The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Category: Disability Awareness

  • Disability Misconceptions

    Disability Misconceptions

    Every now and then, I get frustrated—not because I’m angry at individuals, but because there’s still so much misunderstanding about disability. What seems straightforward to me often isn’t to others. So, instead of stewing about it, I’ve decided to put together a list of things that I hope will help educate and shift perspectives.

    Luke 6:31 NIV 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

    1. Not All Disabilities Are the Same

    We say “everyone is different,” yet so often people treat disability like a one-size-fits-all label. You could line up ten people with the same medical diagnosis, and each one would be affected in a completely different way. Needs, goals, and abilities vary from person to person. What someone can or can’t do depends on a mix of their individual abilities, the support they receive, and the resources available to them.

    2. We’re Not Here to Inspire You—Just to Be Your Equal

    It shouldn’t be “inspirational” just to see someone with a disability walking down the street. And yet, when we live independently—with the right support—people often question it. Why? We’re just living our lives like anyone else. We want to be treated as equals, not exceptions.

    3. Be Flexible

    Life doesn’t always go to plan for anyone—and that includes those of us with disabilities. Flexibility, patience, and understanding go a long way when you interact with us. A rigid mindset helps no one.

    4. Hollywood Gets It Wrong—A Lot

    Movies often miss the mark when it comes to portraying disability. Sure, actors like Tom Hanks and Cuba Gooding Jr. have received awards for their roles, but their performances don’t always reflect reality. Times have changed, and so have our perspectives. It’s important to remember that what you see on screen is entertainment—not education.

    5. Ask Questions—Just Be Respectful

    Curiosity is fine. But respect is essential. If it’s something you wouldn’t want to be asked or called, don’t say it to someone else—disability or not.

    6. Disability Doesn’t Discriminate

    It doesn’t care about your skin color, background, or bank account. Anyone can be affected. And just because something is written in a study online doesn’t mean it reflects the lived reality of everyone.

    7. We Get Tired Too

    Yes, everyone gets tired. But for many people with disabilities, there’s no “clocking out” at the end of the day. The challenges don’t stop at 5 p.m. Sometimes you just don’t want to use the wheelchair or the communication device. And speaking of that—imagine how exhausting it is trying to communicate when you can’t speak.

    8. Laugh With Us, Not At Us

    Humor is powerful—and we love to laugh! But make sure you’re laughing with us, not at us. That small shift makes all the difference.

    9. Don’t Pity Us—Just See Us

    We know life isn’t easy. But we’re doing our best, just like you are. We don’t need pity. We need understanding, support, and a fair shot.

    I know this list isn’t revolutionary, and it might not be the most eloquent thing you’ll ever read. But I’ve kept it simple for a reason: clarity helps change hearts. Maybe someone will print this out and stick it on the fridge. Maybe the next time they meet someone with a disability, they’ll see the person—not just the label.

    Thanks for reading. Be kind. Be curious. Be human. Good night, friends.

    The Advocacy Podcast

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  • Access to Freedom

    Access to Freedom

    On May 6, 2025, I had the honor and privilege of testifying in front of the New Jersey State Assembly Health Committee. Here is a copy of my submitted testimony. At the bottom, you will find news coverage video of the event. Hope you enjoy and have a good day.

    Assemblyman Carol Murphy and members of the Health Committee:

    My name is Kevin Nunez.  I am a disability advocate. I also belong to a number of advocacy groups, and I am a Governor Appointee to the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities.

    I’m honored to come before you today as one of the approximately 200,000 individuals with disabilities who receive some sort of Medicaid assistance. The Medicaid program is not only a “safety net.” It is much more.  It is a “lifeline.” Medicaid is the key to unlocking access to my community, to my purpose, and my freedom as a human being. Any cuts or caps to the Medicaid program will bring about immeasurable harm to the most vulnerable population across the beautiful Garden State.

    According to the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) statement on Protecting Medicaid:

    “Medicaid is a critical funding source for people with disabilities to receive safe and adequate care within their communities. Medicaid funds the vast majority of services and community-based supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In fact, in order to receive any kind of services through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, residents MUST be Medicaid-eligible. Far more than simply paying for visits to the doctor, Medicaid funding allows people with I/DD to access in-home supports; day programs; job coaching and employment support; respite services for their loved ones; physical, cognitive, and behavioral therapies; prescription drugs; medical equipment; and much more. In New Jersey, nearly 200,000 individuals with disabilities rely on Medicaid for healthcare and disability-related support services.”  

