KANDU Industries Inc. hosts A-Team USA as they present State Representative Don Vruwink of the Wisconsin State Assembly with an A-Team All-Star award on Thursday.
A-Team USA unites individuals with diverse abilities and their family members to advocate in a grassroots effort, create awareness in the community, and advise those who care for citizens with special needs to ensure service choices and opportunities. Originally starting in Wisconsin with a special focus on education and empowerment related to issues that include meaningful life choices in employment for adults with disabilities, A-Team has now expanded to 19 other states. Recipients of the A-Team All-Star award are recognized for their unyielding support and leadership to ensure a full array of work, home, and life choice are upheld for people with diverse disabilities.
Last October over Zoom, A-Team members had the opportunity to share their personal testimony about the importance of their jobs with Wisconsin state legislators in regard to the Employment Choice First resolution bill. On November 12, 2021, A-Team Wisconsin traveled to the state capitol in Madison and met with legislators to celebrate their successful effort in advocating for a full array of work choices for people with diverse abilities.
Rep. Don Vruwink led the A-Team on a tour of his office before introducing them to the Assembly, resulting in a standing round of applause for A-Team and KANDU Industries from legislators. According to KANDU Board Member and A-Team Representative Rick Wilson, “Rep. Vruwink has been a particularly strong supporter of individuals who choose to work in prevocational programs. He always listens closely to our concerns and expresses his full support.”
Since being elected in 2016, Rep. Don Vruwink represents Wisconsin’s 43rd assembly district, which includes Rock County as well as parts of surrounding counties. He has become familiar with many KANDU clients through his support of A-Team and touring KANDU facilities, including client Kelly Yoss. “As an A-Team member, I always feel like Representative Vruwink is on our side. He makes our visits to the capital memorable. We visited his office and he even let me sit in his chair,” said Kelly.