Justin Smith and Mary Lucia smiling
Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy, Writing

Independence Year Updates

Short blog today because I want to work on my other writing today. I’m continuing to make progress on putting the pieces together: Housing voucher is officially approved which means my apartment is officially affordable with my paying a percentage of my SSI income on rent. This is a huge thing – many people wait… Continue reading Independence Year Updates

Colorful sunset, snowy ground, apartment & office building in distance
Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy, Music, Political, Writing

It’s Time to Begin, isn’t it?

Welcome and do I have a big valley of news for you, starting with the legislation to make apartments more accessible in Minnesota. I will be testifying on Tuesday at a MN House hearing for this crucial piece of legislation (HF 2695 and SF 2603) that is also supported by the Arc Minnesota and the… Continue reading It’s Time to Begin, isn’t it?

Justin in wheelchair holding ADA = Access sign in front of MN State Capitol
Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy, Political, Writing

life updates

This is going to be a quick overview of what I've been working on and advocacy stuff coming up. Presenting at Homes For All Annual Launch: The Crisis Stops Here on 2/2 My apartment search has shown me and hopefully you all the critical need for more accessible, affordable housing and building standards that actually… Continue reading life updates

tshirt that says Imagine
Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy, Political, Writing

2022 goals

Here are my goals for what I think is going to be a big year for me. Writing About that book I’ve been working on… I am going to finish the horror\SFF (sci-fi and fantasy) book this year. Then, I am going to edit the hell out of this book. I am about 45k words… Continue reading 2022 goals

Justin wearing mask, sitting in wheelchair, looking at bookshelves in bookstore
Accessibility (#A11y), Music, travel

Austin Trip: Music, Fun & Accessibility

Some of the things I like to do when travelling or any time is to listen to live music, explore, and learn a bit about where I’m traveling. My parents and I flew to Austin, Texas, in mid-November. All in all, it was a cool trip.

First Avenue crowd on main floor
Accessibility (#A11y), Music, Writing

What have I been up to?

Let’s get you caught up with everything in my life (that I choose to share with you) “Draw a hardline” I went to a Julien Baker concert at First Avenue if you saw the pictures on Twitter and Facebook. Everything worked smoothly as far as showing our vaccine photos on our phone to online tickets… Continue reading What have I been up to?

MN sculpture letters overlooking CHS baseball field, sunset, St. Paul skyline
Accessibility (#A11y), Music, Sports

Accessibility Report for Family Visit Week

As I mentioned in Monday's post, I was out more last week when we had out-of-town family visiting, than in the past months. Here are some of the places I visited in the Twin Cities with their respective accessibility reports. Enjoy! Walker Art Center Hillside Jazz (Present Tense): Joel Ross Good Vibes Amazing! The Walker… Continue reading Accessibility Report for Family Visit Week

Dad smiling, holding 9-year old laughing Justin and his laughing younger brother on a hammock
Accessibility (#A11y), Music

What’s new with my life?

Here’s an update on stuff I am doing. Austin Yes, I am going to Austin, Texas, this fall just for a fun vacation. This is a test to see how flying works since the last time I flew was years ago. It will be my first trip out of state since going to Toronto. Fun… Continue reading What’s new with my life?