Photo Details

October

After a car accident at 15 years old resulting in quadriplegia, AmyLynne Hermanek did what her doctors said was impossible: walk across the stage, with leg braces and a walker, to receive her high school diploma. She hasn't stopped since. Today, as a Department of Human Services Judge, AmyLynne decides appeals ranging from maltreatment of vulnerable adults to disputes over food support and medical and cash assistance programs. Helping her along the way is Widji, her service dog of nine years. Widji assists AmyLynne at both work and home with daily tasks as well as provides security.

Working hard to help others
Photographed by Tom Wallace

Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 opened doors of opportunity for millions of Americans of working age living with a disability. But personal compassion, courage, and determination are what helped Amylynne Hermanek work her way through the University of Minnesota Law School, to a position as staff attorney with Central Minnesota Legal Services, to her current position as a Department of Human Services judge, where she is widely respected for her legal thinking, intelligent writing, and fair rulings.

Amylynne's service dog, Widji, has also led her to become involved with Helping Paws, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to improve areas of training, placement, and utilization of Assistance Dogs. Widji was two years old when Amylynne got her. She comes to work each day with AmyLynne, where she turns lights on and off, picks up objects, including the phone when it rings, and assists AmyLynne in removing her winter coat or sweater. Widji's most important role, though, is security—she barks when AmyLynne needs assistance beyond what she can provide, such as when AmyLynne once fell and couldn't get up on her own. Amylynne is a survivor, and she works hard each day to be all that she can be.

< back