Government : Gale will Continue Service on Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council

In addition to the two new members appointed in May, three additional people have been appointed to the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (Iowa DD Council) by Governor Kim Reynolds. Several previous members were also reappointed. Each will serve three-year terms in an effort to make Iowa more inclusive for individuals with disabilities.
New Iowa DD Council members:Wendy Andersen | Treynor, IA - Family AdvocateRachel Bussan | West Des Moines, IA - Self-AdvocateCharlene Wyatt Sauer | Shell Rock, IA - Family Advocate Reappointed Iowa DD Council members:Julie Bergeson | Des Moines, IA - Department of AgingEric Evans | Des Moines, IA - Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation ServicesAmber Gale | Keystone, IA - Family AdvocateMeLissa Lawson | Des Moines, IA - Department of Education After her first child was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition at six months old, Wendy Andersen felt empowered to champion for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. "I believe it is crucial for our voices and concerns to be known and heard," she says. "The Iowa DD Council serves as an essential advocate for the disability community. The more I learn about their impactful work, the more I am inspired to be part of their efforts and contribute to the positive changes they are making in our state." Rachel Bussan has worked on projects and advocacy efforts for DEI, disabilities, and mental health for several years. In October 2023, she participated in the Iowa DD Council's Take Your Legislator to Work Day campaign, inviting Senator Celsi and Representative Madison to visit her during a shift at the West Des Moines Public Library. After working with the Council and the Autism Society of Iowa on state policy issues, Bussan decided to become more directly involved. "Some of the issues I am most passionate about are employment, accessibility, and health care," she says. Charlene Wyatt Sauer is the mother of two children, one of whom was born with significant disabilities. This led Wyatt Sauer to change her career path and take on what she considers her most important job: learning how to advocate and champion for a child who needed her as a full-time parent and caregiver. "I was drawn to serve on the council to share not only our personal story, but the stories of so many around us and bring transparency to living a life with a disability and as a role as a caregiver," she says. "Every human has a purpose, and every person needs the opportunity to live their life to the fullest. It cannot be a lone voice, but rather it takes a village to reinforce this message to every citizen in Iowa. "Our communities exist because we work together and choose to support programs and opportunities that change people's lives," she continues. "Different perspectives are healthy, and it's the honest and transparent conversations we can have to explore new ideas or value different opinions, that can make bright futures happen for all of us." Council members provide input into all the council's activities and participate on committees and at council-sponsored events. They also meet with legislators and work with other organizations to create positive results for Iowans with disabilities.