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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
“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
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
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.
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
Many people think that when you get a wheelchair, it’s yours until you outgrow it or someone gives you a new one. Hi there, and thanks for supporting this little blog! I know my recent posts have been pretty serious, so I thought I’d share a fun story today. You see, any wheelchair, no matter what type it is, is actually a machine. And like all machines, they can break down and need fixing.
One rainy Saturday afternoon, my brother and I decided to go to the local mall for some fun. Normally, we can go wherever we want, but because of the rain, we decided to catch a movie and walk around with our caregivers. While I was browsing a store, my wheelchair suddenly stopped. It had been charged up the night before, and there were no problems leading up to this. There I was, stuck next to a display of designer watches that I could never afford—I’ve always wanted a genuine Omega watch with a gold wristband like James Bond! Luckily, all power wheelchairs have a manual function for emergencies. But what puzzled me was that the lever to activate this feature was stuck and wouldn’t move all the way. I was basically stuck in one spot, like a part of the fancy watch display.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
With no other choice, we had to call my dad to bring my backup wheelchair, which hadn’t been used for years. We only saved it for emergencies and when we traveled because it could be folded up and taken with us easily. I watched as my dad struggled to move the damaged wheelchair inch by inch until he got it into the car. It turned out that one of the motors had worn out beyond repair. Here’s a fun fact: I learned that day that my power wheelchair has two motors. Insurance wouldn’t cover just one motor replacement, and they told us I could get a new wheelchair in six months. So, I had a decision to make: either replace both motors and lose my chance at the new wheelchair I was entitled to or use a loaner until the time was right.
Something you might not know about a loaner wheelchair is that it’s not like when your car breaks down, and you can choose from different car models to use. Wheelchairs are made to fit each person specifically, so they do their best to find one that fits you from what they have available in the shop that day.
Until they put together my replacement, which I would use for the whole six months, I had to sit in a chair that Hannibal Lecter might have used to scare his victims. You can see it in the picture at the top of this post. For most people, this would be a big inconvenience, but for me, it was just another day with my wheelchair. Once again, I hope this story helps you understand what life is like for people with disabilities and makes you see things from a new perspective. Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great day ahead!
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
The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog 