WCDD Home > Awards

2008 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 disabilities and their families. The WDDB is pleased to present this year’s award to:

LeRoy Reiss

LeRoy spent the first years of his life at Central Wisconsin Center, but moved to Richland Center as a child.  He always believed that no one should live in an institution, and so began his journey as a self advocate.

LeRoy became involved in People First when a local advocate invited him and a few other men to come to a meeting in Madison.  They were so impressed there was a movement to close the state institutions that they formed a local chapter of People First, where LeRoy has served as an officer ever since the beginning.

LeRoy has delivered his message about self advocacy at local, state and national conferences.  He often speaks on the topic of “How to Get What You Want and Need to Live Independently.”  This past fall, he also participated in a panel discussion on sexuality and marriage at the statewide People First Conference.

LeRoy is married to his longtime sweetheart, Julie, whom he met when they both lived at Central Wisconsin Center as children.  Julie and LeRoy enjoy volunteering in their community for the Richland County Fair, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, the Star Spangled Celebration, Walk with Grace, The Alzheimer’s Walk and several other fundraising activities.  They also love to travel and have been to Minnesota, Kentucky and Missouri - to visit the Wizard of Oz home, Graceland and St. Louis.

In the summer, LeRoy enjoys playing softball for his church team and visitng with his local buddies at the Barber Shop.  He also enjoys his job at VARC in Richland Center. 

Congratulations LeRoy on your award.  Your lifelong commitment as a self-advocate is an inspiration to all.