Meet David. This advocate extraordinaire continues to serve his community in any way he can. When he’s not busy serving on one of the many boards he’s on, he’s appraising antiques or officiating weddings. This sports lover is involved in many exciting projects—including writing a book. We’re so lucky to have him as a member of the Network!

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

David is a 41 year old self-advocate. He shares that when he was 13 months old, he contracted a strep infection that his body couldn’t fight. He had a compromised immune system which mutated into full-blown arthritis. He doesn’t let the daily constant pain stop him from leading a successful life. He uses a power wheelchair and has found a treatment that works for him.

He lives in his own home and has lots of technology equipment in place to help him in case of an emergency. He also has an accessible van that he drives independently. This allows him to be an active member of the community. He had held several different jobs and has served on various disability advocacy boards.

In addition to his work in advocacy, David appraises antiques and used goods. he’s also a registered officiant and performs various types of religious ceremonies. He is working on writing a book about his life story as well. He lives in Richard County and is involved in mediating and relationships. “We all watch out for each other and help in any way we can” he says.

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

Although his professional advocacy journey began in 2009, David began advocating for himself when he was a young child. He shares that when he was young, he allowed to come to his doctor appointments to learn about his condition. He also, when asked, points people in the right direction and shares how he overcomes his struggles in hopes to steer them in the right direction in their journey. “Sometimes it’s some of the most important jobs that involve no pay that are the most notable and rewarding in this world. Through my positions I do not seek fame and recognition, I only seek solutions and viable means of maintaining programs and funding for my state and local community,” he tells us.

Currently, David is the Chairman for the Richmond County Commission on Ageing and Disabilities Board, Chairperson of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle County Governance Board, and Vice President for the Movin Out Board of Directors. He’s also a member of the Inclusa/Family Care Grievance and Appeals committee.

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

David is excited about all of the projects he’s working on. “Stay tuned,” he says.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

David left us with the following quote and we didn’t want to paraphrase it because it’s so good.

For every good day that I have there are usually two not so good days to go along with it. The key to my success is surrounding myself with enough positivity to overcome the negative events that take place in my life. Always have goals and dreams no matter how far out of reach they seem. As we age things are bound to progress in the wrong directions making things harder. Tendons will stretch, muscles will atrophy, pain will be in plenty dished out as three square meals a day. Even still I shall trudge on at all cost. Adapt and overcome. No matter the odds never give up, for life is so short anyway and there are so many wonderful treasures this life has to offer.

What are some of your hobbies?

In his spare time, David enjoys watching sports, going deer hunting, watching the sunset over the Wisconsin River, and, most importantly, spending time with his three dogs. “They keep me company and are always there,” he 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.

Two years after the feds suggested that they were going to update regulations to prevent health care providers from discriminating against people with disabilities, but advocates are still waiting for that to happen. Disability advocates are pressuring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to act urgently on updating regulations related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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For many years, flying has been challenging for many people with disabilities. Mobility equipment often gets lost or damaged during the process of either loading or unloading the plane. The Mobile Act would track damaged mobility aids and spur research on designing planes that allow passengers to stay in those aids when flying

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A group of lawmakers has introduced legislation that not only focuses on improving conditions for professional caregivers, but family caregivers as well. Broadly, the Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act would make way for the recruitment, training and retention of professional and family caregivers. It would do so via grants and other initiatives.

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Federal law should reflect the time in which we live and not include harmful words or slurs. The Words Matter Act will modernize our laws, and remove offensive language from the U.S. Code.

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This week, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new advisory to warn the American public about loneliness, isolation, and disconnection. Loneliness and isolation are widespread, with approximately half of U.S. adults experiencing loneliness. The advisory notes that older adults and people with disabilities are among the populations with the highest prevalence of loneliness and isolation. Such disconnection can have profound effects on mental, physical, and societal health.

The advisory lays out a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection and includes recommendations that individuals, governments, workplaces, health systems, and community organizations can take to increase connection in their lives, communities, and across the country.

Because the protection provided by the COVID-19 vaccine fades much more quickly for people 65 and older and people who are immunocompromised, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to allow an additional an dose of the updated (bivalent) vaccine for these populations.

CDC also simplified its vaccination recommendations for everyone else. Everyone six and older should to get one shot of the updated bivalent vaccine, regardless of whether they completed the original vaccination series.

Not sure if you need one?

• No matter how older you are, if you have not gotten a shot since September, you definitely need one!
• If you are 65 or older or if you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, it may be a good idea for you to get an extra dose of the bivalent vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to decide whether it makes sense for you.

Getting vaccinated and staying up to date continues to be the best way to prevent serious illness and death due to COVID-19. CDC’s website has more details on current recommendations.