September 19th was the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation’s Annual Gathering Event at Marshfield Clinic Health System. Held every year, this free health event offers local women the information and resources they need to be healthy. The topic for 2019 was “Accessibility: Creative Solutions that Work,” in which we talked about adaptable stress management/coping techniques, and addressed accessibility challenges and accommodations across the lifespan.
With 1 in 5 Americans living with a disability, the 100+ women in attendance at the Gathering felt this was a relevant discussion they could learn from for themselves and their loved ones. One woman stated that this may be “the most interesting Gathering yet!”
Our speakers talked through an array of important issues (family care, protecting independence, transportation, mobility and adaptive equipment, social inclusion, special education, and more), and the piece that women expressed value in most was being informed about available services, particularly those in rural areas, and knowing how to access them. The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation was eager to share details about it’s Well Badger Resource Center, a statewide health and information referral service, and our event speakers and exhibitors represented a variety of organizations in Wisconsin (and the nation) that are available to assist those living with disabilities as well. I’d highly recommend you check them out:
ADRC of Central Wisconsin
Center for Aging Research and Education (CARE)
Marshfield Clinic Health System
Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc.
National MS Society
Special Olympics Wisconsin