The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Category: Disability Awareness

  • The Heart of an Advocate

    The Heart of an Advocate


    There’s no way around it: living with a disability is difficult. But choosing to be an advocate and a leader for the disability community? That is even harder.

    Welcome to our latest Community Blog installment. Here at The Advocacy Life, we believe in pulling back the curtain on what it truly means to represent a movement. Often, when people think of leadership, they think of “fame, fortune, and finish lines.” But in the world of disability advocacy, the reality looks a lot different.

    If you are looking for a get-rich-quick scheme, advocacy is not it. More often than not, there is no money involved. At best, you might be reimbursed for your expenses; realistically, you’ll likely lose more financially than you’ll ever gain.
    It isn’t about fame, either. I’ve been blogging for four years, and I haven’t hit 500 followers. On YouTube, I’m under 200. These aren’t the kind of metrics that make you a “social media influencer.” And let’s be honest—it doesn’t exactly help your dating life. There is nothing less “impressive” to a potential partner than saying you stayed up all night drafting bylaws for a non-profit organization.

    It isn’t even about job security or status. If I resigned tomorrow, the mission would continue. Someone else would step in to fill the seat. So, if there’s no money, no fame, and no status, it leads to one fundamental question:

    For the Ones Who Can’t Speak
    The reason I choose to dedicate my life to this work is simple: I do it for the ones who can’t speak for themselves.
    I have a profound love for my brothers and sisters who are non-verbal. I love the way they communicate their needs and desires through action, presence, and spirit, even when they can’t find the words. I consider it a sacred responsibility to be the interpreter for those who just need a little extra time to be understood.

    When leaders or policymakers call me for input, I don’t pick up the phone for credit. I pick it up because there is an unmet need in our community, and someone has to “man up” or “woman up” to address it.

    It infuriates me when I hear people say, “I can’t be an advocate  or “I’m just not the advocacy type.” When you live with a disability, this is your community. These are your people. Whether you like it or not, when you speak up, you aren’t just speaking for yourself—you are speaking on behalf of a community. Yes, your individual circumstances are unique, but your voice contributes to the collective volume of our movement.

    When you choose silence, or when you say you “can’t do it,” you aren’t just letting yourself down—you’re letting down the community you are a part of. You are letting down a vital part of the American story.

    To my fellow men and women with disabilities: we need you. The future of our rights and our resources depends on a collective effort. We cannot build a better future if only a few of us are willing to do the thankless work of drafting bylaws, attending meetings, and speaking truth to power.

    If you feel like you don’t know how to start, reach out to us. That is why this Community Blog exists—to provide the tools, the encouragement, and the platform for others to find their voice.
    We need to get together now, not later. Because when we speak together, we create a future where everyone is heard.

    Thank you for reading this week’s Community Blog. If this resonated with you, please share it with a fellow advocate who needs to hear that their hard work—even when unpaid and unnoticed—matters.Keep on rolling. Keep on living.

    Listen to the blog here

    The Podcast

    Published Books

    Subscribe to Letter from Limbo

    Read more of this content when you subscribe today.

    Subscribe
    One-Time
    Monthly
    Yearly

    Make a one-time donation

    Make a monthly donation

    Make a yearly donation

    Choose an amount

    $1.00
    $3.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00

    Or enter a custom amount

    $

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
  • The Backwards Life

    The Backwards Life

    A Community Blog

    This blood can be read aloud


    The best way to master a new language is to immerse yourself completely in its culture. For the first community blog of 2026, I invite you to join me in this exploration. I want to invite you into the world of disability awareness—not just to see how I live, but to learn how disability culture can reshape your understanding of the world.

    John 12:25 NIV [25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
     
    From the outside looking in, many people see my life through a lens of lack. They might see a man without a traditional nine-to-five career and assume he has no path, no prospects for a family, or no chance at success. In a society that measures worth by visible output, they might call it a “loser” lifestyle. To an extent, their observations of my physical limitations are correct—but their conclusions are entirely wrong. Disability has taught me the immense value of living what I call a “backwards life”.
     
    In America, we are often guilty of a dangerous short-sightedness. We tend to only value what is directly in front of us—the things we can touch, see, or buy. We chase momentary satisfaction and fast-paced metrics, but disability forces a different perspective. It demands that we look at the bigger picture of humanity. 

