It was May 2009. I had just graduated from UW-Whitewater. As our van pulled out of Whitewater for the final time, I was overcome with emotion. UW-Whitewater gave me so much more than just a degree. It made me become so much more independent and self-confident. I proved to myself and others that if given the right supports, I could live independently. Like many college graduates, I moved back in with my parents.

When I moved back to Fond du Lac, I thought finding a care agency and an apartment would not be that difficult. I couldnt have been more wrong! It was a nightmare. Finding cares was not an easy task--especially in Fond du Lac! Before I could even really look for apartments, I had to get cares lined up first because I could not live on my own without assistance. For various reasons, agencies could not staff my shifts. In the year and a half I was at my parents, we tried two different agencies, and the most we ever got covered was two shifts per day (I need four care shifts per daygetup, lunch, dinner, and bed). This was unbelievably frustrating.

In summer 2010, I began researching different living options on the internet. I came across Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsins Independent Living website. My mom and I came to tour an apartment late that August. Its in Oshkosh--about 20 minutes away from Fondy. I admit, I was skeptical because I am not particularly fond of the idea of segregating people with disabilities. However, when I saw the setup of the Willo Apartments, I was very impressed! The Willos are actually three long buildings, with four apartments in each one. All of the apartments have two bedrooms. Some have two clients in them, but most have one person with a disability living there. The units are so accessible and, although all the residents have disabilities, its nothing like a group home. After we toured, I knew this was where I wanted to be.

Its very unique as Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsin is a care agency. Residents of the Willos arent required to use their agency, but they can if they choose to. For me, this was key. Although, I could have hired my own workers because Im in IRIS, at the time, my family and I felt more comfortable going through an agency.

Its subsidized housing, so, of course, there was a wait list. Fortunately, one became available in December 2010, and I was next on the list. Some renovations needed to be done to the unit and cares needed to be setup, so I moved in in February 2011. After such a frustrating year and a half in Fond du Lac, I was thrilled to be on my own again.

Living here for over four years now, Im still pretty pleased most of the time. I have the independence I need. The fact that Im only about a half hour from my parents has been greatespecially since I had some serious health issues in the recent years. I love my apartment. However, Im not sure its my forever home. Although, I love my neighbors, at times I feel pretty segregated. I think Id like to be in a little bigger city that has more to offer. I dont plan to move anytime in the near future, but maybe someday. Once all this budget stuff gets settled, I plan to reevaluate my living situation from a few different angles and possibly make some changes. Well see what happens.

Living independently is so important to me. In my opinion, everyone should be able to choose where they live and who they live with. What are your thoughts on this?

The views expressed here are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of InControl Wisconsin, the Network or any of our sponsors.