Author: Kevin Núñez

When I’m writing, a debate is going on at 1:00 in the morning on the current administration’s reconciliation bill. This is America’s future.. I am not a liberal. I love the Democratic process. Where the people we elect, those whom we choose to trust, are supposed to have our best interests in mind. I will not post this until Thursday afternoon. By then, we will know what happened. I want people to understand how those with disabilities will be affected, at least one person.

The Medicaid program will receive drastic cuts. I’m going to tell you exactly how these cuts would affect my family directly. I acknowledge and understand that I am blessed and fortunate because of my efforts in the advocacy world. I want you to think about others who are not so fortunate. I’ve seen the models that are predicted, at a minimum of 10%. These cuts are like a square peg in a round hole. It doesn’t work! I receive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) under a waiver program in New Jersey State Medicaid. This program is legally optional in every state, meaning this will be the first thing to go.

Matthew 25:40 NIV “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

• My $60,000 accessible vehicle receives annual servicing to ensure optimal performance. I primarily use this for transportation. For doctor’s appointments and other important engagements. It also helps me avoid becoming a social isolate. The mechanic can fix the motor, but not the lift for the van. This is factual, not fraudulent.
• I’m currently allowed to go on respites, which gives my father and other family members who assist with my daily care a necessary break so they don’t become burned out or heal if they’re sick. Keeping people in the community is demonstrably cheaper than institutional care. This is how you can prevent waste.
• Once a week, I receive physical therapy at home to make sure my body does not deteriorate. I could get a prescription from my doctor, it covers approximately 8 weeks of physical therapy. What would happen to your body if you only exercised 8 weeks out of the 52-week year? Not to mention that my father would have to drive me to a facility to do this, putting more mileage on our vehicle.
• My $50,000 wheelchair is due to be replaced. How much is it going to cost the taxpayers now? This is not abuse, this is necessary accommodation. Should I stay in bed and waste away? If people want those with disabilities dead, why don’t they have the guts to say it?
• If there’s no oversight, each state will have its own unique Medicaid and Medicare program. I come from a great family, although geographically dispersed. If I have to move, my systemic quality of life would be very different. If I didn’t have a family, I would go into a facility and slowly die. We saw this happen in the mid-80s when Geraldo Rivera first exposed it, and we saw it happen again during the outbreak of the pandemic. It was my understanding did America was supposed to be great for all.
• With Medicaid, I can entertain job offers and job coaching services. I guess my money is not good enough for the economy.

My fellow Americans, individuals with disabilities, we are not a terrorist organization. We want to help our nation grow, not hurt it. Is this what you want to hurt your neighbors, your family, and your friends? How will you be able to sleep when all these changes roll out? Have a good night, and may God bless America.

The Podcast

Published Books

My fellow individuals and families living with disabilities. No matter what you’re diagnosed with, whether your disability is visible or invisible, the truth is we face difficult times. What can we do about it? Disabled Americans are Americans. We must remind our neighbors that we do exist. That we can and do lead productive lives. Don’t go back in isolation. Don’t go back to being treated like a plant or a house pet. Be the human being you were made to be. Go out to the store and run your errands. Go bowling with your friends. Go out to dinner and order that steak.

If you are an individual with more significant needs, then encourage your family or caregivers to take you out to those stores so people can see you and see that your life has value. Show them what matters in this world. Money and possessions will only be temporary. We live in a world where people project false faith. Some folks have to see it before they believe it.

John 20:25 NIV So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

We were made to be more than “inspirational’’ right now, that might be what this world needs. Fighting is inevitable, but the way we fight is just as important as what we’re fighting for. Engage in battle using your words and spirit. Not with anger and violence, because that is what they want. It is up to us to change the narrative. To lead by example, not from the shadows, as some are doing today. Disability is not a partisan issue. It is a natural part of human existence. When you frame your proposals, your presentations, and your peaceful protests, show them that it makes “common sense” to support individuals and families with disabilities. Show them that by not supporting us, they’re only doing themselves harm. We might have been born disabled, but everyone else is just temporarily abled. People only support disability unless they’re affected by it.

The time is now to affect their lives with our disabilities. With our perceived weaknesses, help them see our strengths. This cannot wait until tomorrow. This cannot wait until the fear subsides. We must lean on each other so we don’t break. Our journey is long; our struggle and challenges are ever-present. We have the advantage because we were born resilient. We were bred for this battle. They’re not. They protect fear because they are afraid. They bluster because they don’t understand. They boast because they are afraid to lose. Disability is not to be feared. Disability is not a curse or a punishment. It is a platform to show their true values in life. I would like to close with this question: if you were the holy creator, would you use your strongest warriors for the easy battles or save them for the ones you need to win?

The Podcast

Published Books