MEET SUSAN

Susan has been receiving Independent Living support from Easterseals Midwest since August 2014. She is proud of her townhome, her son Cameron, and the independent life she is living. Susan will be the first to tell you that everyone needs some help in life and considers the Independent Living supports she receives to be a vital tool she uses to help her live her best life.

Susan describes the spring of 2020, when the COVID pandemic resulted in stay-at-home orders and social distancing mandates, as the most troubling time in her life. As many of the supports Susan receives could not effectively be provided remotely, she was afraid of how her life would be impacted. According to Susan, it was the “best news ever” when her Independent Living team announced that in-person support services could remain active with heightened health and safety protocols. She says this was a real turning point for her and credits being able to continue receiving in-person support services with helping her see that all things are possible.

During her new time at home, Susan decided to spend her energy on work that has always been most meaningful to her: advocacy and civic engagement.

She resumed her membership in the People First chapter of St. Charles County and was voted in as president shortly after. She enlisted the help of her Independent Living support team to learn how to manage video conferencing platforms as well as presentation etiquette and professionalism.

Susan’s skills grew and her fellow Coalition members noticed her outgoing personality, sense of humor, and honest approach. “A welcome addition to the group,” “refreshing,” and “ray of sunshine” are just a few of the accolades given. Susan was asked to provide the mission moment at the June 21 board meeting of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board (DDRB). Susan provided a spotlight on the People First chapter’s 2021 awareness campaign “Save Our Staff” and sang the praises of service providers, funding boards, and the crucial supports they provide. Her presentation left few dry eyes in the crowd.

But Susan didn’t stop there. Her dedication and efforts didn’t go unnoticed by her Easterseals team, and Susan was soon offered a position with the Self-Determination in Action Program. As an instructor with the program, Susan is now able to share her extensive knowledge of self-advocacy with others with disabilities. She teaches other people with disabilities their rights, how to advocate for themselves and their needs, the importance of join committees and boards, and more!