Discussion Boards

Projects

Part 2: Strengthening Partnerships Between SILCs and DSUs

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Mike Bachhuber, Executive Director, Independent Living Council of Wisconsin

Mike Bachhuber is the Executive Director of the Independent Living Council of Wisconsin, the State's SILC.  Prior to August 2007, Mike was the Executive Director of Access to Independence, one of the State's eight IL Centers.

Mike has been active in several organizations working in the emotional disability field and is currently Chair of the State's Council on Mental Health.  He has also served on the Board of Grassroots Empowerment Project, the State's MH Consumer Network.  Prior to working at the Center, Mike worked for the State's Protection and Advocacy System.  He was engaged in community transition for Nursing Home residents and litigation to fix paratransit issues at the P&A in addition to other projects there.  He had also worked as an attorney in private practice for ten years.


Charlene Dwyer, Administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Charlene Dwyer is the Administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).  She has served in this capacity since July 2001.  Charlene has 32 years of experience in the development and provision of supports to persons with disabilities including working three years in an independent living center from 1990-1993. In addition to her public service, she has also worked in higher education and in several non-profit sectors. 

Charlene earned her Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Doctorate Degree in Counselor Education.   She has been an individual NCIL member since individual memberships were offered and is a member of NCIL's Employment and Social Security Committee. Charlene fully supports partnerships between VR employment and Independent Living that lead to an improved quality of life for our common customers - persons with disabilities who want to be fully integrated into and contributors to their communities.