Deb Wisniewski (She/Her) Email & Phone Number

I am the co-host for the ABCD Community of Practice that meets virtually approximately six times per year online, drawing participants from around the world.

Using an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, my colleague, Joe Erpenbeck and I provide coaching, training, and consultation with local organizations that support older adults in their communities.

I provide training and consultation on a wide variety of topics, including: learning about and applying the principles of asset-based community development (ABCD); connecting people with disabilities to their communities; developing and managing online communities; working with rural communities; and more.I also facilitate community & organizational conversations using World Cafe, Open Space, and other strategies.

Since February 2010, I have been a Faculty member with the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute, now located at DePaul University in Chicago IL. Through my affiliation with the ABCD Institute, I have participated in a wide variety of activities, including being a member of the founding board of the Institute, participating in and leading workgroups, and facilitating and leading international events and trainings (in person in England and South Africa, as well as online). One of… Show more Since February 2010, I have been a Faculty member with the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute, now located at DePaul University in Chicago IL. Through my affiliation with the ABCD Institute, I have participated in a wide variety of activities, including being a member of the founding board of the Institute, participating in and leading workgroups, and facilitating and leading international events and trainings (in person in England and South Africa, as well as online). One of my current passions is exploring how ABCD is reflected and used with rural communities. Show less

In October, 2009, I co-founded and became the lead community manager of the team that designed and hosted the ABCD in Action, the official online community for Asset-Based Community Development, with members from over 75 countries. My activities as the lead host included: moderating discussions; posting resources; promoting the website; keeping the site current; managing the platform technology, encouraging member participation, working with volunteer hosts and a stewardship team. Most… Show more In October, 2009, I co-founded and became the lead community manager of the team that designed and hosted the ABCD in Action, the official online community for Asset-Based Community Development, with members from over 75 countries. My activities as the lead host included: moderating discussions; posting resources; promoting the website; keeping the site current; managing the platform technology, encouraging member participation, working with volunteer hosts and a stewardship team. Most importantly I supported and promoted connections between Network members and ideas. Show less

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Coaching, Training, and consulting with libraries and museums that received a Community Catalyst grant from the Institute for Library and Museum Services (IMLS). Working directly with seven different sites across the country as they learned about asset-based community development and changing the nature of their relationships to the communities that they serve.

Wisconsin, United States

I worked with 4H of Wisconsin as they develop a plan for recruiting, training, and supporting AmeriCorps members to work with local 4H groups throughout the state of Wisconsin. In September of 2023, they will begin implementing this exciting new plan.

I provided training and technical assistance on how to support efforts by people with disabilities to contribute to their communities by sharing their gifts in meaningful ways. I have worked on a variety of projects in partnership with In Control Wisconsin, including working with several local communities in Wisconsin to help them explore how people with disabilities can be more connected and engaged. I also co-founded two online communities that are now part of In Control Wisconsin -… Show more I provided training and technical assistance on how to support efforts by people with disabilities to contribute to their communities by sharing their gifts in meaningful ways. I have worked on a variety of projects in partnership with In Control Wisconsin, including working with several local communities in Wisconsin to help them explore how people with disabilities can be more connected and engaged. I also co-founded two online communities that are now part of In Control Wisconsin - The Self-Determination Network and the Employment Network - focusing on people with disabilities. Show less

Wisconsin, United States

The Management Group (TMG) is the largest agency working with IRIS, Wisconsin's self-directed long-term care program for over 12,000 people in Wisconsin. I have worked with them to transform the way they think about working with people who use IRIS in order to focus on having creating meaningful lives as valued citizens and neighbors within their communities. This work includes:* Developing and providing both face-to-face and online ABCD training for all staff.* Meeting with lead… Show more The Management Group (TMG) is the largest agency working with IRIS, Wisconsin's self-directed long-term care program for over 12,000 people in Wisconsin. I have worked with them to transform the way they think about working with people who use IRIS in order to focus on having creating meaningful lives as valued citizens and neighbors within their communities. This work includes:* Developing and providing both face-to-face and online ABCD training for all staff.* Meeting with lead staff and local teams of staff to continue to learn and apply the principles of ABCD.* Providing learning opportunities for people who use IRIS and their families to learn about how they can be valued neighbors and citizens of their communities.* Capturing everyday stories that focus on how people can connect and contribute in their communities.* Supporting change at the administrative level of the ICA, so that the values of ABCD are woven into the processes that affect the quality of life for the people who use IRIS. Show less

