A mixed couple of weeks with some disappointment, excitement, and frustration with the unknown.
Tag: Advocacy
Time for change
I am having severe pain in my right knee and it is causing significant hurdles in my writing process and getting out in the community. I powered through the pain and testified at the Minnesota House Human Services Policy Committee last Tuesday about Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) legislation (House File 4568 and Senate File… Continue reading Time for change
Time to Testify
Remember how I mentioned that there is legislation being introduced at the State of MN to make improvements to the Consumer Directed Community Services (CDCS) program? The first hearing in the House Human Services Policy Committee is at 1:00 on Tuesday, 3/19/2024, and I am excited to testify in support of this bill. This issue… Continue reading Time to Testify
There will be sorrow
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
Advocacy Week
The past week was pretty cool. As you know, I’m pretty passionate about raising my voice through meeting with elected officials, testifying at Minnesota House and Senate hearings on providing more accessible and affordable housing, and writing about my experiences living life as I know it and some of the accessibility challenges I drive into.… Continue reading Advocacy Week
From Blues to Gala – Wild Month!
I went to a lot of concerts this month and I have two more before my trip to England and Ireland. Here were 2 of my favorite shows over the past month. Buffalo Nichols @ the Turf Club Just awesome. I first saw Buffalo Nichols in Austin, Texas and my parents and I agreed –… Continue reading From Blues to Gala – Wild Month!
Hello 2023 – AWE
Welcome to 2023, everyone. Here’s my annual post about my 2023 goals. This year is going to be AWEsome as I Advocate, Write, and Explore. Advocate Affordable and accessible housing Watch the awesome video of the Minnesota Council on Disability Legislative Forum where I recently spoke with Minnesota State Representative Reyer about the dire need… Continue reading Hello 2023 – AWE
Random updates: Housing, Football & Travels
Advocacy: MCD Legislative Forum Just filmed part of my presentation yesterday for the MN Council of Disability’s (MCD) Legislative Forum coming up on December 16, 2022. Honored to be presenting along with Representative Reyer, the Public Policy Director from the Arc MN, and MCD board member about accessible affordable housing legislation. You can learn more… Continue reading Random updates: Housing, Football & Travels
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?!?
ADA 32 & Me 24
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
Justin Smith Writes 