People may not always realize that family life might look a little different when someone in the family has a disability. My dad has been there for me from day one and is not only my dad, but also my main caregiver. He has been home full-time for the past 2 years. During that time,… Continue reading Thank you, Dad!
Blog
Adjournment
My first time as a delegate to the State Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Convention was definitely exciting and suspenseful! I met some amazing people and loved seeing the political process in action. Thanks to ABC-6 in Rochester for noticing my blog, reaching out, and then sending a wonderful reporter, Noelle Anderson, to interview me about… Continue reading Adjournment
Ready to convene
Two years ago, I voted for the first time soon after I turned 18. This year I wanted to get more involved in the process so went to my local caucus. I raised my hand to be a delegate. The next step was going to the Organizing Unit convention. I caucused for disability rights and… Continue reading Ready to convene
One Month until the World Cup: Who do we root for?
I love to watch sports and so I thought I'd write about something other than accessibility, disability rights, or politics for a change. As we get ready for the World Cup, the United States is not in. So since I'm from the United States who should I root for? Since I am a huge fan… Continue reading One Month until the World Cup: Who do we root for?
I’m here and stuff
Welcome to my new blog site! I’ve moved my blog to JustinSmithWrites.com I’ve been learning how to set up everything in WordPress, which has been fun. It’s pretty easy to use. So, sign up to receive notifications for when I post a new blog from my new site. Let me know what you think! It… Continue reading I’m here and stuff
Video blog for my latest update
Check out my latest video about how I get ready for being a keynote speaker and having several breakout sessions at the upcoming Charting the C's Conference. At last count, there will be about 650 educators, therapists, and K-12 school professionals at the main conference. My keynote presentation title is Reimagining the Possibilities: A Work in Progress. I'll… Continue reading Video blog for my latest update
Life as I Know It
I haven’t written much lately. I try to be positive about living my life and don’t always share when life gets hard. Lately, it’s been kind of rough, though. I thought I’d be excited to get my new wheelchair. Yesterday, I about drove into the garbage cans at the Mall of America, when my joystick got… Continue reading Life as I Know It
Show Up and Dance with Me!
Show Up It was an exciting day yesterday. I was a delegate to my Senate District’s Organizing Convention. I believe it's so important for young people and people with disabilities to SHOW UP and get involved in the political process. You can have a voice in the nominating process and resolutions that help build the… Continue reading Show Up and Dance with Me!
Hello 2018, Goodbye 2017
Top things I look back on from 2017 Making my voice heard – If you would have told me a year ago that I would be featured in a Microsoft Inclusion in Action video series that hundreds of thousands of people would be watching, I would have said, “are you kidding me?” I feel honored that so… Continue reading Hello 2018, Goodbye 2017
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Just say no I have fought and will continue to stand against every single attack to cut Medicaid because of these three words - freedom to choose. People with disabilities should have the freedom to choose how to live their lives and I can only do that with the help of Medicaid. The Medicaid funding… Continue reading Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