    Take the simple act of getting out of bed. I cannot do this on my own. On the surface, that feels like a loss of independence. But in reality, it creates a moment of profound connection. To get up, I have to hug a caregiver or a friend. In a world where so many people live without love or physical affection, I start every single day with a human embrace. Who is truly more “independent”—the person who stands up alone, or the person who begins their day fueled by a community of support?

    During a recent physical therapy session, I took approximately 20 steps. By the end, I was exhausted, drenched in sweat, and guzzling water as if I’d run a marathon. It was a monumental effort for a seemingly small distance. 
    Contrast that with the thousands of people who walk miles every day but never actually “go” anywhere. They move through their lives on autopilot, working jobs they don’t like to buy fashion they don’t need or tools they won’t use. They are moving, but they aren’t progressing. They are chasing a momentary satisfaction that evaporates as soon as the next trend arrives. 
    I am a capitalist—I sell books and bonus content because money and resources are necessary tools for advocacy. But money only matters if you are intentional with it. We are wasting our lives in front of screens and empty consumerism. We are existing, but we aren’t necessarily living. 

    Perspective applies to our hearts, too. Many people spend their lives chasing relationships they know are wrong for them, simply to avoid being alone. I’ve been there. I’ve gone to sleep crying because I had to accept that a person I wanted was not “the one” for me. 

    But I’ve learned that it is better to find the one person who truly matters than to chase four relationships that go nowhere. The “backwards” way to find love isn’t to chase it; it’s to stand out and let it come to you. When you stop chasing the wrong things and instead let your own light shine, the world begins to see you for who you truly are.

    As we move into 2026, I challenge you to look at your own “front-facing” values. Are you walking just to move, or are you walking with purpose? Are you surrounding yourself with things, or with people? 

    Living a backwards life isn’t about moving in reverse—it’s about refusing to follow a society that is heading in the wrong direction. Thank you for being part of this community, for reading, and for listening. Let’s make this year about the things we can’t always see, but that matter the most. 

  • Principles for Advocacy Groups

    Principles for Advocacy Groups

    A Community Blog

    Following up on our conversation last week about the state of disability advocacy, I want to drill down into a crucial, and often painful, question: Why do so many advocacy organizations, even those founded with fire and passion by disabled individuals, stray from their mission and devolve into nothing more than a social club.

    The answer isn’t a lack of passion; it’s a lack of professional structure. For an organization to last beyond its first two years, it must establish a proper foundation. First, there must be a clear mission or purpose. Ideas are plentiful, but without a singular, defined goal, energy dissipates into general activities that accomplish little. This is quickly followed by the necessity of a clear Leadership structure. A plan for decision-making must be ironed out within the first six months; without it, the organization becomes directionless.Mission and leadership mean little without accountability. Proven accountability must be figured out from the very beginning.

    Stakeholders—from staff to community members—need to know how serious issues will be addressed. Furthermore, advocacy requires resources, so a clear financial structure and plan must be in place before you begin. Make your financial proposal accessible and transparent to all interested parties; professional integrity starts with financial transparency.To avoid simply becoming a complaint factory, we must think outside the box. Advocacy organizations must propose solutions and not just complain about problems. This is where we show our mettle. We must also cultivate an organization of advocates willing to do the work, not just talk about doing the work. The dignity of the advocacy movement demands that the organization also take on the dignity of risk—meaning we are willing to take bold action and accept the professional risks that come with true, game-changing efforts.As an organization matures, it must define its lane. What is your competitive Advantage.

    to make your organization different from all the others? Simply advocating for “disabled people” is too broad. You must pull the resources and strength of your membership, recognizing that everyone has a story and a different set of skills. That difference is a strength, not a liability, but it means that not everyone can perform the same tasks.This brings us to mission clarity: If your organization is designed for teaching, then teach. If your organization is for change, then focus on change; you can’t effectively do both without splitting your efforts and diminishing your impact. The advocacy movement is not new, but we are undeniably in a new era, and we need to find new ways to deliver our message.This

    This new era demands structure, specialization, and professional accountability.The time for passion alone to drive advocacy is over. We must match the intensity of our commitment with the clarity of our organizational design. Only then can we guarantee that our organizations last, grow, and truly fulfill their vital mission. For my incredible community.

    Note

    be sharing an additional Community Blog this week to keep our conversations flowing! Until I get my podcast back up and running, you can expect these bonus Community Blogs every Wednesday. Thank you for your understanding and continued engagement!

