In the May episode of The Purposely Broken World, Kevin breaks down the disability hierarchy portrayed in modern cinema. Hollywood only uses disabilities that are easily manageable or easily hidden. Too often, people with disabilities are typecast as the inspiration or the villain. Hopefully, this episode will start a conversation that will lead to change. 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
Salutations to my dear friends. I hope you guys are all enjoying the early days of spring. Every once in a while, we all need a pick-me-up. I decided to write one for my fellow individuals who may be having a hard time right now. Please read or share this with any individuals with a disability of any kind who are going through a difficult time. I, the writer, have a disability, so I hope my words can provide additional comfort. What I’m going to do to make this writing a little more digestible, is list ten brief statements for you to ponder over. Please note the order does not indicate importance; it’s just the way it came out of me.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14 NIV
Just because there is something medically wrong with you does not mean there’s anything wrong with you. Scientifically one in four people are diagnosed with some form of developmental disability. It is universally understood that no human is perfect, therefore there has to be something wrong with everyone.
Don’t let your bad days distract you from remembering the good days.
You are under no obligation to accept someone’s evaluation of you.
Everyone always fights for what they want, don’t let them make you feel less than for doing the same.
Your disability cannot stop you from having a life, only you can do that. Learn the difference between existing in living.
if you want people to see you as a person, you must do it before the public does.
Your disability does not give you an excuse to treat others any less than you want to be treated.
Learn to rest and exercise both your mind and your body.
We are never abandoned without a gift. Once you learn what yours is, do not be afraid to use it.
Find a small circle of friends, not a large number of acquaintances.
I pray this small blog finds someone who needs uplifting and encouragement. Remember, you are not given anything you cannot handle. Thank you for reading, and 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
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 her first episode, Ms. Betzy Lee describes the early years of raising her disabled daughter Mindy—the joys, successes, and failures. She lays it all down along with her love for Christ. This uplifting message should be heard by all parents raising disabled children. There is hope there is life. Don’t give up! Click on the link for more information.
Available on podcast platforms
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
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
My mother used to read a book to me as a child called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I usually keep my posts uplifting and/or educational. I have one rule never publish anything I write when I am upset or feeling anxious. Today I’m choosing to break that rule to hopefully help someone else. I’m not thinking of anyone in particular. I know in my spirit someone else needs these words. Today I went to talk about two subjects that the mere mention of them makes my skin crawl.” Inspiration Porn” and Valentine’s Day. Let me explain, according to Urban Dictionary inspiration Porn is defined as:
“A portrayal of people with disabilities as one-dimensional things that only exist to warm the hearts and open the minds of able-bodied people.”
An example of this is when we see a video on social media of a handsome young man who took a girl with Down syndrome to the prom to make her and everyone else feel good. There is more to a person than just their disability. We are all taught to look past a person’s physical skin color. disability has no skin color. Yet, when you see someone like me rolling up to you the disability is all you see. I was that kid who was taken on a mercy date to prom. That’s a larger story that I will save for another day.
Today I am “inspirational” because I self-published a book on Amazon and I have a slowly growing podcast. Most folks purchase my book without finishing it. Spoiler alert! There is a whole chapter against “ inspiration porn”. I feel like I should issue a massive refund. in February I began offering bonus episodes for paid subscribers to the podcast. I currently have one subscriber. He is my friend. I should give him his money back. The truth is if I offered the kind of subscriptions with nude photos I might make some money. I don’t want any money! I can’t lie It hurts to produce all this content and people miss the message.
This brings me to my second point I cannot stand Valentine’s Day! I am well aware it is the stupidest holiday America invented I’m writing this the day before Valentine’s Day. at 35 from this world’s point of view, I am a failure. I have no official job. I cannot live on my own. I am not the typical man a girl pictures when they go on a date. I’m not giving up on finding someone, However, Valentine’s Day is my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Not because I feel bad for myself but because for a lot of people, those misconceptions are true. People with disabilities are isolated. They are abused mentally, physically, and sexually, daily. most by the very people who are supposed to protect them. forced into financial slavery while people waste money on things they don’t need.
