choose the infinite possibilities to create a more inclusive society where we see value and dignity in all people
Voting by mail this year Last week, I voted absentee for our primary election in Minnesota. That’s one way I make my voice heard and hope that you all do the same. It’s pretty simple – register to vote, request your vote-by-mail ballot for your upcoming elections, and then follow the instructions on the mail-in… Continue reading Why it matters
According to the Arc Minnesota “the 2% provider tax on health care services is the main source of funding for the Health Care Access Fund, which contributes nearly $450 million to Medical Assistance in Minnesota. The provider tax is scheduled to expire or “sunset” at the end of 2019, which would leave a hole of more… Continue reading Time to Act in Minnesota
Perfect paradise, tearing at the seams. - Imagine Dragons One of my favorite bands, Imagine Dragons, has this line in Bad Liar. When the song came out, I was in a place of pain and this helped me forget. This was actually last fall and the pain has been at a steady 6 with jumps… Continue reading Tearing at the seams
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
The toes report Met with the orthopedic specialist on Friday. Surgery in the next month or two as soon as it can be scheduled. Basically, the muscle tone and uncontrolled muscle spasms in my feet have caused my big toes to be just shy of dislocated. I have really strong muscles! And as I’ve mentioned… Continue reading Discoveries
In 2019 I want to write more about the challenges in front of me to keep moving towards independent living. It’s not easy to figure all this out and I’ll share what I find out in case it helps others in their own lives or just so everyone has a better idea of what’s involved.… Continue reading Hello 2019
This will probably be my last political post until next year. Or not. In last Tuesday’s blogpost, I said I was going to vote for Minnesota Democrats Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan, Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar, Betty McCollum, and Ami Wazlawik. But, I want to be clear that I am not voting for Democrats because… Continue reading VOTE on 11/6 if you haven’t already
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
I have been pretty nervous about plans for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Representative Ryan’s plans for the Medicaid Block Grants and Per Capita Caps could have drastic impacts on people with disabilities, like me. To explain this, let me share my story. I had 6 surgeries within one year. I don’t… Continue reading On the Issue of Disability Rights: Healthcare
Justin Smith Writes 