Framed photo of Justin fist-bumping Senator Durenberger
Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy

Remembrance & Accessible Housing

It’s all about the advocacy! When it seems like it’s harder to live your life than it should be and when there are systemic issues that need to be fixed, then it’s time to raise your voice. Many of you have been following my experiences trying to find an accessible AND affordable apartment. It shouldn’t… Continue reading Remembrance & Accessible Housing

Justin, young man laughing, wearing red and black houndstooth plaid shirt, seated in power wheelchair, in front of One Minnesota 2023 Inaugural Celebration banner with yellow and blue pine trees
Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy, travel, Writing

Hello 2023 – AWE

Welcome to 2023, everyone. Here’s my annual post about my 2023 goals. This year is going to be AWEsome as I Advocate, Write, and Explore. Advocate Affordable and accessible housing Watch the awesome video of the Minnesota Council on Disability Legislative Forum where I recently spoke with Minnesota State Representative Reyer about the dire need… Continue reading Hello 2023 – AWE

Political

My top five books for 2022 

Happy New Year’s everyone! To end off the year, I thought, “Hey why don’t I do a post about my favorite books I read this year?” Tis the time of the holiday season for everyone to use some of those gift cards or holiday cash at some local indie bookstores. As you all know, I’m… Continue reading My top five books for 2022 

Justin, young man, seated in wheelchair in front of adapted computer keyboard and joystick mouse, smiling at camera, Word document open on computer monitor, We are Wimbledon flag above monitor
Uncategorized

Random updates: Housing, Football & Travels

Advocacy: MCD Legislative Forum Just filmed part of my presentation yesterday for the MN Council of Disability’s (MCD) Legislative Forum coming up on December 16, 2022. Honored to be presenting along with Representative Reyer, the Public Policy Director from the Arc MN, and MCD board member about accessible affordable housing legislation. You can learn more… Continue reading Random updates: Housing, Football & Travels

Quote by Ida B. Wells on wall: "The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them."
Accessibility (#A11y), Music, travel

Part 3: Fun things I did in DC & Philadelphia

Finally, here’s part 3 of my road trip blog posts. The top five things I did when I was in DC and Philly are as follows: Ben’s Chili Bowl (DC): AWESOME!  This diner was a great spot to eat with my parents. The coolest part was Mister Keith. The tour group that was supposed to… Continue reading Part 3: Fun things I did in DC & Philadelphia

Young man in wheelchair in front of quote painted on wall by Soren Kierkegaard, 1849, "Once you label me you negate me."
Advocacy, Political, travel

Part 2: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Hi – here’s part 2 of my trip to Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Oh, by the way, I just got denied for the Section 8 housing voucher for the 4th time so might be a little distracted. The barriers I’m running into is why my advocacy and opportunities to meet with my US Representative… Continue reading Part 2: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

autographed To Sleep in a Sea of Stars poster, bookmarks, letter, photograph of Christopher Paolini
Reviews

Just had to do this quick Fractalverse update

You might remember how To Sleep in a Sea of Stars was the first book in Christopher Paolini’s Fractalverse and I had that article that got printed in my local paper and Bookshare blog. Refresher: Blog book update, fractalverse awesomeness, what else? blogpost from 4/17/2021 I just saw this from Mr. Paolini’s Twitter account: This… Continue reading Just had to do this quick Fractalverse update

Justin, young man in wheelchair laughing, with mom smiling and holding beer, Love City Brewing mural on wall behind them
Accessibility (#A11y), travel

Road trip to DC, Baltimore & Philadelphia Part 1: RANT TIME

Hi everyone, we are going on a road trip! This is going to be a multi-part series about my driving trip from Minnesota to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Today I’m starting with some of the challenges that I encountered along the way. Come back for the follow-up blogs about things that were awesome and… Continue reading Road trip to DC, Baltimore & Philadelphia Part 1: RANT TIME

Wombo band on 7th street entry stage, Justin in wheelchair watching band
Accessibility (#A11y), Music

Double concert awesomeness

I went to two “new-to-me” venues last month. One of the shows was at the 7th Street Entry and the other was at a jazz supper club. Two wildly different experiences! Crooner’s Supper Club Last month, I went to Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley, MN to see Ben Sidran. He is an amazing jazz piano… Continue reading Double concert awesomeness

Advocacy, Political

Really?!?

Remember how I’ve been writing about the direct support staffing crisis? That we’re not paying caregivers enough so are having a really hard time trying to find or hire anyone? This story by Kirsten Swanson of KSTP, is more about the direct support crisis impact on group homes: From Group Home to Senior Living Staffing… Continue reading Really?!?