    The Podcast

    Published Books

    Subscribe to Letter from Limbo

    Read more of this content when you subscribe today.

    Subscribe
    One-Time
    Monthly
    Yearly

    Make a one-time donation

    Make a monthly donation

    Make a yearly donation

    Choose an amount

    $1.00
    $3.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00

    Or enter a custom amount

    $

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
  • The League Of Disabled Americans ( The Big Idea)

    The League Of Disabled Americans ( The Big Idea)

    A Community Blog

    For years, I’ve observed and participated in the vital work of disability advocacy. We have incredible organizations, passionate individuals, and powerful stories. Yet, despite our collective strength, there remains a persistent sense that we often react rather than truly shape the national agenda. We fight battles, win some, lose some, but the systemic shift that many of us yearn for feels perpetually just out of reach.

    It’s time for a new approach. It’s time to think bigger, to act more strategically, and to consolidate our power where it matters most: influencing policy at the highest levels. My vision is for a new advocacy organization, unlike any other, dedicated solely to influencing policy in America. I call it: The League of Disabled Americans.

    This League would be comprised exclusively of individuals with disabilities – a powerful testament to our lived experience and expertise. Imagine: two representatives from each of the 50 states, plus two from each of the U.S. territories, for a total of 112 dedicated advocates. Each member would be directly nominated by the disability community within their respective state or territory, ensuring true grassroots representation and accountability.

    From day one, this body would operate with a clear, decisive purpose. A steering committee, formed from these initial representatives, would immediately begin drafting a concise list of goals and objectives. These wouldn’t be vague aspirations, but concrete policy targets. Well-organized instructions and bylaws would govern its operation, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and a unified voice. This is about precision, not popularity contests.

    One of the greatest pitfalls for many advocacy organizations is thinking too small and attempting to grow organically without a clear, scaled strategy. The League of Disabled Americans would reverse this paradigm. Instead of building from the bottom up, hoping to gain traction, we would think backwards. What is the ultimate, audacious goal – a truly inclusive America, fully represented in policy? Now, how do we break that down into smaller, achievable objectives that culminate in that vision? This means setting a high bar from the outset, focusing on impact, and building a structure designed for influence.

    Crucially, this organization needs to start with well-recognized advocates. This isn’t to exclude anyone, but to establish immediate credibility and leverage. We need figures who command respect, who understand the political landscape, and who can walk into a room and be heard. The goal is to establish a presence so undeniable that organizations, legislative bodies, and policymakers come to us for insight and partnership, rather than us constantly having to beg for funds and support. We must shift from being supplicants to being indispensable partners in policy development.

    Finally, and perhaps most importantly, The League of Disabled Americans would exist to help break down the silos within the broader disability advocacy community. We are too often fragmented, each fighting our own specific battle. While vital, this fragmentation can diminish our collective power. The League would serve as a unifying force, identifying cross-disability issues, sharing best practices, and presenting a cohesive, national front on policy matters that affect us all. It would be a hub of knowledge, strategy, and power, ensuring that the diverse voices of the disabled community speak with a singular, unignorable purpose in the halls of power.

    This is an ambitious vision, yes. But the time for timid advocacy is over. The time for a truly independent, disabled-led, policy-focused force is now. Let’s build the League of Disabled Americans and demand our seat at every table where decisions are made.

    The Podcast

    Published Books

    Subscribe to Letter from Limbo

    Read more of this content when you subscribe today.

    Subscribe
    One-Time
    Monthly
    Yearly

    Make a one-time donation

    Make a monthly donation

    Make a yearly donation

    Choose an amount

    $1.00
    $3.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00

    Or enter a custom amount

    $

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
  • A Message to the New Governor

    A Message to the New Governor

    “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” Thomas Jefferson famously declared.

    I’m writing this blog just hours before the election results roll in here in New Jersey. By the time many of you read this, our state will probably have a new governor-elect. If I could address the incoming governor, I would start with this: Do not forget us.

    The disability population is the largest, most underserved, and most underrepresented community in America. We are voters. We are taxpayers. We are citizens. Yet, we are an afterthought, if thought of at all. Our needs are frequently sidelined in policy debates, treated as niche issues rather than fundamental human rights. This needs to change.

    Our community is incredibly diverse. Disability comes in every skin color, every background, every walk of life. It touches families across all demographics, socio-economic statuses, and geographic locations. This means that disability rights are unequivocally human rights. They do not subscribe to any single political party, and our allegiance isn’t to a red or blue banner, but to the dignity of every person.

