It's been a while..

Whew, it's been a hot minute since I have posted on here. In fact.. it's been a few years! SO much has happened since my last post and I have been incredibly busy speaking around the state and working as an advocate. Since our last check in, here are some things I have been busy with..

• I am a current member of BPDD (the board for people with developmental disabilities) where I work to help make changes and improvements in the lives of people with developmental disabilities in the state of Wisconsin. 
• I am a part of ASPSE which focuses on employment for people with disabilities. ASPSE runs the Employment First conference and also gives resources to those interested in job coaching and employment opportunities. 
• I am on the committee of TMG where we discuss long term care options for people with disabilities including a program called IRIS which I am actually part of. 
• I am a part of a Living Well program which teaches people with disabilities social skills. I help to teach classes about these skills as well as about safety.
• I am the Vice President of People's First which is an organization ran by people with disabilities that work on advocacy and focus on initiatives for things like transportation in their local communities.
• I am on a sub-committee for the Disability Vote Coalition which works on accessibility in voting for those with disabilities.
• I work for ODC as a self advocate and teach classes about friendships and other life skills.
• I am a member of Special Olympics Wisconsin where I compete in Track and Bocce. 
• I run a small business with my sister called Soap Sisters where we sell handmade soap products and apparel/accessories that promote positivity and mental health.
• In April 2023 I became an aunt for the first time to my handsome nephew, Noah!

Some days are challenging and filled with meetings and activities but I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have had and continue to have. The shy and unsure middle school Ashley would be so proud of who I am today. 
My goal is to continue to share my story, my journey and all my ups and downs with you right here on this blog. I promise to be transparent and open always.. as we know life is full of the unexpected. Autism certainly poses many challenges but I will continue to let it motivate me to help others. 

Be kind to yourself and others.

Until next time
​xo, Ashley