Consumer Advisory Council

The Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) is a vital part of the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), the state’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the University of Wyoming. WIND works alongside people with disabilities, families, professionals, and community partners to improve access to health, education, employment, and community life across Wyoming. The CAC ensures this work is guided by the voices and lived experiences of those it serves. Council members share insights about local needs, advise on services and training priorities, support research and outreach efforts, and help connect WIND to communities statewide. Through this partnership, the CAC strengthens WIND’s mission by promoting inclusion, independence, and meaningful participation for all people with disabilities in Wyoming.

Current Members

A group photo of the WIND consumer advisory council

Join the Consumer Advisory Council and Make Your Voice Count

Your experiences, insights, and ideas can help shape services and supports for people with disabilities across Wyoming. By joining the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC), you become a partner in guiding WIND’s work—advising on programs, identifying community needs, and helping create meaningful change. Members attend two in-person and two virtual meetings throughout the year, connect with others who share a commitment to advocacy, and represent WIND in their local communities. Travel costs and accommodations are provided so everyone can participate fully.

 

If you are a person with a developmental disability, a family member, or someone who supports individuals with disabilities, we invite you to apply. Together, we can build a Wyoming where everyone has the opportunity to participate in everyday community life.

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Congratulations to WIND's Consumer Advisory Council

In December 2024, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) recognized WIND’s Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) with the Gordon Richins Award for Leadership and Advocacy. This award recognizes individuals or groups for their exemplary leadership and advocacy, fostering inclusion and leadership opportunities for people with disabilities and their families within the AUCD Network and beyond. Upon receiving this honor, the Council Chair, Sandra Thiel, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the entire CAC. In her comments, she also shared a powerful vision for Consumer Advisory Councils nationwide: “We hope that CACs across the country fully realize their critical role in enhancing the strength of their UCEDD. Our voices are indeed valued. They are meaningful and necessary as we strive for full inclusion for ALL citizens.”  WIND appreciates the tremendous support of our CAC. Their work and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities in Wyoming is unparalleled.

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group photo of the WIND CAC