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SUSAN BENTLEY’S WIND SERVICE RECOGNIZED WITH AWARD

By Sara DiRienzo
WIND Information Specialist

Susan Bentley from UPLIFT recently received an award from Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) in recognition of her 15 years of service to WIND and the Consumer Program Advisory Council (CPAC). The award was given at the 2011 MEGA Banquet, the nighttime event held at the MEGA Conference hosted by the Wyoming Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Upon receiving the award, Bentley stated, “I was truly honored when Keith Miller and WIND asked me to become a part of CPAC [fifteen years ago]. I was, and continue to be, very proud of the fact that this council is a working council and has developed materials geared specifically to disability education and awareness. I tried to bring the parent and consumer perspective, knowledge of true handicaps of raising children with all disabilities and commitment to the vision of CPAC.” 

Some of the materials produced by CPAC which Bentley was involved with have been the popular coloring book series, which depicts children with disabilities playing and interacting with their peers. The objective of the series is to support disabilities awareness and acceptance among children.

Bentley has been an advocate for children with disabilities and families for over 30 years. Through this time, she has come to believe that children are one of our greatest responsibilities and priorities. Every victory counts. Over time, Bentley has seen many successes for children which she attributes to the hard work of families.

“It’s rewarding to see that life may be a bit easier for families raising children now because of my work and because of families across the state working together—often unpaid and unsupported—to change policy. As far as working as an UPLIFT advocate for families—every time one of ‘our’ kids graduates and goes on to trade school or college, ‘our’ families are able to access needed services, ‘our’ moms are able to call and talk to someone who can empathize, ‘our’ babies are raised in a nurturing, healthy environment—I know we make a difference. I am privileged to work with a group of individuals that have a passion for improving the futures for ‘our’ children,” she said.

WIND is proud to recognize Susan Bentley’s accomplishments and celebrates her passion for children, families, and change.

In photo: Susan Bentley, UPLIFT; Kendall Corbett, WIND; Janet Corbett, WIND; Keith A. Miller, Former WIND director.

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