    We stand for policies that genuinely support independence and self-determination, not those that inadvertently trap individuals in poverty or limit their potential. The disability experience is unique to the individual; a “one size fits all” approach simply does not work. We need policies crafted with nuance, understanding that what empowers one person may not work for another. We need legislation that respects the dignity of risk, allowing individuals to make choices, to learn, to contribute, and to live full, meaningful lives without fear of losing essential supports.

    Many people with disabilities can and want to work. We want to contribute to our communities, to pay taxes, and to be active participants in the economy. Yet, current systems often create perverse disincentives, penalizing individuals who earn above a certain threshold by stripping away vital benefits like healthcare or personal care assistance. This traps people in a cycle of dependence when they desire nothing more than to be independent. Help us break these barriers. Help us contribute without fearing penalty. Help us be taxpayers, not perceived burdens.

    Our community wants to contribute, not just consume resources. We seek opportunities, not charity. We demand respect, not pity. We are a vital part of New Jersey, and our voices deserve to be heard, our needs addressed, and our rights protected.

    As the new administration takes shape, I urge them to remember Thomas Jefferson’s warning. The freedom and well-being of the disability community depend on constant vigilance from our leaders. We will be watching, advocating, and striving for a New Jersey where every citizen can thrive.

  • Beyond the Sandbox

    Beyond the Sandbox

    Community blog

    “Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

    These words, penned by John Locke in his Second Treatise of Government, form a cornerstone of the philosophy. That speaks to a fundamental understanding of human dignity and mutual respect. Yet, as I watch the political theater unfold in Washington, with the government shutdown extending beyond six weeks and critical aid hanging in the balance, I can’t help but feel a profound disappointment between these foundational ideals and the harsh reality facing millions of Americans.

    The job of the legislative branch, in its most basic form, is to look after the interests of the people. “The voice of the populace” is the protector of our collective well-being. Right now, while our elected officials bicker, real people are staring down the barrel of unimaginable hardship. Mothers, individuals with disabilities, and teachers—some of the most vital threads in our societal fabric—are in danger of losing their food stamps after November 1st. The SNAP deadline looms, threatening to strip away essential support from those who depend on it most to put food on their tables. Meanwhile, those who are supposed to be serving us are still getting paid, seemingly for not doing their jobs.

    “We the People of the United States, to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”- Preamble of the United States Constitution.

    This isn’t the fault of one side alone. This crippling gridlock is a failure shared by both Democrats and Republicans. Instead of focusing on the big picture – the welfare of the citizens they swore to represent – they’ve become like children refusing to play in the sandbox. Each side digs in, unwilling to concede an inch, while the very people they serve suffer the consequences.

    “Both sides must part from some of their demands in order that they may join in some accommodating proposition.”-Benjamin Franklin

    This isn’t weakness; it’s the essence of effective governance. It’s the recognition that the greater good often requires compromise, a willingness to find common ground for the sake of the nation. Ensuring access to healthcare, or providing stability for those who depend on government programs to have a semblance of a quality of life.

    A government shutdown of this duration is not a mere inconvenience; it’s a national crisis in slow motion. People will suffer. Those already living on the margins will be pushed further into despair. The fragile lifelines so hard-won and essential for survival, are being torn apart by political posturing. The consequences are real, immediate, and devastating.

    We, as citizens, must demand better. We must remind our representatives of their fundamental duty: to protect the life, health, liberty, and possessions of all their constituents. This isn’t about choosing a side; it’s about choosing humanity. It’s about insisting that our leaders move beyond the partisan sandbox and fulfill the promise of a government that actually works for its people.

    Let us hold them accountable, not for their party affiliation, but for their commitment to compromise, to service, and to the basic principles of equality and mutual respect upon which this nation was founded. Our most vulnerable cannot afford their games.

    The Podcast

    Published Books

    Subscribe to Letter from Limbo

    Read more of this content when you subscribe today.

    Subscribe
    One-Time
    Monthly
    Yearly

    Make a one-time donation

    Make a monthly donation

    Make a yearly donation

    Choose an amount

    $1.00
    $3.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00

    Or enter a custom amount

    $

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
  • Unknown Future for Disabled Students

    Unknown Future for Disabled Students

    October community Blog

    An executive order aimed at “reorganizing the executive branch” has initiated a restructuring within the Department of Education so sweeping that an estimated 90% of the Department of Special Education has been cut. This is not mere bureaucratic shuffling; it is a profound threat to the educational lifeline of millions of students with disabilities and their families across America.

