Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 16/10/2026Walked my advocacy stops for Without Driving Week and was named a Community Champion by the Community Transportation Academy. My Cap Times piece on DVR and Medicaid: one ingredient short is fine, two and it collapses. 🍌 #NDEAM 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 09/10/2026Walking my advocacy stops for Without Driving Week and sharing my Cap Times piece on DVR and Medicaid funding. I have cerebral palsy, and my care worker and job coach make my work possible. The banana bread problem: one ingredient short is fine, two and it collapses. #NDEAM 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 02/10/20262009 Watertown HS grad here. In 4 months: a band piece pulled a week before the concert, and now the spring musical replaced, though the superintendent found no wrongdoing by the director or principal. Students deserve a fair process. My www.wdtimes.com/voice_of_peo... 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Handed Congressman Mark Pocan a copy of the Cap Times today — the one with the DVR waitlist story, and my face on the cover. 15 minutes, one real conversation about Medicaid and disability employment policy. #DisabilityAdvocacy 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Waisman Whirl 5k done — 3.28 miles, 1:17, new personal best 🏅 This race is wheelchair accessible for all abilities and raises funds for the Waisman Center's work with families affected by autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, and ALS. Proud to be part of it. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Proud to share my story in The Cap Times! 💙 I talked about how DVR helped me build my career and Transit2Go, and how I now help others as a DVR vendor. Thank you, Natalie, for telling my story! #DisabilityAdvocacy #DVR 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Aug 31: DOJ (for HHS) joined TX, FL & AK asking a court to strip community integration protections from Section 504 — the legal foundation behind HCBS & independent living for people like me. Only Congress can change the law. But signals matter. I raised this with Sen. Baldwin's office. #Protect504 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Today my personal Medicaid story turned into a real DC policy call with Sen. Baldwin’s team on WI caregiver shortages, transit, & work.Disabled voices belong at the table. It shouldn't be rare to share what life is actually like.Cap Times piece on DVR funding drops soon! 💛 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Doctor: move more this week. Me: 501 minutes, 9.3 miles on this trail in one day, apparently. Would not recommend as a strategy — consistency beats big one-off days every time. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 13/09/2026Some people fear the mic. I grew up in it — choir, speeches, family traditions like tonight’s. If it scares you, it’s not you, it’s just unfamiliar, and that can change. Start small, keep showing up, and eventually it’s just reps. 🎤 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 02/09/2026First day of subbing done! 🍎 As a teacher with a disability, stepping up on day 1 matters.Great seeing familiar staff & students. Reminder: new schedules create barriers for kiddos if we don't build routines right from the start! Exciting year ahead for our WI scholars. 📚#EduSky 010 1
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 27/08/2026An advocate's work is never done. This week: met with Sen. Hesselbein's staff and Rep. Subeck at the Capitol — pushing HCBS funding, Medicaid protections, and DSP workforce support. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 18/08/2026Talked with @captimes today about DVR & Medicaid — the banana bread problem: just enough support to get by, one more cut and it collapses. Article coming this fall. Reached out to Sen. Baldwin's & Rep. Pocan's offices, both responded. Nothing about us without us. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 15/08/2026Rain closed one door tonight (bye, campfire) so we opened another — karaoke. 🎤🔥 Meal, speeches, singing, and a reminder that no matter what changes ahead, this community isn't going anywhere. 💛 #AbRC 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 11/08/2026Spoke with Special Olympics Wisconsin this week about Transit2Go — travel training that helps people with disabilities ride public transit independently. Reliable transportation can be the difference between staying home and being part of your community. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 09/08/2026First scramble ever this weekend at Lake Pepin Golf Course — and I sank my first BIRDIE, a 15-foot putt! As someone with a disability, I wasn't sure what to expect. Would love to see more adaptive golf someday. For now... I think I found a new sport! 😄 #Golf #Birdie 010 1
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Volunteering as stage security at Concerts on the Square on July 22, things got chaotic fast after protesters took over the stage. An MPD officer stopped and made sure I got home safely, no hesitation. As someone with a disability, that mattered more than they know. Sent the chief a thank-you letter 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 30/07/2026Disability Pride Month may be ending, but our advocacy continues. Medicaid makes it possible for me to live independently, work, volunteer, and run my business. Protect Medicaid. Remove unnecessary barriers—not opportunities. #ProtectMedicaid #DisabilityPride 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 25/07/2026Tomorrow marks 36 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA expanded opportunity and access for millions, but our work isn’t done. Let’s honor those who fought for disability rights by continuing to build a more accessible and inclusive future. #ADA36 #DisabilityRights 010 1
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 06/06/2026Transit = freedom. For my Transit Academy final project, I created a video about transportation barriers and how travel training can help people build confidence and independence. 🎥 Watch here #Transit2GO #Accessibility #PublicTransit #DisabilityAdvocacy m.youtube.com/watch?v=mVjz... 020 2
