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2004 Self -Advocate of the Year Award

This award recognizes an individual who has been instrumental in creating, leading or implementing disability advocacy activities in their community or on the state or federal levels. The award recipient should be someone who lends their experience and takes the risks needed to improve the community for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Council is proud present this years Self-Advocate of the Year Award to:

Margie Klar

Margie Klar has been a Self Determination Advisor for Kindcare in South Milwaukee for a little over three years, but she has been a self advocate most of her life. Margie is a tireless advocate who initiates activities that push the cause of people with developmental disabilities.

In her role at Kindcare, Margie frequently brings back information about what is happening with services to people with disabilities. She sits on a number of advisory committees in Milwaukee County. She also initiates ongoing contact with legislators and county officials to remind them of the importance of funding programs for people with disabilities.

Margie is a confident speaker with a mission. She tells her own story as testimony to how, with the right supports, people with developmental disabilities can reach for and touch the stars. She will often tell legislators and others to give people like her a chance to be their best and take part in the community.

She is always willing to take on a new challenge and often includes other self advocates in activities. She has been the recipient of two DAWN grants where she helped numerous self advocates register to vote, learn about their legislators and write letters to their representatives. Margie is a member of the Milwaukee Survival Coalition, People First and the People Can’t Wait initiative.

Congratulations Margie, your dedication and commitment to advocacy inspire others around you. It is an honor to present you with the Self-Advocate of the Year Award.