TMG IRIS Consultant Biography
TMG IRIS Consultant Name: Cathryn Scott
Joined TMG: June 2017
Phone Number: 844-864-8987
Email: IRISInfo@tmgwisconsin.com
Location & Experience
Other Experience:
Prior to coming to TMG, I worked at Independent Living Resources (ILR) for 9 1/2 years out of the Richland Center office (in SW Wisconsin). I have experience working with people of all ages living with disabilities; from infants to aging adults. While at ILR, I partnered with people by providing advocacy support for grievance and appeals processes, public access issues, housing access concerns, service/support animal issues and more. I also provided support through independent living skills training in a variety of settings, and I have developed a personal knowledge base of resources available in SW Wisconsin. I am also certified as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and have considerable experience providing assistive technology (AT) assessments for home, work and community settings. An important aspect of providing AT assessments was also follow-through to make sure people knew how to use thier adaptive aids once they were received. I also have extensive experience providing home safety/modification assessments which included basic recommendations; i.e. throw-rug removal to full bathroom and home entry modifications for wheelchair access, as well as assessments for safe access to vehicles. I have had regular training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), I have strong knowledge of Wisconsin's long-term care programs (Family Care and IRIS) and have basic knowledge of SSI and SSDI benefits.
County/Region I'm Familiar with: Crawford, Richland
Languages or Communication Skills: English
More About Me
How do you Partner with people to 'clear the path ahead'?
I feel it important to listen to people and to ask questions in order to clarify, which will hopefully minimize misunderstandings. I also feel it is important to be honest and transparent in order to nurture trust and to help the people I work with have realistic expectations around the services provided by the IRIS program. And, I feel it is important to sit beside, or work with the people I partner with in the program so that they can be as empowered and self-reliant as possible.
What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
My favorite thing about being an IRIS Consultant is offering support and assistance so that people can live the lives they choose, where they want to live them.
What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
While working for Independent Living Centers, I partnered with people by providing advocacy support for multiple issues. I also provided support through independent living skills training in a variety of settings. Being a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) allowed me to gain significant knowledge in and have considerable experience in providing assessments for home, work and community settings. I also have extensive experience providing home safety/modification assessments which included basic recommendations. I have had regular training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), I have strong knowledge of Wisconsin's long-term care programs (Family Care and IRIS) and have basic knowledge of SSI and SSDI benefits.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love nature! I spend time outdoors landscaping and gardening. I also am an accomplished nature photographer and do most of that photography while kayaking and hiking (and when I am able traveling). I have an adorable cat who adopted me last summer (as a kitten). She has allowed me to train her on a harness and lead, so she can join me on hikes/walks. I am an active board member for the DNR Disability Advisory Council and enjoy supporting the council in offering recommendations for access to hunting and public recreation opportunities.