    My life and the lives of so many others mirror this statement. 

    Because of my physical disability, access to Medicaid has been critical.  Because of Medicaid, I can live in my home with my family since Medicaid funding has made my home accessible. Because of Medicaid, I can rely on trained support staff to come to my home and assist me with all personal care needs so that I can participate in daily activities.  Because of Medicaid, I am a healthy contributing member of my community and have accomplished more in the past 35 years that anyone thought was possible.  Medicaid saves lives by giving people with disabilities the opportunity to have a life that they chose and that meets their unique needs. Medicaid is a win-win. With Medicaid, folks with disabilities can have jobs, and the people supporting the individual also have jobs.  As I grow older, my needs will change. Medicaid allows flexibility and choice throughout our lifespan. 

    I cannot stress enough about how important stability is in our lives.  It is critical that we are not always worrying about tomorrow.  These past few months have been very concerning as we listen to policymakers talking about cuts to Medicaid and not knowing how that will impact our lives. 

    The Medicaid program must continue to provide stability and the level of necessary support so that we remain active, healthy, contributing members of society and not a burden to society. 

    I’ve seen models and predictions about what could happen if there was  just a 10% Medicaid cut. 

    I’m here to tell you, on a practical level, the ripple effects of any cut will be felt, not for 4 years but for generations to come. 

    In order for New Jersey to be fair and strong, we all need to do our part. 

    My message is: No cuts, no caps! 

    New Jersey’s future is in your hands right now.

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  • Wheelchair Questions

    Wheelchair Questions

    Every time someone sees my wheelchair for the first time, I get a lot of questions. “How much did it cost?” “Is it comfortable?” The most common one? “Do you need a license to drive that thing?”

    So here are a few answers: It cost just over $50,000. No, it’s not about comfort—it’s a tool that gives me access to the world. And no, you don’t need a license to operate an electric wheelchair.

    This 300-pound machine is my lifeline. I don’t love it, but I treat it with care—because I have to. It’s been five long years since I even became eligible to apply for a new one.

    People often joke that it must be fun to cruise around all day. What they don’t see is the exhaustion that comes with being in the same position from the moment I wake up until I go to bed—especially on busy days. They smile when they see me recline in my chair, but they don’t realize I do it to prevent pressure sores. If I don’t, I could literally die from one.

    Thanks to God’s grace, I’ve never had one—but I won’t lie, it’s my biggest fear. Even Christopher Reeve, with all his resources, passed away from a bedsore.

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

    There’s a whole world of challenges most people don’t notice: Going around the block just to find one curb cut. Never being able to see over a counter. Being invisible in a crowded room—until someone bumps into me and then apologizes like it’s their worst mistake.

    Please, don’t feel sorry for me. That’s not why I’m writing this. This is about awareness. About understanding.

    Take care of yourself. I hope you never need a wheelchair—but if you do, maybe now you’ll have a better idea of what it means to live in one.

    The Advocacy Podcast

    Living Beyond Disability Books

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  • No fear

    No fear

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

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

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

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

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

    The Advocacy Podcast

    Living Beyond Disability Books

    Both books are available exclusively on Amazon.

    Subscribe to Letters From Limb. Newsletter

    This is an exclusive weekly blog on the more fun and creative side of Kevin and his colleagues..

    Where the Ramp Ends

    This is an affiliated podcast that the advocacy life often collaborates with on Check it out today available on all podcast platforms and YouTube..

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  • More of Me

    More of Me

    Everyone requires assistance sometimes; I’m no exception. As some of you know, my book came out late last month. Beyond What You See, a Journey of Faith is now available on Amazon. I need people to see my heart on a page. Below, you will find a very short excerpt from that book. If you’re comfortable, please buy a copy and leave a review. Even if you don’t feel like it’s a good book, just be honest. The book is also available in audiobook As always, thank you for your time, and see you next week.

    Do you remember where you sat on the first day of high school? Most travel with someone with whom you shared a mutual interest. Perhaps you shared physical characteristics. I’m chuckling as I’m writing this. In some ways, part of us have not left that lunch table. There’s an entire field of study dedicated to how humans interact with each other. People claim to be “open-minded,” but I have a little secret for you: we are like-minded, not open-minded. Sure, we can have a conversation around the water cooler. People sympathize with someone for a given time. Honestly, we only go so far outside of our comfort zone.

