choose the infinite possibilities to create a more inclusive society where we see value and dignity in all people
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
I have started planning the next book and I mean that quite literally. I say that because I pantsered the last two books. Although I didn’t know this, I think that I might actually be more of a plotter. Wait, what is a pantser and plotter? Ok, when I wrote my first two books, I… Continue reading Plotter or pantser?
This is not an easy list. So many things happened that could have been the most memorable of the decade. Well, there are the DBS surgeries, I think they’ve had a huge impact on not just me, but my whole family. But, I want to focus on non-medical, non-traumatic moments. April 14th, 2016 My first… Continue reading Top Moments of the Decade
In the 2018 fiscal year, 16 percent of Minnesotans with disabilities who received state services worked in the community alongside people without disabilities. Chris Serres, Star Tribune, 3/16/19 How is this real? That number needs to be a hell of a lot higher than 16%. I am NOT one of the 16% by the way… although I… Continue reading Barriers to Inclusion Part 3: Employment
Today, Chris Serres, reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, wrote an excellent article about how Minnesotans with disabilities are fighting barriers to inclusion and unfilled promises. I love seeing Chris Serres’ articles because he gets it. He’s able to tell the world about what it’s like to try to navigate this system and what happens… Continue reading Barriers to inclusion
Celebrate! Hey, how awesome was last night’s Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Inaugural Celebration? Super AWESOME! Fun music, dancers, and so much excitement! Here are some of the picture highlights. Congratulations to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan! I loved being a delegate for them in the caucus, organizing unit convention, and at the… Continue reading What is up in my world?
GOTV Busy week this week. For the first time ever, I went door-knocking with my mom. I’m hoping to get out more in the next month for Ami Wazlawik for MN State House 38B and my other favorites like Tim Walz for Governor, Amy Klobuchar, and Tina Smith for US Senate. Each of these candidates… Continue reading GOTV and CHVRCHES
I just got this cancellation yesterday for the Governor's Forum that I was looking forward to going to on Thursday. "Unfortunately, event cosponsors have had to cancel the event due to lack of confirmation from the candidates. We are still working to ensure that candidates for Minnesota Governor address and prioritize issues of importance to members of… Continue reading Governor’s Forum on 9/13 cancelled
Governor Candidates' Forum on 9/13 There are some key issues that impact people with disabilities that I think everyone should be thinking about as they decide who to vote for in the midterm elections. I’ve said this in previous posts and will say it again – SHOW UP! It’s important to show up now and… Continue reading Why it matters
My First Letter to the Editor published in White Bear/Vadnais Heights Press, August 8, 2018 This coming Tuesday, August 14th, is the primary election for governor in Minnesota. As a young person living with a severe disability, I know that the next election can have a huge impact on the disability community. I am supporting… Continue reading Vote! My letter to the editor
Justin Smith Writes 