The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Category: Disability Awareness

  • 35th Trip Around the Sun

    35th Trip Around the Sun

    Salutations my beautiful readers I hope these words can make your heart smile for a few minutes. This message goes out to anyone that has a disability. This world will not understand you, this world will betray you. However, God will not because he does not make mistakes. By the time you read this, I would have just celebrated my 35th birthday. I’ve officially reached the age where you don’t want to count anymore! This year more than ever, I found myself contemplating the meaning of life as an adult with Cerebral Palsy. My heart and mind battled for several weeks leading up to the big day. This world and the society we built have placed a set of expectations on a person by this state in their life. How do you think I measure up?


    I have no traditional source of income. I’m still looking for a life partner. I have no children or anyone to pass down my legacy. I depend on others to live my life. Some would say I have no value in our society. This physical world has no expectations of me. Even if people never said it out loud, The look on their faces says “He can’t do anything for himself.” If I’m being honest with myself these assumptions are correct. So why don’t I give up? Every once in the blue moon I might get an Amazon gift card from my advocacy activities. Every time someone buys my book I wonder, I hope they read it and understand the message. What if it’s just sitting on the counter? Every woman I know is so busy they can’t return a text. At this age any woman I consider having a relationship with it’s probably going to have a child of her own, I’m not the usual stepdad girls look for. If I have nothing and will most likely never have anything of value, what is left to fight for?

    "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 NIV


    I found my answer in Jesus and his grace! I fight for his love and his grace that I don’t deserve and cannot earn. Yes, I will admit a few weeks ago I was angry, frustrated, and hurt with the outcome of my life. I’m a sinner, a hypocrite and many people are much more deserving than I am. Especially amongst my disability community. So many people have no voice and died in the last few years with this global situation. I don’t like this world but it is so seductive. 

    "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2‭-‬3 NIV

    I don’t always understand why I was put on this planet that doesn’t understand me and will not accept me. All I know is that I have faith in God’s perfect plan. He uses weakness for his own good and his own Glory. In the long run, I will reap the benefits with my savior Jesus Christ. A general does not use his best warriors for easy battles. They’re saved for the important ones. Wherever you go though it is only temporary God’s kingdom is forever Thank you for these few minutes together friends see you next time.

  • Toes in the Sand

    Toes in the Sand

    I want to wish all my readers a wonderful Wednesday. for this week’s post, I decided to share an excerpt from my first publication Confessions From Disability  Limbo  Available exclusively on Amazon Please enjoy see you next Wednesday. I welcome all comments Good and bad.

    There is a question that every person with a disability gets asked a few times in their life. “What would you do if you had an entire day without your disability?” The first thing I would do is get up as early as possible because I know I would need every minute. I would stand up and use the bathroom all by myself. It always felt a little emasculating to pee sitting down to be perfectly honest. Then I would get dressed and find a baseball glove and throw some pitches on the mound. I have no interest in batting. Just let me throw the ball, to get rid of all of my frustrations. Next, I would get in the car and listen to whatever music I wanted, because no one could change stations but me. I would drive to as many friends as I could just to give them hugs. Something that no one realizes is because I’m sitting down, I’ve never actually hugged someone. I always have to wait till they give me one. Make a quick stop at the beach next, just to feel the sand on my toes. 

    The last thing I would do is get all dressed up and go dancing. This is what I want most of all. I would find the prettiest girl on the dance floor and dip her just like they do in old movies. I know what you’re thinking. “You could go dancing now.” I have taken my wheelchair out on the dance floor many times. But I want to go to a club and dance all night. Even though I have tons of wonderful staff and Friends I have nobody to go to stay out all night with and just dance. I would dance until the last minute until I fell because the 24 hours had expired. Then I would get back to my chair with a gigantic smile on my face.

  • The Urgency for the Disability Workforce

    The Urgency for the Disability Workforce

    Hello, my wonderful reader thank you once again for choosing to spend a little time with me on your Wednesday. I get asked every so often what do you do for a living? In today’s post, I want to provide a glimpse into that. The following are my remarks that were released as part of the event that was held on May 4, 2022, by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD.) I hope you enjoyed and I can’t wait to read your comments.

