Meet Gary Noosbond – supported employee and WI APSE board member.  Gary is a very active man who shows his dedication to supported employment and advocacy for people with disabilities in many ways.  Gary travels from Kenosha, WI to Stevens Point every other month to participate in our board meetings.  Gary recently traveled all the way to Louisville, KY to attend the national APSE conference and will be attending and presenting at the WI APSE conference in October.  In addition, Gary participates in People First of Wisconsin meetings and events.                                             Gary lived in Illinois for most of his 43 years, but moved to Wisconsin in late 2005.  In October of 2007, Gary got a full-time job at Dairy Land Greyhound Park.  Gary works in the housekeeping department there.  He cleans tables, vacuums floors and does other types of cleaning tasks around the dining area and seating area of the park.                                           He goes to work very early in the morning (4 am some days and 5 am other days), but generally enjoys the job.  It is located quite close to his home in Kenosha, so that is a plus.  Gary has gotten a raise once in his year at the park.                                                    Gary described Dairy Land Greyhound Park as a pretty good place to work.  He said that issues do come up sometimes, but that this employer is good about working things out with him.  He was recently allowed to take time off to attend the conference in Louisville and will ask for time off again in October.

Thanks for all of your hard work Gary!