    Folks today simply do not know how to communicate effectively. One of my favorite parts about going to Puerto Rico every summer as a boy was that I always met new family members. We would know everyone’s life stories within 20 minutes and then start dancing. On my father’s side, my grandfather was one of 10 kids! Nowadays, at all events across our nation, there’s a line of chairs up against the wall with people on their phones. Sometimes texting the person three chairs down! Theoretically, we should know each other better than ever. However, unless we see someone’s birthdays on our Facebook page, they will forget all about them. How sad is that?

    In the year 2025, we all practically have instant communication. Yet there is more division and arguing amongst family and friends than ever. Before people sit down to eat, they intentionally make a list of subjects not to talk about. We have become afraid to speak to each other! Subjects that should be said are not. More importantly, topics that should be said are silenced.

    Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

    Colossians 4:5‭-‬6

    My freshman year of high school was tough. Every day, I sat alone at a table, eating my cold sandwich and oversized pickle. I was the guest of honor at my very own pity party, and I was upset that my first relationship ended abruptly. My friend group dissolved in the summer between 8th and 9th grade. From the corner where I sat, I could see the entire student body. They all had to walk by me if they wanted a snack. I should have had a conversation every time someone bought a 50-cent cookie or a 75-cent honey bun from the snack bar, but I never noticed that I was seated directly parallel to it. Instead, all I did was stuff my face.

  • “The guy” paradox

    “The guy” paradox

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  • A day in America

    A day in America

    Most of us cannot remember what we had for lunch yesterday because of our busy schedules. Last Tuesday, March 4th, is a day I will never forget. I can recall that happened. In some ways, it doesn’t feel real. It feels like a dream. On this main blog, I usually don’t discuss my anecdotes; I usually save those for my paid newsletter so people can laugh. I save this place for professional topics. For this week, I have to mix them both. I was given the honor and the absolute privilege to attend the State of the Union by President Donald Trump. I was invited as a guest of New Jersey Senator Andy Kim. I spoke on the potential cuts to the Medicaid program and the damage it would cause to the disability community across the nation.

    I’ve found the subjects of civics, government, and politics fascinating. Most children want to be astronauts or play football. Maybe my disability had something to do with it, but neither one of those held any interest for me. I’ve always been a bit of an intellectual, a nerd. I love the art of conversation. I love peaceful discord. I love the Democratic Republic known as the United States of America. I love that I live in a country so great that people from all walks of life have to come together to serve the greater good from time to time. True, you cannot make everyone happy. That’s democracy.

    Walking through the halls of Congress, you can truly see a snapshot of America. You will see every ethnicity, every religion, and every point of view. Not only from the elected officials, but their staff as well. The truth is no country can survive for over 200 years if we are all forced to think and feel the same way. What has kept and will keep the great experiment thriving is that it is built on the backs of its people. We concede something to receive protection and liberty.

    One of my favorite moments of the day was when I sat down for dinner with Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat, and Senator Kevin Connor of North Dakota, a Republican. We engaged in many interesting and thought-provoking conversations, with Ted Cruz sitting just over my left shoulder. 

    Luke 14:12-13 NIV Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,

    Our discussions centered around disability, a topic that I am passionate about. I love my disability; it took me a long time to understand what it truly offers me. Disability is the great equalizer and represents the intersectionality of humanity. We are all affected by disability in some way. It is not a partisan issue; rather, it is a natural part of the human experience.

    My experiences with disability have broadened my perspective, allowing me to see every side of every possible discussion. It has shaped me into a moderate. I once thought I could only advocate for disability awareness, but my disability has equipped me to engage with various aspects of life. Not every issue is inherently political, but every issue has a connection to disability.

    Let me provide an example. I am an American immigrant, as I was born in Puerto Rico, which is a territory of the United States. Due to my disability, my family moved to New Jersey after I was born. People often worried that since I left Puerto Rico at such a young age, I would not be able to speak Spanish. However, at the age of 37, I gave an interview to a Telemundo affiliate entirely in Spanish, during which I once again discussed the issue of the proposed Medicaid changes.