So why do I choose not to give up? for me, because my hero and big brother Jesus did not give up on me. He suffered so others wouldn’t have to. I am not self-righteous. I have countless sins. I am not a pastor, a priest, or a rabbi. I am saved by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. I believe that I and those like me other “lucky ones” choose not to sleepwalk through life.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
The other day I had a dream. I was dreaming of walking on a beach with Jesus holding my hand. it lasted less than 2 seconds because I was woken up by the garbage truck coming down my street. I know this is a lot to think about and this is probably part of a larger conversation. Some of you might think I’m crazy.
Here’s what I know, this world is unfair, unkind, and ungrateful. I know I may have a lot of more unpleasant days in front of me and people will not understand a lot of what I go through no matter how many ways I describe it. That’s okay because I don’t do it for them, I do it for him. it may not be fun at the moment but 100 lonely Valentine’s Day’s is worth the rest of the eternity. Do you think Jesus enjoyed the events leading up to and then going up on the cross?
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
Note: The following book post is an excerpt from my book Confessions From Disability Limbo only on Amazon and Audible. it is a very crude example of disability life.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have a problem. I know someone will find it controversial. I am fearfully waiting for an email from some legislative officer in the governor’s office, removing me from all the committees I serve on. Besides, I know my mother, little sister, cousins, and 80-year-old grandmother are all going to make a line to beat me after reading this. I beg the Indulgence of all of you. This is advocacy in its purest form. Are you comfortable naked?
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24 NIV
Two years ago, I was on a respite with my twin brother. They undressed me on the bed. When my brother said that, he had to use the bathroom most urgently. Our staff quickly went to go handle his needs, and they left me like Adam in Paradise before he discovered fig leaves! I rolled over and grabbed my phone and began listening to music. A few minutes later my staff finds me in my little world drumming along to the epic drum solo in the song I Can Feel It calling in the air tonight by Phil Collins.
I have often said that I’m uncomfortable with my body, but I have become comfortable being naked around strangers. I am a 35-year-old male wing roughly 135 lbs. Exactly 5 feet tall with hair everywhere on my body except my head, with a collection of scars from past surgeries. I will not be on the cover of GQ magazine soon. The staff that saw me in this vulnerable status had met me less than 24 hours earlier.
There is this trend on the platform Tik Tok where people walk in front of their significant others in the nude facing the camera outward to capture the reaction. Every time I saw one of these videos I had the same thought “this does not represent my life and those in the disability community.” Imagine having a conversation about sports or if they liked the Chinese food last night as you go over the proper procedure for them to clean your backside. Some people might find this awkward or even laughable I am still one of the lucky ones because being naked often leads to torture for some individuals. For many years, receiving a cold shower was a form of behavioral control for those who lived in institutions. Individuals or the very staff that were supposed to protect them violated some daily. This still happens today. How would you communicate that the water was too hot if you couldn’t speak? This also happens every day.
I have a challenge for every person who reads this post. Tell or ask someone you love something personal about you when you are nude. Then make yourself have a conversation This simple exercise would hopefully give you a glimpse of what it is like to feel like those of us with disabilities. Even when you are getting a break because most of the time, the people that see us in this vulnerable state we don’t love.
Here are the rules:
You can’t do it after sex when everything is perfect.
You can’t do it to get their attention, you know this is not about sex.
You can’t cheat and say, ” is this a mole on my back?” It’s got to be something real.
The most important conversations I have ever had have been in this moment.
All I ever wanted to do is share my experiences with the rest of the world to show that people with disabilities are people first. Something that society forgets about from time to time: thank you to anyone brave enough to try this. Have a great day, friends.
Greetings friends, I always want to hear from my audience please let me know how you are in the comments. I always get questions about my wheelchair. so, I decided to do something about it. Below are 10 things I want people to know about wheelchairs. I hope you all take away something from this. Enjoy and have a good day.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 NIV" https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-5
If you see someone struggling to push their wheelchair. Don’t just go behind them and push. How would you like it if someone grabbed your legs and made you walk?
Not all wheelchairs are the same. Most of the time their custom made. Just like every human, every wheelchair is different.
If you see someone in a mass-produced wheelchair. Please be patient they are probably uncomfortable. These chairs are not meant for everyday use.
If you see someone, open the door for them. Don’t cut in front of them because you’re in a hurry. It’s not polite to assume that someone else will help.
The wheelchair may be an extension of their body but unlike yourself, they can’t just clean it when they want to. If you see that it’s a little dirty don’t judge them.
Ask how to transfer them if you’re going to do that. Don’t just grab someone’s body. That would be very rude wouldn’t it?
Not all wheelchairs have tires filled with air.
The vision is at eye level come down to us if you want to talk to us. insurance companies generally deny those wheelchairs that raise up.
don’t ask if we have a license to drive the wheelchair you’re not the first person to think of that joke.
it is perfectly acceptable to have your children come up to us, just don’t be rude about it.
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 friends, as always I hope this week’s message finds you well. We get so busy in this world with our schedules and obligations. We don’t make time to sit and reflect on our lives and where it’s headed. It is for that purpose I created this new series where I leave you with a series of questions for you to ponder. The theme for this week is, “the importance of listening.” In the comments please let me know what you think of this idea. I wanted to create awareness for our spiritual and mental growth. Thank you all for reading enjoy the rest of your day.
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:13 NIV
When your friend calls you, do you talk more than you listen?
At a restaurant when the waiter comes over, do you wait to listen for the specials, or do you just tell them to order?
In a job interview who should speak first, the employer or the prospective employee?
Do you notice your eyes rolling when you’re annoyed by comments?
Are you aware of others’ body language?
When you sit down on the airplane, do you listen to the safety demonstration? I hope we all know with you if God forbid the plane goes down.
Are you comfortable around older adults? Their advice might be important someday.
Do you take your hearing for granted?
When you pray do you listen for God’s response?
Do you know the difference between hearing and listening?
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
Mr. David Champignon is a Political Science major from Edinboro University and a graduate of the New Jersey Partners in Policymaking Program. He is a proven leader and staunch advocate for people with disabilities. He currently lives with his wife Jenny in Sayre Pennsylvania. Alongside their dogs and cats, they are living proof that nothing is impossible. His experience blogging and semi-published works make him a perfect candidate to start this project with.
Hello, my wonderful readers I’ve been looking forward to writing this particular post for a little while now. With all the distractions that capture our attention, I feel special anytime someone chooses to spend a few minutes with me reading my writings. That being said, once again I’m going to talk about disability and my faith journey. I am not a preacher, a pastor, or a faith leader of any kind. This is my testimony as a follower of my big brother, lord, and savior Jesus Christ. At this time I’m not trying to convert anyone or start any controversy. I intend to use my experience of growth to uplift my fellow individuals with disabilities. If you feel uncomfortable you are more than welcome to come back next week.
The last few days I felt a little out of sorts. You see, July is disability pride month As you might have seen I have recently written a few pieces advocating for the changes that need to occur in the disability system to better our lives and they were selected for publication. This made me feel great! I love being the voice for others and I love writing. It’s one of the few activities I can do by myself so I feel free, due to my financial situation and the limitations of my disability, I don’t get out much. It’s always cool to me when I look at the statistics of my website and someone oversees views one of my pieces.
Think of it like this, have you ever posted a picture of yourself in front of the mirror and posted it on Facebook? You find yourself going back and looking at how many likes you have. Facebook used to mean a lot to me too. I had over 500 friends at one point and a separate page promoting all my advocacy work. A little over a month ago both of my pages were hacked, I know this is kind of trivial but I had over 10 years of memories that were lost because the creep changed both the email and the password before I noticed. This was my validation of the “normal world.” It was important to see myself as more than just the “disability hero.”
“While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless." Job 8:12-13 NIV
What would Jesus do (WWJD)? This is an acronym every supposed churchgoer knows but so many don’t understand it because they don’t know Jesus they only know of Jesus. Spiritual growth just like physical growth takes time. We don’t go from sucking on our thumbs to driving cars in a few weeks. We learn those skills over a given time. The more I have come to study and meditate on the word of God the more I realized what was important. The number of Facebook friends and views on my little website doesn’t matter at all. A few weeks ago I secretly held a social experiment. For one week I did not post anything on Facebook or text anyone. except for my childhood best friend. Who by the way just relaunched his blog. Click Here to read.
I was hurt. I was always the guy who would send messages to everyone to make sure they were having a good day. Hardly anyone texted me. I thought I was a social butterfly. Turns out I was just easily forgettable. In life quality matters over quantity. That is the opposite of what this world teaches us. So focused on results that are only temporary. This must have been a small example of what Jesus felt like, having so much love for the world knowing and eventually accepting that it would reject him in the long run. Sometimes you only need to restart and be still so God can reveal his actual plan for us. I hope this gives you a lot to think about see you next week.
The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog 