choose the infinite possibilities to create a more inclusive society where we see value and dignity in all people
Guess what? Today is my four-year blog-versary. So, I have changed the theme, design, whatever it is to the website. The reason why I changed my design is it felt like a change was needed. And, what else to do when I’m stuck at home. Tour of the new site I created a static home… Continue reading 4-year anniversary of Justin Smith Writes
Wait, what? Ok, this was a big awesome week! Unbelievably big and awesome! Who knew when I wrote my last post about seeing Maggie Rogers and accessibility at the Armory, that Mary Lucia from Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current would reach out and ask to interview me? Of course, I said yes – anything to… Continue reading Talking Accessibility @ The Current
The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, is a short story about a 19th century woman who probably has depression due to having a baby. She is forbidden from socializing, writing, pretty much doing anything by her “psychiatrist” husband who prescribed a “rest” cure. Mental health treatment in the 19th century sucked! So she is forced… Continue reading My Yellow Wallpaper
Here's a quick story of what was to be a short walk with my mom, on a lovely sunny day, to the new accessible little park down by the lake. And when I say accessible, I mean NOT really at all accessible for me or probably any other wheelchair user. In fact, they probably could… Continue reading Appearances may be deceiving OR how something might appear accessible but in reality…
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
The system is stuck! Why aren’t Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) options on a level playing field with traditional Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Services? We need to rethink the model and provide real options and choices without being penalized for choosing CDCS, even though that's the choice that provides more flexibility and choice for the… Continue reading Barriers to Inclusion Part 2: Caregivers
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
On Monday, I got to go hang out and volunteer with my young friend, Roa, who also has cerebral palsy. He’s in elementary school and reminds me of me when I was that age. I remember playing hide and seek in those same hallways during recess when I was his age. In the winter, when… Continue reading Hope. Grace. Kindness.
One of the songs I like by CHRVCHES is Miracle. I’ve been listening to it over and over. And over. And over lately. I'm not asking for a miracle but I, and my parents, are struggling with what comes next. What does my adult life look like? Especially socially, because right now, I’m feeling kind… Continue reading I’m not asking for a miracle
I turned 20 years old this week. A couple years ago, I thought that after high school, I would go to college. Get my Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. And then get a job as a writer or journalist. Here’s the thing, I’ve started taking some college classes. Two worked out pretty well – got A’s.… Continue reading 20
Justin Smith Writes 