    “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NIV

     NOTE NJCDD Did not sponsor this post or any other work on this website. The statement featured is the opinion of the author prior to editing on the date of release. You can find a full copy of the report mentioned at the bottom of this post. 

    Greetings and warmest regards, Thank you all for making time to discuss this very prevalent issue affecting the most underserved and underrepresented population in New Jersey and the nation at large. My name is Kevin Nuñez I am fortunate to be the current Vice-Chair of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities. I’m a 34-year-old Puerto Rican male living with Cerebral Palsy.

    It is a well-known statistic that one in four Americans are diagnosed with some form of developmental disability, this is roughly 25% of our population. Our population is willing and able to pay their share in taxes and become contributing members of their local communities. All we need are solid opportunities. The reality is the Employment First policy that was passed a decade ago did not become a call to action but instead a slogan for stakeholders. The intent was there but the execution was not. The outline steps proposed in his plan are prudent and cost-effective.

    Too often have individuals like myself been threatened with the $2,000 asset limit, as we reached the end of educational entitlement. Recently legislation was passed to enhance New Jersey’s WorrkAbility to eliminate the unearned income caps and age requirements. It is common sense measures like these that would create the chances for this population to not only succeed on a temporary basis but thrive in a long term. However, if individuals and families do not know about these programs as they reach the critical age, then the tireless work of the advocates and legislators would be for nothing. education and sustainability are the keys to American progression. 

    If we invest in the individual and what their needs are to maintain competitive employment the disability system would not be so overwhelmed, the reverberation would be that those who can work could help support those who need more intense support and cannot. one hand has to wash the other it’s that simple.  The employment first initiative is derived from the idea of person first. 

    In closing, I would like to leave you with this,  “promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty” This comes directly from the US Constitution. The same one that begins with “ We the people”  PEOPLE with disabilities just want the same opportunities as every other American. Thank you for your time and have a good day.

    Advancing_New_Jerseys_Employment_First_Full_ReportDownload
  • Silent Warriors

    Silent Warriors

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    How do you use your voice? Our voices are one gift we usually take for granted. I know I do. As an advocate I always try to remember That I don’t speak for myself, I speak for others as well if not more. We all speak too much and say things we shouldn’t. Could you imagine not being able to say anything at all? We need to stop complaining about every little thing and appreciate what we already have. I have been fortunate enough in my travels to meet some wonderful individuals who are non-verbal. They are some of the best people in this world, only we never take the time to notice. I hope this post will shine a light on those we have forgotten. This past year has been difficult for all of us. Imagine being scared and not being able to express it or fully understand it.

     This will not be the longest post I have ever written or even the most eloquent, but I pray it makes the biggest difference in changing our collective perspective. Below are 10 simple sentences that we’ve all said, but if we could never have said them at all, our lives would have been greatly affected. 

    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?” Exodus 4:11 NIV

    To my dear friends who have never spoken a word, thank you for your patience and understanding from lack of mindfulness. Please take your time reading each statement and let it flow through you.

    1. “I don’t like the feeling of this shirt.”
    2. “Why do my shoes not feel right?”
    3. “How long is this car ride? I have to go to the bathroom. “
    4. “What happened to that gracious lady who always remembered to put mayonnaise on my sandwiches? “
    5. “I don’t want to eat this sandwich, it’s so dry.”
    6. “Your hands are icy.”
    7. “My ear hurts. I really think I need to go to the doctor.” 
    8. “I don’t want to watch this TV show. Why do they always put it on?”
    9. “That person really hurt me! Don’t put me with them!”
    10. “I wish the girl knew how pretty she really was.”

    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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  • Patience Is A Virtue: Nick Takeover

    Patience Is A Virtue: Nick Takeover

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    How One Finds Balance Between Dependency On Others VS Self Advocacy

    By, Nicholas Taubenslag

    As children, we depend on parents to guide, teach, and for emotional support. They guide and teach us what’s wrong and what’s right. Whenever we have a negative experience that hurts our self-esteem we lean on them to help build it back up. For example, In the school years of my life I was emotionally tormented by bullies whom I thought were “friends”, however, I came to find out for myself they weren’t thinking in my best interest. My parents taught me that it’s important to forgive those people internally. Forgiveness is not condoning the other person’s behavior and/or actions by any means. It’s about finding a small measure of peace within oneself. Jesus Christ illustrates this point perfectly when he stated on the cross 

     Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
    Luke 23:34 NIV

    There comes a time in every person’s life when he or she needs to gradually learn how to ask for themselves what they want or need from others. For instance, my first taste of asking for what I wanted was when I was about four years old. My mom and I were at a bagel store. I wanted to get myself a “mini bagel”. I then asked my mom to get me one once we got to the front of the line. She said, “ If you can find a way to get to the front of the line in a polite, respectful, and courteous manner you can ask for it yourself.” So, I said please excuse me to every customer in front of me and when I finally got to the front of the line. I politely asked the employee If I could please have a mini bagel. As you can imagine I was overjoyed with having my prize. I didn’t realize at the time that later in my life I’d realize that Self Advocacy was part of my life purpose.

    As a Boy Scout earlier on in my life. I always had to treat everyone with kindness, love, and respect. When I needed assistance in order to complete merit I learned to partner with others to complete the badge. We were taught in scouts to do a good deed daily for someone else. In turn, the other person is willing to help you out. 

    One lesson I have learned in my life is not to act impulsively without thinking or consulting someone prior. The key thing is to have patience and release control over the desired outcome once we do that things flow a lot more easily.

    You’re probably asking yourselves how do I find the balance between depending on others and going ahead without their help or advocating for yourself. From my own experience, it takes patience, resilience, and never giving up. When asking for what you want it’s important to ask in a calm, polite, and respectful manner. There is a famous statement that illustrates this point perfectly. “You get more with honey than you do with a sting.” Everything takes time to get things done. 

    To sum this all up, With patience, a calm demeanor and resilience one can achieve anything their heart desires. May we all one day be able to ask for what we want confidently.

    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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  • VOLUNTARY HOSTAGE SITUATION

    VOLUNTARY HOSTAGE SITUATION

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    The following post was written by Ali Ingersoll as a simple Facebook post that I absolutely loved because it describes the life of a person with a disability better than I ever could. She is an outstanding disability advocate and blogger you can find more of her work on her website Quickly Quad Diaries

    This is hard to write – perhaps harder to deal with than chronic debilitating nerve pain. When you are physically disabled and require 24/7 help to take care of all of your daily needs it requires a village – caregivers, family, friends, agencies, medical professionals, etc.

    I need to first start out by saying that anyone willing to help me, paid or not paid, physically live my life each day is such a beautiful gift and I appreciate every single human who takes time out of their life to make my life possible.

    However, there is a side of life many of you who do not live with a disability cannot possibly see because much of it is hidden. My life is my own, but it is not at the same time. I can’t do what I want and how I want to do it at all times.

    I have to be mindful of those who take care of me. I have to make sure they feel safe, compensated, loved, taken care of, and appreciated. This is important. Anyone who is helping me is responsible for making sure I physically stay alive each day. While I might direct my life I don’t always have control at the same time. This can be emotionally crushing at times.

    How so? Well, if I am not carefully managing the multiple emotions of people in my household to make sure they remain happy and healthy then they either will not be able to take care of me or will not want to. Many people feed off my positivity and determination. This is not to say I don’t have my hard days, but who wants to the care of a person who is grumpy or angry or running a drill Sgt. type of life each and every moment?

    If I want to snack at nighttime I have to ask someone for it. I can’t simply get up and get it myself. However, if I just asked that person to do four things in a row for me by getting up and down they might get a little bit annoyed with yet another thing I ask them because they have been running around for me. I have to strategically think about how and when I ask for things.

