Justin smiling at soccer match on computer monitor with arm raised in the air cheering a goal. AFC Wimbledon flag on wall says "we are back, we are home, we are Wimbledon"
Advocacy, Political

Remember this?

Seven weeks ago, I wrote about the fraud measures that Governor Walz is taking to audit 14 programs that support people with disabilities in Minnesota. I use 2 of the programs that are being audited – Individualized Home Supports (IHS) and Nighttime Supervision. I work with a small agency that provides these services so that… Continue reading Remember this?

Advocacy, Political

Oh, SNAP

It's hard to stay positive this week and you all know that I'm a positive person - give me a road block and I'll plow right through it. I'll advocate. I'll testify. I'll blog. I'll share my story. I'll do anything to make sure that folks understand some of the issues you get to deal… Continue reading Oh, SNAP

No Kings rally with about 60 people holding signs next to highway
Advocacy, Political

No Kings!

Normally, I probably would have gone to the big No Kings Rally in Minneapolis or they even had a huge one in my hometown of White Bear Lake! Go WBL! I was visiting my grandparents this past weekend in Pipestone, MN - a very conservative part of the state. So, of course, we went to… Continue reading No Kings!

MN State Capitol with crowd at rally
Advocacy, Health, Political

Speaking up

I've been busy all weekend writing up my story because I was invited to speak at my MN Representative Betty McCollum's Health Care Listening Session on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 at 11:00am CST. The listening session will be livestreamed on Representative McCollum's YouTube. Here's more about the session from Representative McCollum: Tune in to my livestreamed… Continue reading Speaking up

Quote by Ida B. Wells on wall: "The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them."
Advocacy, Political, Uncategorized

Make Good Trouble

I went to the Good Trouble Lives On Twin Cities rally in Minneapolis on July 17, 2025. I wasn't going to go at first, but then found out my friends, Judy and Raven Moe were going to be speaking, so changed my mind super quick! Honestly, it's been a rough month finding out that Medicaid… Continue reading Make Good Trouble

Newspaper that says State & Region, More Tightening Likely for State's Disability Services with mom holding hand out to her adult daughter who is in a wheelchair
Advocacy, Political

Newsy stuff

Do something! Write a letter to the editor, go to a rally (yes, I was at the No King's March in St. Paul on Saturday), call your elected officials at all levels (County Commissioners will be feeling these cuts!), talk to your friends, amplify and share our stories to make sure people know what's going on. Thanks!

Sign in crowd that says Hands off US Aid, HHS, Public Land, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid
Advocacy, Political, Sports

A Fair Amount of Stress and a Win

It has been a very stressful time in my life as of late and it was important to me that I share my story with reporter, Bobbi Dempsey, for this article in ChangeWire. Check it out and please share with others! As I’ve said often of late, the fear is real! 100-Day Check-in: Stressful Times… Continue reading A Fair Amount of Stress and a Win

Justin in graduation gown in wheelchair with communication device, faculty standing and applauding on graduation stage
Advocacy, Political

Terrible IDEA!

I have no idea how the cuts in the Department of Education will impact students with disabilities, but I expect current students will not have the educational opportunities and special education services I received. The Department of Education helps make sure that more than 7 million students with disabilities get the special education services they’re… Continue reading Terrible IDEA!