Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.
I am a Portage County resident, and I live and thrive with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. My life is full — I volunteer in my community, work full time, attend community activities and maintain meaningful relationships. I have numerous physical challenges, yet I am able to contribute in so many ways. I am a mental health counselor and firmly believe that I make a difference in the lives of the children I serve. I volunteer in my church at both a local and national level and, again, feel that I am able to make meaningful contributions. My life requires the support of dedicated individuals and technology. I am blessed that these supports are made available to me through the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Portage DD). These supports have allowed me to reach heights not typically expected of someone with my level of disability. I can, and do, achieve because of the numerous support services through Portage DD.
Please join me in voting YES on ISSUE 29, ensuring continued support for me and others with disabilities to live meaningful lives in our community.
— Emily Schmidlin, Kent
Emily is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S). She serves in various capacities at the national level of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and her local congregation (Trinity Lutheran Church, Kent). Emily also serves on the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County.
The Portager publishes a range of opinions from the community. To submit a letter to the editor, write to [email protected].