    The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)—two pillars of federal support for disability education and vocational services—are being consolidated into a new “Office of Disability Programs.” While presented as an efficiency measure, this move risks diluting specialized expertise and advocacy under a broader, less focused umbrella.

    It suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the intricate needs of students with disabilities, whose educational journeys require dedicated attention. We are not just “people with disabilities”; we are students with IEPs, individuals requiring specific accommodations, and citizens entitled to tailored pathways to independence.

    The countless parents who have fought tooth and nail for their children’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They’ve navigated complex systems, battled for resources, and advocated for individualized plans that are often the only guarantee of a meaningful education. Now, with the federal offices designed to uphold these rights being drastically downsized, what does this mean for the future of compliance, oversight, and—most critically—access?

    This prospect could leave families isolated, battling under-resourced schools, and facing an even more daunting bureaucracy. This isn’t an abstract policy change; it’s a direct assault on the promise of an equitable education for our most vulnerable students.

    This cannot and must not be allowed to become a partisan issue. Disability rights are human rights. They transcend political ideology because they speak to the fundamental dignity and potential of every individual. Every community, every family, regardless of political affiliation, is touched by disability. Access to education, vocational support, and a life of self-determination are not negotiable political bargaining chips; they are universal entitlements in a just society. When we diminish these protections for people with disabilities, we don’t just harm a segment of our population; we diminish the moral standing and strength of our entire nation. A powerful society uplifts all its members, recognizing the inherent value and contribution of all citizens.

    Therefore, we must move beyond fear and into urgent action. The immediate and paramount call to action is to educate and empower families with disabilities to navigate this perilous new landscape of disability services.

    • Stay informed, double-check all sources, and share what you’ve learned.
    • Engage with your local school boards, state disability councils, and advocacy organizations. These local entities will be on the front lines, and they need reinforced support and active participation.
    • Build new connections by reaching out to others who have not been reached before, and collective strength is the key.

    The foundation of disability education in America is under threat. By uniting, informing ourselves, and advocating tirelessly, we can protect the rights and futures of millions. This fight requires every voice.

    The Podcast

    Published Books

    Subscribe to Letter from Limbo

    Read more of this content when you subscribe today.

    Subscribe
    One-Time
    Monthly
    Yearly

    Make a one-time donation

    Make a monthly donation

    Make a yearly donation

    Choose an amount

    $1.00
    $3.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00

    Or enter a custom amount

    $

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
  • Disability Limbo Newsletter October 6, 2025

    Disability Limbo Newsletter October 6, 2025

    Subscribe to continue reading

    Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

  • Letters From Limbo September 22, 2025

    Letters From Limbo September 22, 2025

    Screaming for Compromise

    September 22 2025

    Main idea

    This past week, I was really disappointed in my fellow Americans. As you know by now, the political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated. I’ll be the first to admit I did not agree with all of his viewpoints, but I did not wish Eva on him or his family. The individuals celebrating his death sickened me. There is a time and place for everything. What respect for our fellow man? Freedom of speech is not just for those who agree with you. People like Jimmy Kimmel should be canceled; that was not the time, and that was not the place. People used to watch late-night TV to laugh and unwind before bed. Certain topics should never be used for comic relief.

    Again, his viewpoints were harsh. Like every person, he said some things I agreed with and some things I absolutely did not agree with. When did we become a nation of absolutes, unwilling to compromise? He believed in the political discourse, which is what this country was founded on. There are a lot of similarities between what he did and what I hope to one day do. He started with a podcast, like I have. I have little doubt that he was running for office at some point. I would also love to do this. Would America support a disabled candidate? That is not a shame to say he loves Jesus and is willing to work with everyone. Would an elected official have a disabled advisor? Those in power need to surround themselves with all kinds of opinions, not just ones that they like.

    Brand Update

    I want to thank all six of you for taking the time to support this little content creator. I would love to see this part of my creations grow because I think it’s more fun and personal compared to my podcast and blogs, which tend to be more business-like. If you could help spread the word, I would really appreciate it. I know I technically missed last week, but I forgot that there was already a community blog published that same week. I don’t want to overwhelm you with too much content, so I’m trying to strike a balance.

