News
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.
US NEWS & WORLD REPORT: The ‘Sandwich Generation’ Is Trapped in a Caregiving Crunch. There Is a Solution.
By SD Network, 2024-10-30
There’s a growing number of us who are Millennials or Generation X and struggle to balance the obligations of parenting school-age children, caring for elderly loved ones, and working for a living. Unsurprisingly, one-third of people who must serve as caregivers for family members ultimately have to quit their jobs, according to a Harvard Business School study.
Federal data shows that the number of people with disabilities finding employment is increasing. Disability advocates credit the rise in remote work. Learn more about the different ways remote work supports workers with disabilities.
PHI: Competitive Disadvantage: Direct Care Wages Are Lagging Behind—2024 Update
By SD Network, 2024-10-18
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This factsheet presents an analysis of wage disparities between direct care workers and similar occupations across the United States in 2023, as well as trends in this wage gap from 2014 to 2023. |
AP NEWS: Voters with disabilities are feeling ignored by presidential candidates
By SD Network, 2024-10-18
A new report from Rutgers University estimates that about 40.2 million eligible voters in the quickly approaching U.S. presidential election are people with disabilities. The number of people with disabilities is growing as the U.S. population ages, but voters and advocates say the hurdles that make people feel excluded from the voting process aren’t being addressed.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: DHS Seeks Applicants for State Long-Term Care Advisory Councils Deadline to Apply: November 1
By SD Network, 2024-10-14
Deadline to apply: November 1, 2024
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking qualified applicants to fill vacancies on two state long-term care advisory councils. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 1, 2024.
Wisconsin Long-Term Care Advisory Council (WLTCAC)
The WLTCAC serves as an advisory body to DHS on existing and emerging aging, disability, and long-term care systems issues. Members provide advice and make recommendations to the DHS secretary regarding long-term care policy, programs, and services. Learn more about WLTCAC.
IRIS Advisory Committee (IAC)
The IAC is a workgroup established to provide recommendations to the DHS program staff on issues related to administration of the IRIS program. IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) is a self-directed program for adults with disabilities and elderly people. IAC members are individuals who have relevant knowledge, experience, expertise, and community relationships that allow them to present ideas, opinions, or facts for the betterment of the IRIS program. Learn more about the IAC.
We are accepting applications to fill one open seat to represent IRIS participants.
How to apply
Applications of interest to serve on these two councils can be found on the DHS website:
If you would like to request a paper application or need an accommodation or assistance with completing your application, please contact DHS Long-Term Care at 608-267-7286 or DHSDMSLTC@dhs.wisconsin.gov. Please include the name of the council to which you are applying.
WisTech, Wisconsin's Assistive Technology Act Program, is starting to plan for the 2025 assistive technology (AT) trainings and your input is needed. These trainings are intended to provide high-quality content that supports and develops the skills of AT professionals and other service providers. The WisTech 2025 Training Survey is now open!
Please complete this survey by Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 5 p.m. If you have any questions, need this information in an accessible format, or need assistance completing this survey, please contact Laura Plummer by email at laura.plummer1@dhs.wisconsin.gov or phone at 608-514-2513. All trainings provide participants with Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credits (CRCs) at no cost. Thank you in advance!
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO: PBS Wisconsin: Medicaid and pay for workers with developmental disabilities
By SD Network, 2024-10-14
Fear of losing Medicaid benefits is a factor in debates over law allowing certain workers with disabilities to be paid lower than minimum wage — advocates urge Wisconsin lawmakers to pursue expansion. There are 49 employers in Wisconsin with a special certification known as a 14(c) which allows employers to pay workers with disabilities based on productivity, even if it is less than minimum wage. This has been a controversy for years. Many disability advocates feel that people with disabilities should be paid at market rates no matter what.