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2007 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 is someone who lends their experience and takes the risks needed to improve the community for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The WCDD is pleased to present this year's award to:

Thomas Gierke

Tom Gierke is one of those individuals who meet the challenges of life head on and with a smile. Tom was born with Distal Muscular Dystrophy, which limits his fine motor skills and requires the use of a wheelchair. Despite this disability (or as Tom prefers, his "gift"), as well as personal, financial, and professional setbacks, he maintains a spirit of self-determination that drives him to succeed and to help others do the same.

With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Tom has worked with his technical college and workplace to remove barriers for people with disabilities. He educates the public about the abilities of individuals with disabilities. His volunteer efforts included acting as coordinator for a local hiking/outdoor group; serving on the Board of Directors for HearthStone of Wisconsin, a local disabilities self-help group; and serving on the Sheboygan County non-motorized transportation committee.

Tom actively works with state, local, and federal legislators to remove the waiting lists and bureaucratic roadblocks that prevent him and others from getting timely assistance when needed. He works with local municipalities to point out opportunities to improve accessibility to public facilities. He uses his abilities as a public speaker to share his story and inspire others with disabilities to never give up on their dreams. Recently, Tom became Executive Director of HearthStone of Wisconsin where his advocacy abilities, positive attitude, and expertise in accessibility will continue to make a difference,

Congratulations Tom, your courage, enthusiasm, tenacity and commitment to advocating for yourself and others, have earned you the respect of all who know you.