    New Goal/Achievement

    This past week, we celebrated my dad’s 59th birthday. I know this is not a typical goal, but violence is a prominent blessing. So many parents have to bury their children because of violence and drugs. I’m thankful for every day we have together. Happy birthday, old man!

    Recommendations

    /I recently listened to the book A Time to Kill by John Grisham. The book is a little more detailed than the movie starring Seminole Jackson. Despite being written over 30 years ago, the themes are still relevant today. Here is a synopsis according to Google.

    A Time to Kill by John Grisham centers on Jake Brigance, a young defense attorney in Mississippi, who defends Carl Lee Hailey, a black man who has murdered two white men for raping and brutally assaulting his ten-year-old daughter. The trial takes place amidst intense racial tension in the town of Clanton, attracting national attention and the presence of the KKK, as Brigance navigates the case’s moral and legal complexities while fighting for his client’s life

    Ask the Audience

    Fall is officially upon us. My fantasy football league is all set up. I’m already 1-1 as of this writing. What’s your favorite part of fall?

    Quote of the Week

    “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.”

    Lyndon B. Johnson

    Next newsletter, October 6, 2025

    The Podcast

    Published Books

    Subscribe to Letter from Limbo

    Read more of this content when you subscribe today.

    Subscribe
    One-Time
    Monthly
    Yearly

    Make a one-time donation

    Make a monthly donation

    Make a yearly donation

    Choose an amount

    $1.00
    $3.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00

    Or enter a custom amount

    $

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
  • The Illusion of Disability Hierarchy

    The Illusion of Disability Hierarchy

    September Community Blog

    There’s no definition of “disability hierarchy,” and I think that’s on purpose. It is a construct, a trick to keep people with disabilities fighting endlessly over the same limited resources. It makes one disabled person seem “better” or “worse” than another. This artificial division only hurts us all, preventing us from focusing on the genuine problems we face.

    Everyone has things they’re good at and things they’re not so good at. That’s just how people are. When someone has a disability, these strengths and weaknesses often just show up more clearly. My life is a perfect example. I need a lot of help with physical activities every day–like bathing and getting dressed. Many people might see this as a big weakness, a sign that I can’t do things on my own. I was once told that,

    “Your life is simple because people do everything for you.”

    My experiences have taught me something important. What seems like a weakness can hide enormous strength. At habitation programs I’ve been to, I’ve met many people who could move around much better than I. They can go to the bathroom by themselves and perform many daily tasks that I can’t. But many of these same people looked to me to speak for them. They couldn’t talk to explain what they needed or wanted. In those moments, my “weakness” became their strength. My ability to speak up, to ask for respect, and to fight for what’s right became an important asset for them.

    Isaiah 45:9 NIV  “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?

    This shows why the idea of a disability hierarchy is harmful. It makes us look at easy-to-see differences and judge who is “more disabled” or “less able.” But being able to do things isn’t just one simple thing. It’s a mix of physical skills, thinking skills, feelings, and how we talk to each other. Someone who needs a lot of physical help might be incredibly smart or have a spirit that inspires everyone. Someone who can’t speak might show so much through their eyes or actions.

    My journey, from needing total physical care to becoming a forceful advocate who speaks at big events and has a popular podcast, shows how strengths and weaknesses work together. My physical “weakness” has actually made my mind sharper and made me want to fight even harder for others. It has given me a way to understand and speak up for those who might not be heard.

    To move forward, we need to get rid of this harmful idea of a hierarchy. Instead of comparing needs or ranking disabilities, we must see the true worth and special talents of every person in the disability community. We need to understand that real strength comes from working together, from making each other’s voices louder, and from supporting all the different ways we give and get help. Only then can we truly unite to demand the resources and respect we all deserve. We won’t be broken groups fighting over scraps, but a strong, united force for change. This September, let’s promise to see all the different strengths in our community and say no to anything that tries to divide us.

    The Podcast

    Published Books

    Subscribe to Letter from Limbo

    Read more of this content when you subscribe today.

    Subscribe
    One-Time
    Monthly
    Yearly

    Make a one-time donation

    Make a monthly donation

    Make a yearly donation

    Choose an amount

    $1.00
    $3.00
    $5.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00
    $5.00
    $15.00
    $100.00

    Or enter a custom amount

    $

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    Your contribution is appreciated.

    DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly