Young man in wheelchair in front of quote painted on wall by Soren Kierkegaard, 1849, "Once you label me you negate me."
Advocacy, Political, travel

Part 2: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Hi – here’s part 2 of my trip to Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Oh, by the way, I just got denied for the Section 8 housing voucher for the 4th time so might be a little distracted. The barriers I’m running into is why my advocacy and opportunities to meet with my US Representative… Continue reading Part 2: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Justin and his dad in the crowd
Advocacy, Music, Writing

“Never let ‘em break you down”

Actually, independent living in and of itself, is cool. It’s the systems that I need for support that I’m finding incredibly frustrating. Going to keep up the good fight to live a self-directed life! “No matter how far I go, I always end up back here” Remember when I said I was getting a housing… Continue reading “Never let ‘em break you down”

Advocacy

$841 – $1332 = a math problem

I found an accessible apartment that works well enough for me and that was the first piece of the puzzle of living an independent life. Now, I have to figure out the rest of the puzzle... The math So, as some of you regulars who read my blog may know, my sole income is SSI.… Continue reading $841 – $1332 = a math problem

Accessibility (#A11y), Advocacy

My 100th post! #ADA30

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

Justin with mask on face
Advocacy, Health, Political, Writing

2020202020202020202020202020

It’s been a difficult 2020. I would say that it’s been a difficult couple of years for me personally in figuring out what to do with my life and dealing with medical issues. But 2020 just added a whole new meaning to difficult. Thoughts on COVID I am at high risk of catching this virus… Continue reading 2020202020202020202020202020

Justin in wheelchair, dad holding Justin's foot
Uncategorized

Barriers to Inclusion Part 2: Caregivers

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