choose the infinite possibilities to create a more inclusive society where we see value and dignity in all people
What a couple of weeks! Two weeks ago I was driving around a Vaccinate the Vulnerable rally and now I'm cautiously hopeful. All of my direct support staff, including my parents, received their first COVID vaccine shots within the past couple weeks. On Wednesday, rare diseases and other disabilities were added to the eligibility list… Continue reading Tie-dyed hope
Remember the three issues that I care about: disability rights, health care and Medicaid. I know that they are divisive issues in politics and they should not be. I want to be straight with you with what’s at stake in this election for me. You’ve heard me say it before, Medicaid services for people with… Continue reading Another Sunday
It is my 100th post. And it is the thirtieth anniversary of President George HW Bush’s signing of the American with Disabilities Act or ADA. I am going to explain why the ADA matters to me. Why does the ADA matter? I’m going to quote from my speech at the Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening… Continue reading My 100th post! #ADA30
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
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
Social media is getting too many hours of my life, time that I could be using to read, write and get work done. Because of this, for the next couple of months I’m going to cut back my time on social media so I can focus on writing my first draft of my book and… Continue reading Too much social media
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
The DFL candidates all are more supportive of disability rights and issues that impact my ability to choose where I live with the supports that I need to be included in my community. Social services that support people with disabilities to be able to live in their communities are critical. This means fighting for: Affordable… Continue reading Midterms on Nov 6: Clear choice for me in Minnesota
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
Justin Smith Writes 