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.

Stacys Journal: State Budget Proposal

By now, Im sure many of you have heard about how Governor Walkers biennial budget proposal would affect people with disabilities. Ill be the first to admit Im not big into politics, so when I first heard rumors about the proposed cuts, I wasnt overly concerned. However, when I kept hearing about the impact it would have on people with disabilities, I decided to take a closer look. I was appalled by what I found! I strongly encourage you to take a look at the information that is on Wisconsin Budget Proposal page.

After learning how the proposed budget would impact my life, I decided I needed to take action. After emailing my legislators and sending a letter to Governor Walker, I contacted my hometown newspaper, The Fond du Lac Reporter. They agreed to let me write a commentary on the topic. I really encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions about the budget proposal on the Network too.

Cuts will significantly affect people with disabilities

I'm 29 years old and live in Oshkosh.

I have a bachelor of arts degree in journalism with an emphasis in advertising from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I live by myself in an apartment and am able to handle my own finances.

I started my own business doing freelance graphic design and social media. I'm also independently contracted with In Control Wisconsin and work as their online community network manager.

This probably doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary until I share that I have a severe physical disability. Due to complications at birth, I have Athetoid Cerebral Palsy. I rely on an electric wheelchair to get around and use a communication device to communicate. I need assistance with all of my basic needs such as bathing, toileting, dressing and feeding.

I've been in the IRIS Include, Respect, I Self-Direct program for just over four years. I self-direct everything from my personal cares to my finances. Having control over everything and being able to self-direct my care has made me as independent as I can be.

Having independence is so important for people with similar situations like mine. Being able to have choices about which service providers we want to use and to decide where and how our funding is used is critical to our independence.

IRIS is a long-term care program financed with state and federal funds. Participants self-direct their supports. This means they have choice and control over which service providers they use and how funds are spent. It provides opportunities to create efficient use of tax dollars through small local personal control.

In Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget, it suggests that the IRIS program be eliminated. Individuals using the IRIS will reportedly be moved to a proposed less flexible, larger government-driven model. IRIS is a smaller-government, locally controlled model that respects Wisconsin citizens' ability to make responsible decisions.

Eliminating the IRIS program would drastically impact my life in a negative way. It would take away independence that I continue to strive for. After years of self-directing everything myself, having other people dictate how my money is spent and what providers I use would be a huge slap in the face. People who want to self-direct their funding and supports should be able to continue to do so.

Furthermore, the proposed budget suggests major cuts in funding for personal care. Many people with disabilities myself included could not survive without personal care assistance. I'm not able to even take a sip of water without help.

Cutting personal care funds would significantly affect the lives of people with disabilities. We, as human beings, should have the right to the care we need so we can lead as successful lives as possible.

So, I kindly ask that legislators keep how it would affect the lives of people with disabilities in mind while considering the budget proposal. We're not asking you to move mountains. We just want to have the appropriate supports so we can live our lives to the fullest.

Stacy Ellingen is a former Fond du Lac resident now living independently in Oshkosh.

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.

Stacys Journal: Introduction

Hi! My name is Stacy Ellingen. As many of you may know, Im the Online Community Network Manager for In-Control Wisconsin. In hopes initiating more conversation among our communities, Im going to be journaling about some of my personal experiences and thoughts about different topics related to the networks. By doing this, I hope it will inspire and encourage you to share some of your experiences as well.

To begin, I thought Id tell you a little bit about myself. Im 29 years old and Im from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. I have a Bachelors of Arts degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising from UW-Whitewater. In addition to being a Network Manager for In Control, I also started my own business doing freelance graphic design and social media. My journey to employment was pretty incredible, but that will be another whole journal entry.

Due to complications at birth, I have Athetoid Cerebral Palsy. I use a power wheelchair to get around and a communication device to communicate. I need assistance with all of my basic needs such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding. I live in my own apartment in Oshkosh and have care givers come in to assist me a couple of times per day.

Having a disability isnt easy by any means, but its not the worst thing in the world. Ive learned the importance of self-determination and self-advocacy over the years. I wouldnt be where I am today if I didnt advocate for myself. Many of us continue to have to fight the system in order to receive the supports we need to lead successful lives. I feel that its my responsibility to advocate for those who arent able to.

Im looking forward to sharing some of my experiences with you. My hope is that this will lead to good conversation. I encourage you to ask questions and share your story as well. We can learn so much from each other. That is what networking is all about!

Hi! My name is Stacy Ellingen. I am the new Community Network Manager for the Self Determination Network and the Employment Network. I am a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and have knowledge about services, resources, etc there are available for people with disabilities. Personally speaking, I have experienced and overcame many challenges and barriers. Im hoping to be able to use my experiences to help others. Over the last few years, Ive learned the benefits of networking both on a personal and professional level. I believe networking is a key to success not only to those who happen to have disabilities, but for all people. Please feel free to send me your thoughts, ideas, and questions. I look forward to getting to know you!