choose the infinite possibilities to create a more inclusive society where we see value and dignity in all people
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
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?!?
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
Actually, independent living in and of itself, is cool. It’s the systems that I need for support that I’m finding incredibly frustrating. Going to keep up the good fight to live a self-directed life! “No matter how far I go, I always end up back here” Remember when I said I was getting a housing… Continue reading “Never let ‘em break you down”
Done! I have been keeping a little secret. I have finished the first draft of the book. Yes, I finished on Monday - early by three weeks. This is dual point of view (well, really multi POV) because I wanted to do this from different perspectives and for what the book is dealing with, I… Continue reading A week of action
I am currently at 86k words and nearing completion of the first draft of the sci-fi fantasy book I have been working on for the last year. My deadline is sometime in the first week of June. I’ll take a little time off before the rewrite process. What am I going to do before the… Continue reading 86k: what’s next?
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?
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
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.
I’m honored to again be chosen as a delegate the Minnesota State DFL Convention. It’s a pretty different experience at the DFL virtual convention this year than in Rochester two years ago. It was exciting to be around all of the people, meet the candidates and other delegates, be part of the action and drama… Continue reading A New Way
Justin Smith Writes 