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 

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

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?!?

Justin in MN Senate Hearing Room
Advocacy, Political

Bureaucracy + budget + staffing = nightmare

Enough with the waiting around for the “all about staffing” blog. I did have some health stuff I was dealing with and ended up in the emergency room a week ago. I’m doing fine now, but it seems like a good excuse for not getting this post done last week. Recap #1: The first hurdle… Continue reading Bureaucracy + budget + staffing = nightmare

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

Cars with signs and balloons driving on street, trees, snow, St. Paul Cathedral in background
Advocacy, Health, Political

Vaccines + Disabilities + MN = Not Eligible

Yesterday I got out of the house for the first time in months except for x-rays and seating appointments that I had at Gillette Lifetime Clinic. What did I do on my exciting day out? Went to a car (actually mostly accessible van) rally for Vaccinating the Vulnerable in Minnesota. You might be thinking, surely,… Continue reading Vaccines + Disabilities + MN = Not Eligible

T-shirt that says Democrat
Advocacy, Political

Another Sunday

Remember the three issues that I care about: disability rights, health care and Medicaid. I know that they are divisive issues in politics and they should not be. I want to be straight with you with what’s at stake in this election for me. You’ve heard me say it before, Medicaid services for people with… Continue reading Another Sunday