Chicago, Il

Co-taught a course on Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) for the Masters of Social Justice and Community Development, Institute of Pastoral Studies. The course focused on understanding and applying the principles and practices of ABCD through a local community project.

Madison, Wisconsin Area

As part of a larger grant project focusing on how technology and older adults, I am involved in exploring how technology can support community connections and engagement.

I worked with the Vocational Futures Planning team to develop a series of trainings for providers of planning services. This training had previously been a face-to-face training, but has been converted to an online training series.I also provide technical assistance to the team on how to use technology to support face-to-face trainings.

I collaborated with a dynamic team of consultants and staff through Wisconsin's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to provide training and technical assistance on employment and self-determination for people with disabilities. Activities included: locating, developing, adapting and editing resource materials; developing and managing the Wisconsin Integrated Employment Google Group; advising others on the development of email groups; developing, disseminating information and resources;… Show more I collaborated with a dynamic team of consultants and staff through Wisconsin's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to provide training and technical assistance on employment and self-determination for people with disabilities. Activities included: locating, developing, adapting and editing resource materials; developing and managing the Wisconsin Integrated Employment Google Group; advising others on the development of email groups; developing, disseminating information and resources; organizing trainings and presenting.During the last year, my activities have been focused on the SDS Network and the Employment Network, two new online communities. Since the end of the grant, In Control Wisconsin has now become the "home" for these two online communities. Show less

Co-developed and co-facilitated a program called Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE). This program provides a series of trainings for youth with disabilities and their parents about transitioning out of high school and into adult life.Co-wrote the curriculum for YiPPE; funded through the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

Edited materials and curricula; connected families and professionals to resources related to children and youth with special health care needsCreated and managed the Wisconsin Transition Listserv, which disseminates resources, training information, etc. to all who are interested in transition for youth with disabilities

Edited statewide newsletter for parents and providers working with young children with disabilities. Worked with a team to coordinate statewide workshops. Activities included developing brochures and other workshop materials; organizing the agenda for trainings; recruiting presenters; and presenting.Co-facilitated Parents as Leaders, a leadership development program for parents of children ages birth to six with disabilities.

As the first director of this statewide, governor-appointed council, I was responsible for: establishing the office; leading the development of the state plan for independent living (SPIL); monitoring the budget; ensuring the completion of the activities of the SPIL; organizing the meetings for the council; locating and developing resource materials and reports; supervising staff.I was also active nationally with the network of Independent living councils: participating in the… Show more As the first director of this statewide, governor-appointed council, I was responsible for: establishing the office; leading the development of the state plan for independent living (SPIL); monitoring the budget; ensuring the completion of the activities of the SPIL; organizing the meetings for the council; locating and developing resource materials and reports; supervising staff.I was also active nationally with the network of Independent living councils: participating in the development of policy recommendations; developing position papers; planning and presenting at national meetings of the network and the National Council on Independent Living Conference. Show less

Carried out all staff activities relating to the development, implementation and monitoring of projects and activities in the Education and Employment areas of the Wisconsin State Plan for Developmental Disabilities. Developed and managed contracts related to Education and Employment.

Provided service coordination and advocacy support for adults living in adult family homes and in their own homes. Coordinated activities to secure community resources and services for individuals moving from a state institution to a life in the community. Conducted service needs assessment. Developed person-centered plans and CIP plans with adults with disabilities and their families.

Certificate, Professional Development In Distance Education

My primary interest is in informal learning, as well as collaborative work and collaborative learning, including working with Communities.

Mssw, Social Work, Developmental Disabilities

Bs, Education