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 01/06/2026Voices of Wisconsin – Abigail Tessmann For the past 12 years, advocacy has been a major part of my life. Through education, transportation training, public speaking, and my business, Transit2GO, I work to help people with disabilities build confidence, independence, and community connections. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Thank you to Mark Pocan for traveling around the state to connect with Wisconsinites, answer our questions, and sprinkle in a little hope. I appreciated the opportunity to speak about accessible transportation, employment, and independence for people with disabilities and more. @pocan.house.gov 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Big day for me and Transit2GO. Today I presented a more advanced overview during a DVR team meeting. Grateful for the opportunity to continue growing through advocacy, transportation training, and community education. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 15/05/2026Completed the Transportation Academy Transit Tour today alongside leaders from Madison Metro Transit. Honored to share my perspective as founder of Transit2GO and discuss how accessible public transportation creates independence and community connection. #Transit2GO #AccessibleTransportation 020 2
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 14/05/2026Today marks 12 years since graduating from the cutting-edge program at Edgewood College. Since 2014, I’ve been building two careers while growing through disability advocacy, transportation training, public speaking, and community work. Looking back shows how much growth really happens over time. 010 1
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 11/05/2026I advocated for this in college and happy to readvocate for this again! #inclusion #discrimination #intellectualdisabilities #stopdiscrimination #disabilityawareness Disability 030 3
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 03/05/2026Final chorale concert for the 2025/2026 school year @edgewoodcollegemusic 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 02/05/2026Learn and Ride bus event with the Ability Resource Center @abilityresourcecenter @transit2go #Transit2Go #public transportation #disability advocacy #accessible transportation #inclusionmatters 010 1
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 02/05/2026Awareness is important—but action is better. If you believe college should be inclusive: ✔️ Talk about it ✔️ Share resources ✔️ Support programs in your community ✔️ Listen to people with disabilities Change happens when we keep the conversation going. #IPSEDay2026 #InclusiveEducation 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 02/05/2026Independence doesn’t stop after high school. Getting to college, navigating campus, and accessing opportunities all require real-world skills—like transportation. Through my work, I see how independence and education go hand in hand. #CollegeIsForMe #DisabilityAdvocacy #IPSEday2026 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 01/05/2026College is for everyone. 8000+ students with intellectual disabilities are already enrolled nationwide. Wisconsin can do more. #ISPEDay2026 #CollegeIsForMe 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 25/04/2026A milestone achieved for me - completed the 3.3 mile loop that weaves through the pheasant branch conservatory = 5k in 2 hours! #goals #disabilityinclusivetrails 010 1
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Completed the Earth Day Workout Challenge 🌎 Walking instead of driving = better for your health and the planet. Small choices matter. #EarthDay #Sustainability 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 16/04/2026Trying different transit options is part of running my business. Today: coach bus 🚌 Independence isn’t one route—it’s many. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 11/04/2026Transportation opens doors. Shared this story at WI LEND — someone went from never riding the bus to getting to work independently. That’s what access does. Advocacy never stops. Independence starts with access. 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 10/04/2026Zumba fun tonight 💃 We spelled out “UNIFIED” with our bodies—and I got to be part of the U 🙌 #TeamU Movement, laughter, and community all in one place 💛 #Unified #InclusionInAction 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 08/04/2026I testified in support of SB 252. Today, I watched it get signed into law by Tony Evers. This is what advocacy looks like—turning lived experience into policy change. #DisabilityAdvocacy #Wisconsin 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 05/04/2026I know that my redeemer lives! happy Easter 2026! 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 03/04/2026Session 1 of the Transportation Academy complete! Excited to be learning more about transit, advocacy, and ways to improve access in our community. Looking forward to bringing what I learn back to my work with Transit2GO and continuing to help others navigate public transportation with confidence. 🚍 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Public transit is more than transportation—it’s independence and access. Through Transit2GO, I help people with disabilities learn to confidently navigate the bus system. Spaces like this matter, and so does continued collaboration. #Transit2GO #AccessibleTransportation #DisabilityAdvocacy 020 2
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 29/03/2026Spring 2026 concert ✔️ So proud to have performed with the Edgewood Chorale tonight. Music, community, and a whole lot of heart in one room 💙 Grateful for every moment on that stage. #ChoirLife #LiveMusic #SpringConcert #Gratitude 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 29/03/2026I have cerebral palsy. It shaped my muscles—but strengthened my voice. Children with disabilities grow up. We belong in the rooms where decisions are made. #CerebralPalsyAwareness #PresumeCompetence 100 1
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 04/07/2025Medicaid is a lifeline of mine, disability advocates will keep rechoing….. a threat to Medicaid is a threat to…..,)- my ability to live life as adult with a disability as an independent! When my supports are intact my goals can be achieved. #savemedicaid @senatorbaldwin @senronjohnson @repmarkpocan 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 18/05/2025Medicaid is essential to my career, and to my life in the community. #handsoffmedicaid ! @tammybaldwinwi 000 0
Abigail Tessmann @askabby5.bsky.social · 13/01/2025Hands off Medicaid! A threat to Medicaid is a threat to my future! 000 0
