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!

Advocacy, Political, Uncategorized

Frightened

Between threatened cuts to services at both the federal and state levels, to put it bluntly, I’m frightened. My life as I’m currently living it, that I’ve worked so hard at pulling together, feels as if it could implode. Here are the federal and state programs and services currently under threat that I need to… Continue reading Frightened

Justin in wheelchair, crowd behind him looking towards stage and holding Harris for president signs
Advocacy, Political

All the way down

You know that there is a pretty huge election in three weeks. So, here are my top reasons why I support Democrats up and down the ballot.

Justin in his wheelchair, blurred people behind him in auditorium
Advocacy, Political

Ready to convene

On Friday, I’m heading to Duluth for the DFL State Convention. This will be the 3rd time I’m a state delegate and here’s why I’m going: I went to my local caucus in February and raised my hand. I went to my Senate District Convention and raised my hand. Showing up and raising my hand… Continue reading Ready to convene

Justin, young man seated in wheelchair, communication device in front of him, looking to the side as he testifies in House hearing room
Advocacy, Political

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

Justin, young man in his 20s seated in power wheelchair with big smile, ramp behind to a stage in the MN Capitol Rotunda
Advocacy, Political

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

Justin, young man in his 20s seated in power wheelchair with big smile, ramp behind to a stage in the MN Capitol Rotunda
Advocacy, Music, Political

Ready to go

Legislative Session coming up Last year, I appealed the self-directed budget I receive that helps pay for my direct support staff and some other things not covered by Medical Assistance. This funding makes it possible for me to live independently with the care I need. The problem is, it doesn’t cover all of the staffing… Continue reading Ready to go

Reviews

Fantasy escapes

These books are all fantasy I read this year and since I love unique spins on books, I give you my top three fantasy books in no particular order. Fourth Wing: DRAGONS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, CHECK! I want to say that this book is definitely not for young eyes. This book by Rebecca Yarros… Continue reading Fantasy escapes