Justin with mask on face
Advocacy, Health, Political, Writing

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It’s been a difficult 2020. I would say that it’s been a difficult couple of years for me personally in figuring out what to do with my life and dealing with medical issues. But 2020 just added a whole new meaning to difficult. Thoughts on COVID I am at high risk of catching this virus… Continue reading 2020202020202020202020202020

Justin in wheelchair typing on communication device
Uncategorized

Everyday conversations and shortcuts

We might not think about how often we use shortcuts for everyday conversations. If you use an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device like I do, you might streamline what you want to say. For non-AAC users, it is like texting. You know what you want to say, but you know there is only a… Continue reading Everyday conversations and shortcuts

Justin laying in hospital bed, brother sitting in chair with game controller
Uncategorized

To Err is Human

I watched a documentary, To Err is Human, with my mom and dad last weekend. Like Cal Sheridan, who is featured in the film, I also have kernicterus because of a medical error. Did you know that medical errors are the 3rd largest leading cause of death in our country? There are as many as… Continue reading To Err is Human

Medtronic DBS programmer and charger device
Uncategorized

Another typical week

Just a reminder – my typical weeks are why we need to protect Medicaid and make sure we have access to good, affordable healthcare! Speech therapy on Tuesday. Communication device fell off my chair but fortunately seems to be working just fine. My speech therapist made some brilliant changes so that I can’t accidentally hit… Continue reading Another typical week

Justin with reporter Noelle Anderson smiling
Advocacy

Adjournment

My first time as a delegate to the State Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Convention was definitely exciting and suspenseful! I met some amazing people and loved seeing the political process in action. Thanks to ABC-6 in Rochester for noticing my blog, reaching out, and then sending a wonderful reporter, Noelle Anderson, to interview me about… Continue reading Adjournment

Uncategorized

Advocacy and Action

It has been an action-packed month of advocacy with my presentation at the Capitol Grand Opening in August and being selected by Microsoft to participate in their Accessibility Video Series. I hope that what they filmed is selected for a two-minute film and case study about how I use technology for writing, studying, and connecting… Continue reading Advocacy and Action

Advocacy, Health

Being Human: Living with a Disability

Why do I have a disability? Why me? Why does anybody have a disability? These are questions that anybody might ask. Why do we have struggles and challenges? And why do some have more than others? It’s not that easy for me to do what I want to do because I have a condition called… Continue reading Being Human: Living with a Disability