ensure that Family Care/IRIS 2.0 is going to give people real options for self-direction.
· Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
I am very excited to help support a new group, SDS Forward, to get off the ground. This is an effort supported by InControl, and involves leaders for Self-Directed Supports (SDS) within the legacy Waiver program, Family Care Managed Care Organizations, IRIS Consulting Agencies, Fiscal Employer Agents, and program participants. The purpose of this group is to learn from one another and share our experiences about what has been successful or best practice in these programs as well as challenges. It is our hope that together we can give voice to the Wisconsin SDS experience from a programmatic perspective and provide a level of expertise to inform development of SDS within Family Care 2.0.
· What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
The National Resource Center for Participant Directed Services (NRCPDS) is an excellent resource providing technical assistance, training, and publications around implementing SDS at the State level. Many of our Wisconsin Fiscal Employer Agents participate in a national network supported by NRCPDS to learn best practices and stay on top of changes in policy and law that impact implementation from the fiscal and labor side.
Most importantly for this network is the opportunity to connect with peers at the national level. NRCPDS launched the national SDS network for self-advocates and families, called the National Participant Network. This group works to strengthen SDS at the local, state, and national levels and provides input on national policy efforts related to self-direction. I highly encourage members of the SD Network to explore this opportunity!!!
Information on NRCPDS can be found at: http://www.bc.edu/schools/gssw/nrcpds/
- What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Stay informed, involved, and positive during these challenging times of change. While there are many concerns and uncertainty of what the future holds for our LTC system in the near future, it is important to stay engaged and pro-active. Consider what opportunities these changes may bring that could potentially enhance or expand SDS.
· What are some of your hobbies?
I love being outdoors and exploring in nature. My favorite activities are camping, hiking, and canoeing around Wisconsin. Fortunately, my husband and two children share this love, so this makes for great family time. I also love to travel and take road trips to explore new sites, take in museums, check out art/music, and meet new people. Curling up with a good book is great when I have time, especially science fiction or nature oriented topics.
***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 Kathleen Johnson. Wearing many different hats, Kathleen has worked in the disability advocacy field for many years. In addition to being a wife and mother to children with various needs, she recently started a nonprofit art studio/gallery for people with disabilities. Through her work, Kathleen has learned just how important self-determination is. We are so fortunate to have her as a member of the Network.
- How are you involved with self-directed supports and self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
I started a nonprofit whose mission it is to provide vocational and financial support to individuals with disabilities who are interested in supplementing their SSI/SSDI to become more financially independent. Indigo Wings provides studio space in a comfortable environment so that people can create and then we sell those beautiful creations on our gallery. The artist is not pressured to produce and decides what they want to sell and for how much. We need more teachers for classes and mentoring.
I guess I started to learn about self-directed supports when I started working for Wisconsin Disability Coalition and met amazing people who managed to escape nursing homes and other institutions to build a life in the community. That was 37 years ago. Weve come a long way; yet, theres so much more needs to be done.
I met my husband at a board meeting and it was love at first sight; the fact that her was sitting in a power wheelchair wasnt a problem. He was 15 when he broke his neck, but his family brought him home from rehab and treated him as they had before the accident. They made the modifications to the house and their daily lives to support him. He went on to finish school, get a job, buy a home, start an Independent Living Center and move to take a new job, marry, start a family and be an advocate for people with disabilities. During our marriage, we became foster parents to 20 children in 10 years. Most of the children had been neonatally exposed to alcohol and drugs so had a variety of diagnoses from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Attention Deficit Disorder--to name a few. We adopted six of those foster children and began to investigate services available or not, and work on how they were going to be able to support themselves as adults.
I joined the SD Network to find people who work with people who have disabilities, have disabilities themselves or both.
- 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?
This year I have learned so much about how much work it is to start a nonprofit! It has been both exciting and blood curdling. Along the way, I have met incredibly talented people. This dream began because I wanted to help my own children and it has grown from my five artists to sixteen talented individuals. Now comes the scary part; I dont want to let any of these artists down so this has to succeed. All of these artists are trying to support themselves and improve their lives. Indigo Wings wants to be one of the options available in the community for people to choose from.
- 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 a big piece of paper and make a map of your future. Start with where you want to be in five years (dream big) at the end of the page and fill in the space in between with what you can do in the next six months, one year, two years, etc These will be the short-term goals that will help you achieve your long-range goal.
- What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
We all need to keep thinking outside the box to provide supports for a population of individuals who have diverse dreams.
- What's your dream vacation?
I would love to visit Japan with my husband, I was there nearly 40 years ago and I would love to show him the beauty. Much of the country hasnt changed, but I believe the accessibility will have improved greatly. They are celebrating their version of our ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) this year.
***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 Jason Endres. As the former president of People First Wisconsin and also a person who directs his own supports, Jason full-heartedly that everyone should have the right to live their life as they choose. He is involved in various advocacy groups and a very strong advocate for people with disabilities in Wisconsin. We are so fortunate to have a member of the Network!
How are you involved with self-directed supports and self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
My wife and I are both on IRIS and self-directing our supports. We also have a friend that we are power of attorney for and help with his IRIS plan. I believe everyone has the right to live there life as they see fit. No one should tell anyone how they should live there life. I joined the SD Network to see what it was about and help in any way that I can.
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?
As everyone knows, Wisconsin is going through a major change in terms of how long-term care is provided to people. I have been in a couple of meetings with the Department of Health Services (DHS), and I have been very involved with my representatives at the capital letting them know what I would like to see in the new plan. I cant say Im excited about this because IRIS and Family Care were great programs; sure, there needed to be change, but I dont believe they should get rid what is working.
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?
Now that I am now the past president of People First Wisconsin, I look back on what we, as self-advocacy group, have done in the past two years on the topic of Self-determination. I encourage others to join the People First Wisconsin Facebook page and also check out the People First Wisconsin website.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
I encourage everyone on the SD Network to find their voice and tell your story. Everyone has a story and if we tell it to enough people, we might just be listened too.
What's your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be going to Sydney, Australia. I dont know why; I just want go there. In the meantime, I love going to see my nieces and nephews in Fort Wayne, Indiana and in Birmingham, Alabama.
***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 Dennis Granzen. He has the unique perspective of being on both sideshe was an avid supporter and advocate for people with disabilities, but then he found himself needing support. Having this perspective has helped him understand the importance of self-determination and advocacy. We are so fortunate to have him as a member of the Self-Determination Network!
How are you involved with self-directed supports and self-determination? Why did you join the SDNetwork?
After almost twenty years working as a supporter and advocate for people with disabilities Dennis acquired that label myself, he says. His work had been with individuals, small groups and large groups of people of all ages, from four year olds to older adults, and included their families and friends. We focused on community inclusion, focusing on how people could share their gifts and abilities with those around them, he explains.
In relation to self-determination, this meant helping people create a vision of what they wanted their life to look like, and then coming up with a plan that reflected the vision. He explains that, most of these people were either teens transitioning to adulthood, or older adults trying to find a way to fit disability into their lives. After several difficult life events, he came to fit into the second category. He says that, at this time, I dont yet need formal in home supports those are performed by my wonderful family. Right now, most of his self-advocacy efforts center around doctors and other health care providers.
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?
Dennis feels that Wisconsins model to have Self Determined Supports is positive and respectful, but he says, we have to be vigilant in making sure we dont lose it to the ever shifting bureaucracy. He points out thats one of the reasons why joined the Self-Determination Network.
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?
After attempting to teach self-advocacy to others and then finding he needed to practice it for himself, Dennis found it harder to do than to talk about. He says, taking the time to stay calm and think through your thoughts means avoiding the urge, and expectation, to know and share the answers right away. He points out that it means accepting that things may get a little messy--maybe very messy-- before order is restored.
What message would you like to share with themembersof the SDNetwork?
One important thing Dennis has found helpful is that he does better when he involves others in his decision making. A trusted family member or friend goes a long way to making decisions that are thought through and better reflect my values, he explains. He points out that if these people respect and listen to him, the resulting decision is still his--and he feels stronger acting on and sticking to it.
What's your dream vacation?
Dennis dream vacation would be to go with his wife, older son and his girlfriend and travel to New York City to stay a week checking out the music scene. His younger son lives in Brooklyn and is studying drums and percussion at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. I then would go on with just my wife to Sanibel Island, Florida for a week to explore the sun, sand, shells and surf, he adds.
***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.