Author: Kevin Núñez

  • Everyday Personal Questions

    Everyday Personal Questions

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    Hey there, folks! I hope you’re all having a great day. My last few posts have been serious. I wanted to have some fun this week. Today’s blog post is all about challenging some common misconceptions that people have, especially when it comes to disabilities. My goal is to connect the disability community with everyone else out there. I have to admit, it’s a bit nerve-wracking to share this, but when you’re talking about life with a disability, honesty is key. So, let’s dive into three questions that I often get asked.

    ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:15‭-‬16‬ ‭NIV‬‬  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

    How do you pee?

    People often assume I use catheters because of the lack of sensation, but having Cerebral Palsy doesn’t necessarily mean I can’t feel. Using catheters can be uncomfortable and increases the risk of infections, so I opt for a urinal bottle. It’s a straightforward process—my caregiver helps me out, and I go about my day.

    How do you poop?

    This question is a bit tricky because asking for help isn’t easy. When I’m placed on the toilet, I can balance myself, but for the rest, I rely on someone close to me to assist. It’s a vulnerable situation, but knowing they care makes it easier to handle. It’s a bond we share, and it’s part of my daily routine.

    Does your junk work?

    Yes, it does. I have a fully functional system. This question comes up a lot, and I’m always cautious, especially when someone sits on my lap. It’s not uncommon for them to be surprised, but just like any other couple, we figure out what works for us.

    I get that these topics might make you a bit uncomfortable, but that’s okay. The point is to shed light on different experiences and break down misconceptions about disabilities. It’s cool to ask questions, just be mindful of who you’re asking and remember that everyone’s experience is unique.

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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  • Grateful Lessons

    Grateful Lessons

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    Happy Wednesday folks!

    Enjoy the new podcast episode. the new blog will be available next week

    In the second episode of November, Kevin breaks down a very common question around Thanksgiving. Simply, what are you thankful for? Every struggle and hardship we go through teaches us a lesson in gratitude. Thank you all for the support Happy Thanksgiving! links to support or below.

    Spotify link
    YouTube Link

    Order Confessions from Disability Limbo here:
    https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Disability-Limbo-Commentary-Society-ebook/dp/B09B81DLZS?ref_=ast_author_mpb

    Support the podcast with a monthly sponsorship.
    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theadvocacyllifepodcast/support
    Cash app: https://cash.app/$KevinGNunez
    PayPal: https://paypal.me/KevinGNunez?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

    Website: https://advocatekevinnunez.wordpress.com/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdvocateKNunez
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdvocayLifeRelaunched
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadvocacylife/

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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  • A Different Look at Disability

    A Different Look at Disability

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    Hey there! I came across this fascinating article by Javier Robles, a respected figure in the disability community. The opinion piece challenges readers to discover a more realistic definition of disability. Dive into the thought-provoking insights shared by this Rutgers professor. In a world where we often have fixed ideas about disability, this article is like a friendly push, asking us to question what we think we know and see things in a new light.

    Robles guides us through the world of disability, helping us understand it better. He asks us to think about how society sees disability and encourages us to understand it in a more genuine way. This article isn’t just about thinking—it’s a call to action. Robles wants us to talk about disability differently to challenge our ideas and make our society more understanding. It’s a chance to open our minds and be a part of a more inclusive world.

    Join Javier Robles on this journey to rethink disability. Let’s change how we see things, break old ideas, and embrace a truer understanding of disability. The conversation is starting, and it’s time for us to be a part of it. Have a good day See you guys next week! All comments are welcome.

    Source:

    https://mosaic.nj.com/commentary/2023/10/this-rutgers-professor-dares-you-to-find-a-realistic-definition-of-disability-opinion.html

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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  • Types of Support

    Types of Support

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    After a long break, Miss Betzy Lee is back with a new podcast episode! In this episode, she discusses all the support you can give a family living with a disability. Because disability does not affect just the person but the entire family, this is a very interesting retrospective on a family dynamic that most people don’t think about. This is a podcast everyone needs to listen to or watch. Please share with your friends. If you like this podcast, please support it with a donation. It will go right to her, even though she is affiliated with the Advocacy Life podcast network. All donations made to this episode will go to her.

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    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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  • Stories of Faith

    Stories of Faith

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    In the first podcast episode for November 2023, Kevin discusses how God is accessible to all, regardless of ability or disability. He uses personal anecdotes to provide a quick testimony of his love for Jesus Christ. This is a quick pick-me-up, not about conversion. If you want to listen, please do so to the end.

    Order Confessions from Disability Limbo here:
    https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Disability-Limbo-Commentary-Society-ebook/dp/B09B81DLZS?ref_=ast_author_mpb

    Support the podcast with a monthly sponsorship.
    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theadvocacyllifepodcast/support
    Cash app: https://cash.app/$KevinGNunez
    PayPal: https://paypal.me/KevinGNunez?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

    Website: https://advocatekevinnunez.wordpress.com/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdvocateKNunez
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdvocayLifeRelaunched
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadvocacylife/

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

    ← Back

    Thank you for your response. ✨

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  • Disabled Thriller Movie Review

    Disabled Thriller Movie Review

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    Greetings readers! The spooky season is officially upon us. Horror movies like Halloween, Scream, and Friday the 13th have been reviewed a thousand times So, I’m not going to do that. It would be completely off-brand for this blog. However, I would like to know what your favorite scary movie is. Please let me know in the comments.

    Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
    Joshua 1:9 NIV
    

    Now, onto a significant milestone for the disability community—cinematic representation. In the Hulu original movie “Run,” Kiera Allen takes center stage. Since 2014, Kiera has used a wheelchair for mobility for undisclosed reasons. She became the first real-life wheelchair user to star in a major thriller in 73 years. The storyline follows a young woman with a disability navigating the complexities of adulthood alongside her mother, her primary caregiver. (Sarah Paulson) While the plot may seem straightforward, the film delves into the thriller/horror genre, bringing with it themes that, despite being familiar, earned it a “Certified Fresh” badge on Rotten Tomatoes in 2020. What sets it apart is the inclusion of disability, adding an extra layer to captivate the audience.

    Navigating the world with a disability often means being part of a relatively small community. As someone who has critiqued Hollywood’s portrayal of disability, “Run” pleasantly surprised me. Its a good movie, but it also allowed me to connect with the character’s journey on a personal level. As a person with a physical disability, the burden complex is a real struggle I go through. It was interesting to see this used as a twist. Unlike the usual narrative of feel-good stories associated with disabilities, this film doesn’t aim for Oscars or the title of the scariest movie ever made. Instead, it presents itself as a compelling narrative that invites the audience to identify with its main character in a unique way.

    If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m specifically avoiding spoilers. This film has gone under the radar. “Run” is a must-watch. It doesn’t rely on jump scares or special effects This is the perfect kind of Friday night thriller to have you on the edge of your seat for the duration. I have left the trailer at the bottom of this post for you to look at at your leisure Thanks for your time. See you guys next week!

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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  • Writing  is Freedom

    Writing is Freedom

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    “Why do you love writing so much?” Hello, my dear friends! I hope you’re having a fantastic day. I had just finished writing a few pages in my book, Confessions from Disability Limbo.

    My twin brother asked the straightforward question mentioned above. Anyway, I’m getting off-topic. My brother asked because who else would willingly spend hours in front of a computer when they weren’t getting paid for it at all?

    First, because I can do it all by myself, there are very few things I can do on a daily basis on my own. Once someone gave me my laptop, “The world is mine.” Just like Tony Montana wanted. The only difference is that I have no interest in drugs or world dominance. I love having access to knowledge. When I write an empty page, it doesn’t matter if I can’t clean my backside. The cursor does not pity me, or I think I am mentally delayed. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; the page cannot fill itself. It challenges you; it needs you to leave a piece of yourself behind to be shared with everyone. If what you write does not get shared, it’s only marks on paper. The same goes for art or cooking. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes you have to do stuff for yourself, but for the most part, when you do something with your heart, it’s to be shared.

    My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15‭-‬16 NIV

    When I try to walk or stretch my muscles, it hurts. At the very least, it’s uncomfortable. I don’t have to answer, “How did you end up in a wheelchair?” or “Do your legs hurt? I don’t mean to offend anyone by always mentioning God, but I was recently reminded of something: God will never abandon you; he always leaves you with a gift. Making a small difference is his creation.

    Even on the worst days, my body does not do what I say, and I have accidents. When my colleagues in the advocacy community think I’m a little overbearing, which honestly, I know I can be, I know I can always sit down to write and release whatever I have inside. I spend the majority of my time riding a 300-pound tank, but when I am in front of my computer, I am completely free! As always, feel free to leave comments. Thank you for letting me be part of your day. I hope to see you soon.

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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  • Keep the Faith-A Poem

    Keep the Faith-A Poem

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    Happy Wednesday, my friends. This may seem a little obvious, but I love writing. I’m always experimenting with different forms. The other day, I woke up with the inspiration to write a poem. I’ve never taken a poetry class; I don’t even read poetry. This may be really basic, but most will say it’s not good. I don’t blame you. All I can tell you is the Holy Spirit wrote it; I was just the instrument based on my expenses In the comments, please let me know what you think. This was one of my first.

    Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8‭-‬9 NIV

    People say my head’s in the stars

    Can’t they see I’m holding back tears

    Can someone please look past the scars

    I’m trying to learn how to overcome my fears

    

    People say go on dating apps

    No picture I take can hide my wheelchair

    Part of me wants to snap

    I can’t just wipe it away like nar

    Swipe left on the phone

    Doesn’t anybody care

    Swipe right I still feel alone

    

    Jesus you’re always there

    Come save my life

    You do what I don’t dare

    You are my spiritual wife

    May your glory shine

    With you I always have hope

    May your will be done not mine

    My faith is not gone, nope

    Your plan will be revealed in time

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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  • Virtual V. Physical Appearance

    Virtual V. Physical Appearance

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    In the second episode of October 2023, Kevin breaks down what it’s like to have a physical disability in the online world. This world is so focused on physical appearance that the algorithms on these apps do not take the human heart into consideration. Written prompts and voice prompts can only capture a snippet. A person should know themselves before looking for a potential partner. These apps, while well-intentioned, tend to show how shallow the world really is.

    Order Confessions from Disability Limbo here:
    https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Disability-Limbo-Commentary-Society-ebook/dp/B09B81DLZS?ref_=ast_author_mpb

    Support the podcast with a monthly sponsorship.
    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theadvocacyllifepodcast/support
    Cash app: https://cash.app/$KevinGNunez
    PayPal: https://paypal.me/KevinGNunez?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

    Website: https://advocatekevinnunez.wordpress.com/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdvocateKNunez
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdvocayLifeRelaunched
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadvocacylife/

  • Optimizing Life’s Challenges

    Optimizing Life’s Challenges

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    Greetings and happy Wednesday! WordPress.com informed me that I have been writing this blog for four years. I relaunched it with a podcast in March of 2022 The intention was to spark conversations about disability issues, both the positives and the negatives. Lately, I’ve been feeling spiritually restless, and a recent Facebook memory prompted me to reflect. Sometimes, we all need a reminder that God is watching over us, even when faced with life’s challenges. This is especially true for the disability community, which often grapples with questions like, “If God is perfect, why do people suffer from disabilities or other conditions?”

    “This is my truth: I’m broke. I have bills to pay. I will always use a wheelchair, I will most likely always be single, and people will always underestimate me. Yes, it really sucks! I choose to look at all the good in and around my life. I don’t hide from everything. I just choose not to focus on things I can’t control. You might find it dumb or even wrong, but I’m proud of myself, and I love my life.”

    Personal Facebook post from 6 years ago

    To address this question,I want to ask the Holy Spirit to help me speak the truth. Some have accused me of lacking humility or bragging about my accomplishments. My only aim is to leave the world a better place than I found it. I don’t hold any degrees; I have only a high school diploma. I pray nightly, seeking forgiveness for any wrongs I may have committed. Just as the song says, “This is me.” I can only speak from my experiences and give my opinions.

    Next, the statement about being broke and having bills to pay: It’s straightforward. I’ve never cashed a paycheck from an employer because, as I’ve mentioned before, working would mean losing my health insurance. Unfortunately, many private insurance companies don’t cover wheelchairs, and because of my Cerebral Palsy, I will always rely on one. There’s no cure for my neurological condition, and my life expectancy shouldn’t be affected, barring other complications.

    Now, the part that keeps me up at night is: Will I always be single? I’ve had a few relationships, both with disabled and non-disabled women, but they’ve been rare. It’s okay to admit that I feel lonely. There’s a space in my heart waiting to be filled. I have a small bucket list of things I’d like to do with that special person. Nevertheless, I keep putting myself out there because I have faith that someone is waiting for me.

    “The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11‭-‬12 NIV”

    However, there’s something special about having Jesus in my life. It’s like having a friend who’s always there to make those empty spots go away. Just knowing that Jesus is with me helps me feel better when things are tough. So, even when life gets hard, I remember that Jesus is like a comforting blanket, filling those empty spaces with his love and warmth.

    Yes, it’s tough. If I dwelled on all the things I can’t do for myself and how challenging my daily life is, I’d likely go insane. No medication or doctor in the world could heal me. So instead, I choose to focus on the little joys in life—the aroma of food cooking in my house, the sound of my brother’s laughter, texts and calls from family and friends, and checking my emails for messages from my advocacy colleagues. Negativity surrounds us daily, but the key is to seek out and embrace positive moments.

    I always welcome comments and encourage anyone reading my posts to share their thoughts. Some may see me as a naive optimist, and that’s perfectly fine with me because it means you gave me the chance to show you more than meets the eye. I genuinely believe that God has a purpose for me and for all of us. Thank you for your time, and may God bless you. Thank you to my small but loyalFollowers for following me on this journey. If you feel so inclined please share

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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