The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Category: Disability Awareness

  • A Message Young Writers

    A Message Young Writers

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    Hello, my good friends, I hope your day is going well. The idea for this blog took me a bit to develop. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I could even write about this topic. Then I figured it couldn’t do any harm, so here we go. What do you need to be a talented writer? Before I begin, I must issue a small disclaimer. I do not have a degree in journalism, creative writing, or anything like that. I’ve said this many times. The only accreditation I’ve ever had is a basic high school diploma. So remember, while these suggestions are coming with the best of intentions, take them with a grain of salt.

    There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4‭-‬5 NIV
    • If you love writing, then you are a writer! If you write every day, then you are a writer! Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
    • Unlike a movie that a thousand people can see at a time, only one person can read your words at a time. So write to just that person.
    • Writing is a challenge. The page always starts blank. If it was not a God-given talent, everyone could do it.
    • It doesn’t matter if you’re writing about pink elephants or the cheesiest erotica novel, if you spend your time and energy on it, be proud of it.
    • When you’re writing you are sharing a piece of yourself with the world, if you don’t love what you wrote then don’t publish it.
    • Always have a TEAM of editors you trust. If you don’t like objective criticism, then don’t share your work with them.
    • This is not the 1800s reading is no longer the accepted medium to share information. do not be offended when people don’t read your work. Put bluntly, “Writing is not sexy.”
    • Writing is about making a connection, and it does not mean you can connect with every person in the world. With enough connections, you make an impact to change.
    • Despite what any English teacher would have you believe, there are no rules. So write what you know and write what you believe.
    • If you’re not having fun, then you’re doing it wrong.

    I know these suggestions might not make you the next Hemingway or F Scott Fitzgerald, but I hope they make you think about the gift you have and how to use it. It took me a long time to focus and harness my writing style. This is a tiny blog with a tiny following. Share this with anyone who you think might gain something from it. Have fun, and above all NEVER STOP WRITING!

    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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  • Chances & Choices: Fictional Short Story

    Chances & Choices: Fictional Short Story

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    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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    This week I wanted to do something totally different and share my first Fictional short story called chances and choices. Hope you enjoy

    chances-and-choicesDownload
  • Subconscious Life Values

    Subconscious Life Values

    Purposely Broken World episode 3

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    Latest Episode Here

    In the April episode of the Purposely Broken World, Kevin uses the films Me Before You and The Fundamentals of Caring as the backdrop to a conversation about the value of life. Regardless of circumstance, every life is precious. Is the media subtly telling us that if someone has a significant physical or behavioral disability, they should die? How many people have all their faculties but waste their lives? Ponder these questions and more in this very thought-provoking episode. Parental advisory is not for language or sexuality but for sensitive topics. All comments are welcome.

    Bonus episode link: ⁠https://anchor.fm/theadvocacyllifepodcast/subscribe⁠

    Show Notes: ⁠https://youtu.be/Eh993__rOxA⁠ ⁠https://youtu.be/BSXn-lIs4Y0⁠ ⁠https://wagsofsci.com/⁠

    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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  • Get Naked

    Get Naked

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    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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    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.

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  • Breaking the Societal Box

    Breaking the Societal Box

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    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters

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    Available on all podcast platforms
    Watch it on YouTube

    Title: Breaking the Societal Box

    Gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity are all labels society tries to put on us. In this episode, I’m trying to help us see the whole person. The human experience cannot be confined to one category. Please join me for a thoughtful conversation All opinions are my own. My work for this episode is based on the blog below. Please subscribe for bonus content.

    Blog post:
    https://wp.me/pblmva-oz

    Bonus Episodes:
    https://anchor.fm/theadvocacyllifepodcast/subscribe

    The Advocacy Life website:
    https://advocatekevinnunez.wordpress.com/

  • Things to Know about Wheelchairs

    Things to Know about Wheelchairs

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    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

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  • February Mental Timeout

    February Mental Timeout

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    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

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  • The 2023 seeds of faith

    The 2023 seeds of faith

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    Hello wonderful friends. I hope everyone had a fantastic start to the new year. I know some people probably did not. To those folks, I hope these words provide you with a few minutes of comfort  I know in February It’s not popular to wish someone a happy new year anymore but, I’m writing this in January so it still counts. Everyone wants new beginnings for the new year however, a calendar change does not equal a change in life circumstances.  I began 2022 in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. One of my family members surprised all of us with a cruise for the holidays. I know that was last year but I still plan to write a blog about the accessibility features on the cruise ship. I ended the year in the corner of my living room writing and producing content for a podcast.

      People and politicians can say what they want but the Covid-19 Emergency did not “end” until about 6 months before the end of 2022. I can attest to this because we all came back from our cruise with the virus. On my first significant vacation in two years, I ended up in the doctor’s office.  Before I begin with the official topic of this post. I want to remind those in power that there are still folks being isolated because they are susceptible to this public health crisis.

    I don’t believe in new year’s resolutions. We give ourselves false expectations and then we feel bad when they’re not accomplished. Setting goals for the new year is theoretically a good idea. Yet setting additional pressure on yourself before the world has already decided what pressures to put on you.  In my opinion, this is unwise. So how can I or anyone make the upcoming year of 2023 a productive year? Instead of creating a list of expectations or goals, I decided to plant seeds of faith. 

       “Still other seeds fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
    Mark 4:8‭-‬9 NIV

    If you think I’m nuts, let me give you a fun example. Cinderella had to find the pumpkin and the mice before she could go to the ball. Any miracle needs work. I’m not good at this kind of thing so I’m going to list what I’ve done so far. Please I pray whoever reads this does not misunderstand it as bragging. They’re small steps I’m taking to let God take the lead.

    1. I’ve tried to produce a podcast two different times now. I would go bonkers because the quality was never to my liking. I finally saved up enough money to buy myself podcasting equipment. After weeks of research. My grandma decided to get it for me for Christmas. I was not happy because I wanted to do it for myself but God used her to give me a head start.
    2. Despite popular opinion I cannot stand writing about myself. I always wanted to use this website to let people share their stories. My colleague Jesse Schwartzman and I are excited to announce a second podcast under this website brand called the Normal Life a podcast where we simply interview other folks with disabilities to let them tell their stories. This is why I am renaming my podcast The Purposely Broken World. All you have to do is click on the link in blue.
    3. When you have a disability like mine it’s hard to get together with friends So my best buddy David and I are getting together to release Lost in the Political Woods. A podcast where we laugh our way through the headlines in today’s world.
    4. Most people don’t know about national authors’ writing month. The idea is simple, to try to write 50,000 words in November. After I publish my first book I immediately wanted to write another book clarifying some mistakes I made. I’m not going to lie and say I wrote 50,000 words in 30 days. I wrote just shy of 30 pages. When you use voice dictation software it’s a much slower process. Not to mention a Puerto Rican family is always getting together around the holidays.
    5. After I published my book I learned the hardest part was trying to market it. I struggled with this because I wanted to message of disability inequality to reach as many people as possible. By the time you’re reading this, I would have been featured on the Rising Rebels social media platform. The focus is to showcase individuals beyond their limitations. It is the brainchild of the Walk & Roll podcast. I can’t guarantee people read the message of my book but at least it will be exposed to more people.

    The new year symbolizes a new beginning but if we don’t plant the seeds nothing can grow. Remember it will take time and a bit of life’s hard rain. You might not see the finished product right away.  Faith is the key.  What are you planting this year?

    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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  • What Does 11:11 mean to you?: A study in Numerology

    What Does 11:11 mean to you?: A study in Numerology

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    By, Nicholas Taubenslag

    This number sequence if seen more than once means to trust your intuition because your angels are trying to tell you something. Whether your life is about to change for the better or you need to take action to have faith that what you’re trying to manifest will come to pass.

    Numerology is a connection between the mystical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events. The master number 11 is defined in numerology as duality and spiritual inspiration. The number 11 in numerology also has ties to one’s intuition. When the sequence of 11:11 is seen more than once it means that it’s time to take action on a goal or something you have been dreaming about. What are some of the life goals that you have been wanting to accomplish? 

    For example, one of my life goals is to become a successful blogger. For example, when I first started seeing double 11s I thought it was ironic because when my mom signed me up for New Jersey Partners In Policy MakingI didn’t know what I was getting myself into. However, I  somehow knew that this was where I needed to be. When it came down to realizing my life purpose was all about writing, advocating for the expansion of transportation options, and energy work. I knew then that I needed to have an action plan. The action plan is all about mapping out what you want to achieve and coming up with specific action steps to achieve it. This connects 1111 by setting a goal and taking action to achieve that goal.

    By listening to your angel’s divine wisdom, one can achieve many blessings. By following divine numbers like 1111, we all can achieve greatness and a greater sense of who we truly are.

    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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  • My First Dance

    My First Dance

    Greetings wonderful friends, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. If you’ve been paying attention  You noticed that last Wednesday was the first week I did not post any content Since I relaunched the website in March 2021. I know this is not a big deal for some people, but  I like the idea of making one person smile every week with one of my posts. I speak for my writing team and myself when I say we are thankful for every person Who took a little time out of their day just to spend it with us.

    For this post, I want to share a very special anecdote that happened to me Just a few days ago. I usually post stuff that I write a few weeks in advance. This time I had to make an exception. When you have a condition like mine (Cerebral Palsy.) The only way to stop your body from deteriorating Is to undergo physical and occupational therapy. insurance will only pay for so much during one year in the United States.

     So I spread the sessions out as much as possible over a year. As with any kind of exercise, it is difficult to see results when we are dealing with The daily hustle and bustle of life. Measuring body fat and muscle mass is not how I determine results. this year I was focusing on three things. Sitting balance, standing tolerance, and using my left arm for more functional activities.  Here are some of my final statistics for 2022.  I can now hold a water bottle with my left arm unscrew the top with my right hand and take a drink. I can now sit up unassisted for 5 minutes and 28 seconds without falling over. I can stand with someone stabilizing me for 4 minutes and 38 seconds without falling over. I’m not bragging those puny numbers are not the best part of the story.

    Jesus gave me a Christmas present early this year! If you read any of my past publish works You will know that one of my dreams is always been to dance with a pretty girl standing up. on the last session of the year, I was getting ready to do my standing tolerance When the hit song Despacito came on the Alexa. I know the Holy Spirit was behind it! First of all, They usually don’t play any music at all. If they do it’s Something soft. It’s never anything to dance to. I sarcastically mentioned the song Despacito in my book. True, there was nothing romantic going on between my physical therapist and me. The moment was still fantastic! When I started dancing she thought I was crazy. This is the first time I ever danced! 

    After the song was done I went back to my chair. Went back to the waiting room like nothing ever happened. As I turn the corner to sit in the waiting room I overheard the receptionist saying “ You’re exactly where God wants you to be. You are right in his hand.”

     She was helping someone else who was having a moment of doubt. It couldn’t be scripted better in a movie. That moment was perfect. That night When I reflected on what I had done. I cried as I thanked God over and over again. 

    He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

    Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

    When people think of miracles they want the seas to part or see money fall from the sky. That’s not how God sees things. We don’t see the world from his point of view we only see it from our limited vantage point. Most miracles take time. Has anything worth doing ever come easy? I discovered faith in Jesus Christ only 2 years ago. I might not be running a marathon anytime soon, but I will never forget my first dance. God does exist. Miracles do happen. most importantly, faith does work. Look inside your heart and talk to God he’s not that far away. See you guys soon have a good day.

    Special Announcement:

    Every TV show always takes a little break at the end of the season this post Is my version of a season finale. I will be back with new blogs in February 2023. I will still be producing content on all my social media Please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, etc for any major updates. I would like to officially announce I’m taking this small break to finish the first draft of my next book. Please subscribe to this blog as other members of my writing team may still want to publish blogs before the end of the year. On behalf of David, Jesse, Nick, and myself. We would like to wish you the very happiest of holidays and a prosperous New Year!