Saw the surgeon last week to talk about what’s next for my toes. Essentially, my muscle tone can get so strong that it’s bending and curving my toes on my right foot. I had surgery for both of my big toes about 6 years ago for this. The plan is to have a surgery where… Continue reading There will be sorrow
It’s all about the advocacy! When it seems like it’s harder to live your life than it should be and when there are systemic issues that need to be fixed, then it’s time to raise your voice. Many of you have been following my experiences trying to find an accessible AND affordable apartment. It shouldn’t… Continue reading Remembrance & Accessible Housing
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
Hi everyone, we are going on a road trip! This is going to be a multi-part series about my driving trip from Minnesota to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Today I’m starting with some of the challenges that I encountered along the way. Come back for the follow-up blogs about things that were awesome and… Continue reading Road trip to DC, Baltimore & Philadelphia Part 1: RANT TIME
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) turned 32 years old last Tuesday. And, I turn 24 years old on this Tuesday. My entire life has been post-ADA. The ADA addressed some of the concerns like employment discrimination, access to buildings and more. There’s a long way to go though. In Minnesota, I’m finding it all… Continue reading ADA 32 & Me 24
Help spread the word – Design for accessibility from the start! Start advocating for changes in building code requirements that outline what constitutes universal or barrier-free design that works for wheelchair users or anyone with mobility needs.
It is my 100th post. And it is the thirtieth anniversary of President George HW Bush’s signing of the American with Disabilities Act or ADA. I am going to explain why the ADA matters to me. Why does the ADA matter? I’m going to quote from my speech at the Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening… Continue reading My 100th post! #ADA30
What is that? Are you making up words? Happy NaNoWriMo and what am I talking about? November is National Novel Writing Month in which people attempt to write fifty thousand words in a month. Thanks to my friend, Annie, who let me know about this. We’ve been friends/writing buddies ever since going to Nerdcon in… Continue reading NaNoWriMo and More
Wait, what? Ok, this was a big awesome week! Unbelievably big and awesome! Who knew when I wrote my last post about seeing Maggie Rogers and accessibility at the Armory, that Mary Lucia from Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current would reach out and ask to interview me? Of course, I said yes – anything to… Continue reading Talking Accessibility @ The Current
Ok, that question that everyone is asking about: how accessible was the Armory and how was the music? First part of the question is definitely what I want to talk about, but starting with the music - amazing. NowNow was the opening band. I’ve been listening to their music and interviews so was familiar with… Continue reading Maggie Rogers at the Armory: Accessibility Check
Justin Smith Writes 