    At times I feel like I have become my own emotional hostage. I have to push down many of my personal emotions to make sure others around me are emotionally taken care of before dealing with my own personal emotions at times. This is hard. This can feel so lonely. Often times, I feel more emotionally disabled than I do physically. However, this is my choice. It is a decision I’ve made.

    My life hinges upon the way other people feel. Think about this. Critically. If you are able-bodied and you want something, you simply get up or go out and get it. I can’t do this. Sometimes I sit and cry to myself at night after a long day because everyone else around me is having a hard day, so I need to take care of them, so they will take care of me. It’s a give-and-take, back and forth, and it can be utterly emotionally draining.

    I know this is my life. I don’t often complain. I keep pushing forward, but it can be devastating at moments. I’ve learned to live this way for the last 12 years, and I am strong, but even I have my moments. I do know many of my friends who have a strict line between church and state with respect to making sure people’s emotions do not bleed into their own lives when they are being taken care of.

    I have tried this. It has failed for me. If I do not take care of those around me then those around me may not have the will or desire to help me.

    People around me thrive on my positivity and go-getter attitude. This is great, and most of the time I compartmentalize many of my emotions. I’m not saying this is healthy. It is not. However, this is my life. This is how I’ve had to adjust and it can be utterly terrifying. Truly.

    My biggest fear is being left alone and not having anyone to have my back so that I don’t physically die in a day. The simplest of things can kill me – my catheter getting clogged and overfilling, being alone, and having a stroke. It can happen in 30 minutes.

    So, I have somehow willingly put myself in my own mental hostage situation. It is hard. It is life. It is my life. These are the compromises I have to make in order to have a household of people around me who want to be around me, and help me.

    I only ask that the next time you get up to go get a cup of coffee or tea you think about how you are able to do that on your own. You don’t need help. Just take a moment appreciate your fully functioning body is all I ask.

    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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    Thank you for your response. ✨

  • When One Door Closes Another One Opens

    When One Door Closes Another One Opens

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    By: Nicholas Taubenslag

    NOTE: I am very excited to welcome my very first official contributor Mr.Nick Taubenslag. You can find out more about him by clicking on the writing team. tab. Kevin G. Nuñez

    We all have issues to change and work on.  It’s the paradox of two different mindsets that we can choose to have in our lives. The two different mindsets are “The Victim” and The Champion.” It all depends on how we individually look at ourselves and our present reality.

    When in the victim one can feel several emotions from anger, depression, and sadness due to past negative experiences. The reason behind this mindset is a lack of self-confidence and limited self-worth.  Some  questions in this mindset that we  might ask ourselves are: “What’s in it for me?”  “Why have these past situations affected me so deeply?”, “Oh poor me if only I could go back in time and do it all over again.” This mindset only leads to a lot of ruminating thoughts, seeking professional help, and being stuck in a mental quicksand which could be exhausting to pull ourselves out of. The victim focuses on a selfish mindset. It’s more focused on the immediate gratification of our own individual needs.  For example, worrying about how much money one is going to make in order to survive. Over time a person in this mindset gets burnt out and loses the much-needed courage to change this mindset into a more uplifting one.

    The champion mindset is centered around treating others with kindness, love, and respect. Their internal outlook is one of self-confidence, unconditional self-love, compassion, and inner strength. Some questions that a person with this mindset might ask themselves: “How may I serve you?” “What is my life purpose?” and  “What are my goals in life?” Having this mindset tells the universe that we want to make a difference in people’s lives.

    In 2021, I had some very scary events. I was on many different meds. While I was on these meds I sunk into a deep depression. As a result, I had to move back to my parents house.  I didn’t know how I was going to pull myself out. Luckily, I had my parents, men’s group therapy,  my counselor, and a famous hypnotist to help pull me out. I tried working out among other things to try and pull myself out.  I was stuck in the victim mindset at first but trusted my intuition to heal and become a champion. 

    The lessons of 2021 were courage, help from others, and resilience. My family motto illustrates this section perfectly. It’s all about never giving up and always trying. If you try your best you can accomplish anything.

    Ever since going to New Jersey Partners In Policy Making back in 2019 I have been living my life purpose of self-advocacy specializing in expanding transportation options for people with disabilities. I also have been accepted into Jespy House, an independent living community with a social outlet already built with numerous clubs built-in. As well as mental health built-in. It’s like I am on the verge of becoming a champion in my own right. 

    What this past year has taught me is to have relentless courage, determination, and a positive outlook on life. A very wise former Admiral Navy Seal William H. McRaven Author of “Make Your Bed Little things that you can do to change your life and maybe the world.” illustrated this point perfectly when he wrote in his book “never ever ring that bell.” which is a sign of quitting. 

    In conclusion, A very wise man once asked, Are we here for a season or a reason? If we are here for a season we are like a leaf on a tree when its time is finished it just blows away in the wind, in other words, forgotten. However, if we are here for a reason we will have lived a life with genuine kindness, compassion, and action. By having this question in the forefront of our minds we can all become champions in our own lives. When one door closes in our lives,  I strongly feel it’s a huge opportunity to train ourselves to go the distance and come out the other side to open that door to a better future.

    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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    ← Back

    Thank you for your response. ✨

  • Get to Know Each Other

    Get to Know Each Other

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    Hello everyone, let’s spend a few minutes together and escape from life. I wanted to have some fun today. I designed this website and blog to be an ongoing conversation to bridge the gaps between the disability community and the general public conversation but I can only give you one perspective. I need you guys to get involved as well, Therefore I came up with this list of questions for anyone who takes the time to read it. Feel free to answer all questions or as many as you feel comfortable.

    "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
    Psalms 73:26 NIV"
    1. This should be obvious, can someone give me an accurate description of what it’s like to run?
    2. It always takes me about an hour and a half to get ready for the day with the help of others. How long does it usually take you to get ready for the day?
    3. What is the first thing you think of when you see someone in a wheelchair or some other visible disability?
    4. Do you put your socks on before or after you put your pants on? I never really have a choice, so I never really thought about it.
    5. I know I need help in the bathroom; I have to inform people. Why do people always announce it when they leave the room?
    6. Every parent wants a “healthy” child, what exactly is that to you?
    7. What exactly is so “inspirational” about people with disabilities?
    8. We live in a world where physical appearance is idolized, what is so hard about looking at the person?
    9. Why do people want to spend so much time alone on the toilet? Balancing is tricky for me. I want to get off of that thing as soon as possible. Why do you want your leg to go numb?
    10. How long can you stand up before you feel tired?
    11.  How long can you sit down before you feel tired? 
    12. What’s one physical activity that you’ve always wanted to do? My list is a little long.
    13. What’s one fear when you socialize or date someone with a disability?
    14. f you had my disability what would be the one thing that scares you?

    I hope this made you laugh, or at the very least give you something to think about. Do you have any questions for me? That you want me to answer in a blog? See you next time.  Have a great day.

    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

    Subscribe
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    ← Back

    Thank you for your response. ✨

  • Ensure Privacy for People with Disabilities

    Ensure Privacy for People with Disabilities

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    The following was written as an Op-Ed advocate for pending legislation in New Jersey in February 2022. Hope you enjoy and have a good day

     My name is Kevin G. Nuñez I am a thirty-four-year-old Puerto Rican male living with Cerebral Palsy. Ensuring and protecting the rights of people with disabilities is what  I have been doing my entire life.  I immigrated with my family to New Jersey at the age of four. Due to the nature of my disability, I use a wheelchair as my primary tool to live my life.  I have my daily struggles to overcome and try to live my life the best way I can. I need to use this platform to bring attention to an issue that does not enter the public consciousness when it comes to the disability population.

    Like most individuals with disabilities, I use the assistance of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with my personal needs daily.  When I want to visit my family, I must take a three-hour and twenty-five-minute flight. Despite what Hollywood movies might have you think, the bathroom on the plane is not large enough to fit two people, or even one person using a wheelchair.  After I use the restroom at the airport, I am the first person to board the plane. I do not move for the duration of the flight.  Finally, I am the very last person to get off the plane. I can guarantee you it is not comfortable at all. By the time everyone gathers their belongings and gets off the plane another thirty-five to forty-five minutes has gone by.

     At this point, Mother Nature has my full attention. When I get to the next accessible bathroom, there is always someone in the handicap stall; peacefully stretching their legs in a space they don’t need to be using because they don’t have a disability. This leaves me with two options.  The first is to wait until they’re done and at best get a halfhearted apology. My second choice, I am forced to relieve myself in the corner of the restroom by exposing myself and urinating into a  plastic urinal bottle. Females with disabilities do not have the same luxury.

    Thanks to Assemblywoman Carol Murphy a Bill was introduced that requires business owners to put up signs on these specific bathroom stalls to discourage people from using them inappropriately. Provided there is more than one stall.  The Accessible Restrooms Sign Bill (A467/S1239) Needs to be made a priority, This is a human rights issue! It has gained bipartisan support. We are still awaiting committee review in the New Jersey state legislature. This legislation secures dignity and respect in this private moment that all humans should have.

    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

    Subscribe
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    ← Back

    Thank you for your response. ✨

  • Subconscious Genocide

    Subconscious Genocide

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    Hello once again, I hope your Wednesday is going well. The reason I wanted to wait till March to relaunch my blog is that March is known as disability awareness month in the United States. It’s usually seen as a celebration of how far our community has come in the last few years. I want to use this opportunity and this platform to bring attention to those of us that have been forgotten. Not everyone can post on Instagram or come up with a fancy new hashtag. Those of us who can speak must stand for those who have no voice.

    A few weeks back in a nursing home In Sussex County New Jersey Just under 200 individuals with various disabilities were found locked away in horrible conditions. According to reports linked below, countless rooms smell like urine and feces. By the time most of you are reading this the world is probably moved on to the next story and lawsuits have already been filed what about the people themselves? What are their stories? Has their suffering ended or did they just get transferred from the facility where they’re still going to be abused? I know the system is overwhelmed and understaffed but that said the reason why this happened. Instead of Googling the latest TikTok craze, I asked that you take a few minutes to investigate this. This is not an isolated incident. I think what hurts the most, is that this situation keeps recurring. The coronavirus pulled back the curtain on this horror show.

    Generalizing something like this happens, when an individual with an intellectual disability suffers a stroke. They do not recover fully and because the system does not have enough medical group homes They are forced into these programs that cannot meet their needs accordingly. Having a disability is not equal to aging.  I once knew a man who went through this exact scenario at 55. participants from his day program were the only visitors. I am saddened to say he’s no longer with us. I believe he didn’t make it to his 60th birthday. This took place years before there was a global pandemic. Who you think anyone went to his funeral?

    “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:7‭-‬8 NIV

    There are plenty of systemic issues because the system is not centered on the person It’s focused on protecting itself from lawsuits and avoiding blame at all costs. The human service industry In its entirety at a given point took on its own life force. It has become a runaway train coasting down the track. What can we do to stop it? I don’t have the answer to that but I can tell you we need to focus on the little things. There’s no reason why the staff cannot take the clients out on a walk. I’m not exaggerating, read the articles for yourself. 

    The reason why this subject hits so close to home is, I know If it wasn’t for my family This could have been me. Imagine going to bed but never being able to get out of it. We don’t see value in people with disabilities. I tried to think of a creative comparison, It’s not like prison because they have committed no crime. It is different from slavery because no one is benefiting from their silent pain. We have created a subconscious genocide by ignoring those who need us the most. Wake of America!

    Source Material:

    https://www.nj.com/news/2022/02/nearly-200-people-are-locked-down-living-in-inhumane-conditions-at-nj-nursing-home-advocate-says.html

    https://www.nj.com/news/2022/02/residents-lives-at-extreme-risk-feds-say-as-they-threaten-to-essentially-shut-down-troubled-nj-nursing-home.html

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