Blog

Ami Wazlawik and Justin Smith smiling
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GOTV and CHVRCHES

GOTV Busy week this week. For the first time ever, I went door-knocking with my mom. I’m hoping to get out more in the next month for Ami Wazlawik for MN State House 38B and my other favorites like Tim Walz for Governor, Amy Klobuchar, and Tina Smith for US Senate. Each of these candidates… Continue reading GOTV and CHVRCHES

Justin looking at computer
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Anyone else have this problem?

I am currently writing a young adult book and I want to let you know that it is totally tough to get your ideas out. I use one finger on my adaptive keyboard and there is the schedule. My work schedule is something I need to figure out because the schedule I have isn’t working… Continue reading Anyone else have this problem?

18-year old Justin with I voted sticker on next to Vote Here sign and US Flag
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Governor’s Forum on 9/13 cancelled

I just got this cancellation yesterday for the Governor's Forum that I was looking forward to going to on Thursday. "Unfortunately, event cosponsors have had to cancel the event due to lack of confirmation from the candidates. We are still working to ensure that candidates for Minnesota Governor address and prioritize issues of importance to members of… Continue reading Governor’s Forum on 9/13 cancelled

Justin with Tim Walz
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Why it matters

Governor Candidates' Forum on 9/13 There are some key issues that impact people with disabilities that I think everyone should be thinking about as they decide who to vote for in the midterm elections. I’ve said this in previous posts and will say it again – SHOW UP! It’s important to show up now and… Continue reading Why it matters

Justin smiling at computer monitor with captioned video
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Random thoughts

Just how accessible are video games when you only have use of one finger and a joystick mouse? I started playing Fortnite two weeks ago with one of my personal care attendants (PCA). Yes, my strategy is to be a pacifist, just like my favorite author and vlogger, John Green, and camp out in bushes… Continue reading Random thoughts

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Vote! My letter to the editor

My First Letter to the Editor published in White Bear/Vadnais Heights Press, August 8, 2018 This coming Tuesday, August 14th, is the primary election for governor in Minnesota. As a young person living with a severe disability, I know that the next election can have a huge impact on the disability community. I am supporting… Continue reading Vote! My letter to the editor

Justin in US Bank stadium
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20

I turned 20 years old this week. A couple years ago, I thought that after high school, I would go to college. Get my Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. And then get a job as a writer or journalist. Here’s the thing, I’ve started taking some college classes. Two worked out pretty well – got A’s.… Continue reading 20

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An Authentic Experience: Brilliant Young Adult Novel about Family

This past week, I've been catching up on reading. Here's the book review I promised in my last blogpost. This was a great summer read! Kelly Wittmann’s Young Adult novel, An Authentic Experience, is about a fifteen-year-old girl, Silver, whose family is in shock when her mom is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her parents… Continue reading An Authentic Experience: Brilliant Young Adult Novel about Family

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Marijuana, college, and more

Medical Marijuana Recently, I have been trying medical marijuana and it has worked better than most medications that I tried. One of the components, CBD, is a pain-killer and has worked on the joint pain in my knees and hips. College Recently, I toured a local private college and I decided that I am probably… Continue reading Marijuana, college, and more

Justin looking at computer
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Happy summer

I’m having a pretty low-key summer. My mom and younger brother are ditching me and my dad to go spend almost 3 weeks in Germany. My brother’s been studying German since 6th grade and my mom studied for a semester in Germany a really, really, long, long time ago. Mom, could you please bring me… Continue reading Happy summer