Before I start, for those of you who have not read the book I am going to talk about, this doesn't have any spoilers for Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. The book covers a very serious issue regarding teens, mental health. If you or a loved one is dealing with a mental illness, let the person know there are people who… Continue reading Turtles All the Way Down
Blog
Inclusion in Action
I am honored to be featured in Microsoft’s Inclusion in Action video series because it shows how I use technology to share my voice with the world and just how important technology is for me every single day of my life. The video of me is being released on Monday, 10/30/17 at 11:00 CST. If you found my blog… Continue reading Inclusion in Action
Advocacy and Action
It has been an action-packed month of advocacy with my presentation at the Capitol Grand Opening in August and being selected by Microsoft to participate in their Accessibility Video Series. I hope that what they filmed is selected for a two-minute film and case study about how I use technology for writing, studying, and connecting… Continue reading Advocacy and Action
Frequently Asked and Unasked Questions
Here are the kinds of questions that people have asked me about or sometimes have not asked because they might think it’s not okay. Again, this is from my perspective. Others with disabilities will have different opinions. Just ask people what works best for them. What do you do? As a nineteen-year old man with a disability, I… Continue reading Frequently Asked and Unasked Questions
Hotdish Panel at Capitol Grand Opening on August 13, 2017
Ready for some hotdish? I have been busy working on my presentation for the MN Capitol Grand Opening. I am excited to be presenting on a Hotdish Panel with Dr. Colleen Wieck from the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. The title of our presentation is Remembering the Past and Reimagining the Future: Living with a Disability. Hope… Continue reading Hotdish Panel at Capitol Grand Opening on August 13, 2017
Random Thoughts
Inclusion in School and Life I had fun presenting Inclusion in School and Life at the Minnesota Department of Education’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Event on May 18th. My mom and I talked about the importance of inclusion, barriers I encountered in school, the importance of accessible curriculum and materials, and success stories from this past… Continue reading Random Thoughts
On the Issue of Disability Rights: Healthcare
I have been pretty nervous about plans for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Representative Ryan’s plans for the Medicaid Block Grants and Per Capita Caps could have drastic impacts on people with disabilities, like me. To explain this, let me share my story. I had 6 surgeries within one year. I don’t… Continue reading On the Issue of Disability Rights: Healthcare
Hello 2017, Goodbye 2016
At midnight, my graduation year honestly couldn’t end quickly enough. If you wanted the top five in my year, you’re in luck because it was mostly good. Here are the top five I will cherish. Coming in at number five, graduating high school. I had twelve years of education and the saying that “these… Continue reading Hello 2017, Goodbye 2016
Presentation at Closing the Gap 2016
On October 20, 2016, I presented with Jay Wyant and Jennie Delisi from the State of Minnesota’s Office of Accessibility, and my mom. The following is what my mom and I shared with the audience for our presentation, Accessibility and Printed Materials that Prepare Tomorrow’s Workforce. I am honored to talk to you about my experiences,… Continue reading Presentation at Closing the Gap 2016
Accessibility: What works for me
Hey there - I’m going to tell you about resources that help me do the things I love to do. Just a reminder, I need to use assistive technology to access my world. I use an adaptive keyboard, joystick mouse, a lot of online resources and augmentative communication device, to help me write, read, and… Continue reading Accessibility: What works for me
Justin Smith Writes 