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Jayn Wittenmyer Distinguished Achievement Award

The award recognizes someone who goes "above and beyond expectations" in providing enthusiasm, vision, broad knowledge, compassion, and leadership in the field. This results-oriented person is able to form or direct effective networks to better the lives of adults with developmental disabilities. The Council is pleased to present the 2007 Jayn Wittenmyer Distinguished Achievement Award to:

Dorothy Will

Dorothy Will began her involvement in disability advocacy when her son Ron was born with developmental disabilities. In the early 1960s, very few services and resources, especially community-based resources, were available to people with developmental disabilities. Dorothy immediately went to work to change that.

Dorothy became an active member, board member, and for several years, board president of the Jackson County Arc. She worked tirelessly to help others by sharing the experience she gained in her struggle to improve the life of her son with special needs. She quickly developed a reputation as a "mover and shaker" in disability advocacy.

When Wisconsin legislation created mandatory disability services in all counties, Jackson County formed a separate Developmental Disabilities Board-Dorothy became the first director. In that capacity, she developed a wide array of services for adults and children with developmental disabilities. She reached out the Native American Community to learn more about their needs and how to more effectively serve them. Dorothy maintained strong relationships with neighboring communities, counties, schools, social service agencies, state agencies such as DVR, and other disability groups to provide them with assistance in developing disability services.

Though officially retired, Dorothy continues to be an advocate by being available for consultation and serving as legal guardian for several people with developmental disabilities.

We thank Dorothy Will for her many years of service and her efforts in pioneering the development of programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.