What’s Your Story? Dara Walburn

Dara is a 25 year old who does a multitude of things. For starters, she continues to work her community employment position at American Family Insurance each week, and has done so since 2011. In this position she makes phone calls on behalf of American Family to send customers birthday wishes. She is also a very active Self Advocate. Dara serves on the PersonnelPlus Advocacy and Advisory Council and provides valuable insight and discussion on the issues those with disabilities face on a daily basis. In addition, she has completed the Project STIR and remains active with such, as this is a training program designed to provide the tools to advocate for themselves, mobilize others and gain leadership experience. She serves on the Athens City Commission on Disabilities, and was recently appointed to the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities.
Dara also continues to pursue her business, Dara Day and Co., a business that promotes and sells the art work of artists at Passion Works Studio. Dara gives presentations about the studio and talks with customers at the “parties” held for selling the items. She also helps recruit hosts, assists with setup/tear down and sends thank you notes to those who attended parties. And finally, Dara has completed a “Color System” presentation related to her disability and social interaction, and hopes to begin presentations at various conferences and conventions.