    I’m not sure if I will ever work for a campaign or serve as a political advisor in Washington, D.C. However, I am grateful to have experienced the American Dream. I believe that my disability has allowed me to be a voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Thank you, Senator Andy Kim, and your wonderful staff for being so accommodating. I appreciate your time, and may God bless America!

  • Life or Liberty?

    Life or Liberty?

    The Medicaid program was established in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In its simplest form, Medicaid is health insurance for people with limited incomes. The proposed budget passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month would cut about 880 billion. If this program receives cuts or caps, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will die.

    Matthew 22:39 NIV And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

    This is not an overreaction. States cannot make up the funds if these cuts are in the final budget. If this program is limited in any way, America will unconsciously sponsor the genocide of its citizens over the next 10 years. I, for one, cannot get out of bed unless I have a caregiver who is paid by the state to help me get out of bed. Without them, I would die of a bed sore. No matter how much I move around. If an individual uses a feeding tube and no one is there to change the tube, they will die. To receive any adult services, such as attending a day program or any kind of supported employment, we must be eligible for Medicaid. Depending on how deep the cuts go, States will no longer be accepting new individuals, meaning folks will waste away in their homes. This will not save taxpayers money, it will cost them more. It has been proven that it is cheaper in the long run to have people live in the community instead of in an institutional setting.

    I can attest to this. I recently remodeled my home to make it more accessible. I redid the bathroom and added a Hoyer lift system to my bedroom. It did cost over $50,000. However, this will ensure that I can stay in my home for the next 15 or 20 years. With these necessary accommodations, I can continue to do my advocacy work and be a part of my community. As of the release of this writing, I am on the way to attend the State of the Union as a guest of New Jersey’s Senator Andy Kim. My brother is out with his caregiver getting eggs and milk. We both have the same disability and we’re still living a full life.

    Give me liberty or give me death!”

    Patrick Henry- american Patriot

    America can only thrive if everyone does their part. Supporting individuals with disabilities build local, state, and national economies. Disability is not a burden on society. It is a part of the human experience. I may have been born disabled but everyone else is only temporarily abled. People with disabilities are your neighbors, your family, and your friends. As we grow so does America. The Medicaid program is not a safety net, it is a lifeline. My fellow Americans, if you value life, then tell your elected officials in Washington, DC, no cuts to the Medicaid program. A disabled life is an American Life.

  • Education for America

    Education for America

    Undeniably, reading and math comprehension scores have gone down across the country. Parents can feel lost because they cannot assist their children with their homework as new techniques of long division are being taught to our children. Since before the outbreak in 2020, a strong argument can be made that students today lack critical social and life skills before graduating high school. Americans should be concerned about the education of our kids. Changes must be made.

    Is eliminating the Department of Education (DOE) the answer? This proposed initiative was suggested well before President Trump took office. His executive order, signed a few days ago, cannot eliminate the department. That can only be done by Congress. People need to contact them. The belief is this would save the taxpayers money and give more control to the states. I will be the first one to advocate for eliminating wasteful spending and helping Americans with their taxes. This is not the way to do it.

    States rely on that funding to ensure adequate resources for their students. Especially those with disabilities and other educational needs. In the same way, the Electoral College ensures equal footing for the states. The DOE ensures equal opportunity for all students. Students with disabilities have value to their peers. They need the opportunity to show it. After a certain age, you learn that some lessons cannot be taught from a textbook but by interactions with those around you. Supporting individuals with disabilities. Creates jobs and innovative technologies.

    If students with intellectual and developmental disabilities are excluded from learning in the least restrictive environment then non-disabled students will be missing out on a vital part of the human experience. Education should never be a partisan issue all Americans should want the best for their children. If you believe, as I do, that prayer should be allowed back in schools, then why can’t someone pray alongside someone who has a disability? This is inclusion.

    Matthew 18:20 NIV For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

    All parents should have options for where their children go to school; however, there must be safeguards and basic standards to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive beyond their circumstances. After all, America is a land of opportunity! The government should have limits, and that is the essence of the Constitution: to create a contract between the people and their government. A proper education promotes all parts of the preamble.

    “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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 to the US Constitution

    There’s a difference between disagreeing with the curriculum a school board offers and completely dismantling the educational system. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Attend your school board meetings. Advocate for your kids. No student should be confined to the back of a building because a school board lacks the resources to provide them with a proper education. Eliminating the Department of Education shouldn’t be about saving money, rather Ensuring the future of America is the objective!