The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has created a plain language resource webpage for adults in our long-term care programs: Family Care, Family Care Partnership, IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct), and PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). This webpage provides information about how members and participants can stay healthy, safe, and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals will find resources on accessing program services, increased contact with care teams and consultants, and helpful information to consider during the pandemic.

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It's hunting season in Wisconsin. For decades, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has designed a special hunting season for people with disabilities. This year, 620 people are participating in it which is a significant increase from previous years. For Don McCarthy of Prairie du Chien, going deer hunting has a tradition that goes back many years. McCarthy, who has a visual impairment, started hurting with his dad when he was 12 years old. His inability to see doesn't phase him. Now, at 63 years old, the tradition continues. He always brings a friend along to guide him. 

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Meet Dean. This fun-loving grandpa loves to volunteer and help people in any way he can. He’s been involved in disability advocacy for many years and doesn’t let his health conditions stop him from living life the way he wants to. We are so fortune to have him as part of the Network.

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

Dean has had disabilities most of his life, but he doesn’t let them stop him from living  life the way he wants to. He shares that he was diagnosed with orthopedic problems and fibromyalgia when he was young. He also has type 2 diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. He has survived three strokes, two heart attacks and several other medical problems as he got older.  He’s losing his hearing and uses a TTY phone. He explains that he is learning to read lips and is planning on learning sign language. Some of his conditions are chronic and may never get better, but he knows giving up isn’t an option. “I am very motivated to do things I’m told I can’t do or may not be able to do. I love to prove people wrong when I can,” he says.

In 1985, Dean started business college hoping to study electronics, but ended up taking a slight detour into small business management and then supervisory management. “A very good example of where my life took several detours along the way on my journey in life. I never considered the detours I have taken any type of problem, but a great opportunity to grow and learn so much more,” he says. He thinks he learns so more from living his crazy life everyday than any classroom lesson could ever teach him. He considers himself a lifelong learner.

Dean is a very creative, spontaneous and adventurous person. He has a married daughter and two wonderful grandchildren. He also has several other people’s children who call him dad and grandchildren who have adopted him as grandpa.

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

Dean has been involved in disability advocacy for many years. He got involved with the advocacy with his involvement with People First in the 80s, then with Systems Change Network in Iowa, and then with several other organizations. He’s currently a participant representative on the IRIS advisory committee for the last seven years. 

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

Dean is excited that he was recently reappointed to the IRIS Advisory Committee for another year until December 2021 by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services.

What are some of your hobbies?

Dean has many hobbies that he loves to do. He believes in volunteering and giving back to my community and other organizations. Currently, he helps manage and operate a church and several non-profit organizations. He enjoys doing photography and videography which are things that he learned in high school.  He’s also an amateur radio operator for KC9TMG.

***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.

Each year, WalletHub publishes a report ranking the best and worst cities in the US for people with disabilities. The overall ranking is based on three categories : Economy, Quality of Life, and Health Care. Scottsdale, AZ and St. Louis,  MO ranked best. Milwaukee and Madison made the top 100.

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A report from the Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving, presenting their policy recommendations, is now available. The report details the process and recommendations developed to address the charges in Executive Order #11 and  improve conditions for family caregivers and paid direct care workers.

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The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has published a nonpartisan policy report COVID-19 and the Disability Vote, urging federal, state, and local governments to take immediate action and ensure that voters can cast a ballot safely, accessibly, and securely in the 2020 general election. This report explores how COVID-19 has both created and worsened a variety of accessibility barriers that disenfranchise voters with disabilities. 

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As the pandemic continued, the American with Disabilities Act turned 30.  Many people think one thing became clear - - reality falls short of the law. COVID-19 has made clear health care rights for people with disabilities are far from equal. There are several different examples of this.. This article explains some of the problems. 

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As we all know, there is a presidential election coming up in November. In any election, voting often present challenges for many people with disabilities. Add a pandemic to the situation and the challenges are even more. Everything from voting place accessibility, to not getting accessible mail-in ballots, there are many issues for people with disabilities. 

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