Disability Awareness – Page 8 – The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Life Update February 2024

Greetings readers, are you ready for spring? I know it seems kind of far away. I’m writing this with only a few days left in February. There is still a cold chill in the air. Although spring training games have officially begun, warmer weather must be on the way. I have observed several bloggers doing this by providing their followers with updates on their activities. I wanted to share my exciting upcoming projects with everyone to encourage them that anything is possible, even though it always seemed a bit silly to me. Hey, every few months, the president gives a State of the Union. I may not be the best writer in the world, but I can promise it’ll be better than that.

‭‭Mark 9:23 NIV‬‬   “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Let’s start with the health stuff. As of now, I have no major health concerns or upcoming medical procedures. This is really cool because last year I had two surgeries: a hiatal hernia removal and an endoscopy. The hernia revealed a whole bunch of polyps in my upper stomach that were noncancerous. When you have a disability, it always seems like there’s some weird medical thing on the horizon, so it’s nice for now to just enjoy the sunset.

Next update on my advocacy career. I now represent seven states on a national board of directors run by and for people with disabilities. The organization is called Self Advocates Becoming Empowered or SABE click here to read about my initial reactions to joining this organization. For now, I can say it is the most challenging but thrilling adventure of my life. Helping others is what I was made for. I don’t even care about traveling across the country. Truth be told, some days I’d rather be home in bed. I don’t do this for prestige. The day it becomes about that is the day I leave people with disabilities. They should need to be at the table to make a difference.

Finally, I want to recommend something that has nothing to do with disability at all. It’s a very fun and entertaining book called Mox. It is the personal memoir of professional wrestler and sports entertainer John Moxley. Yes, wrestling is partly staged, but they’re still real athletes trying to entertain you. This book teaches you about life in a very different way. You can turn your brain off, but some important nuggets will sneak in there.

I know this is a different kind of blog. I hope you guys still enjoyed it. Thanks for your time, and have a great day. I will see you guys next week.

February 28, 2024

Fighting for One

Happy Wednesday, my wonderful readers. Once again, I hope you guys are having a good day. and I want to thank you for spending a few minutes with me. When you hear the word “fighter,” what’s the first image that pops into your mind? Most likely Rocky Balboa or Bruce Lee if you’re over a certain age. If you’re more realistic, you probably think of Muhammad Ali or Randy Couture as two of the best in their sports. That’s not who I think about. I picture Muhammad Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Brad Lomax as people who won impossible battles. They were outmatched, and their lives were in danger. They fought with their words, not their bodies.

I relate to this because I am physically weak. I’m only 5 feet, and I weigh barely 135 lbs. I have Cerebral Palsy (CP) There are a million things I can’t do for myself. I am unqualified to do anything. Instead, I was called and then qualified. The other day, I was asked, “Why do you keep going? What are you fighting for?” I may occasionally have guest writers, but I have done the majority of the work on this website. I created every single social media post. It can be a little frustrating As a content creator, it is very difficult not to look at the numbers to see whether or not my website’s getting traffic. How many listens does my podcast get? I recently added a bonus newsletter for some paid subscribers. I thought this would add a more fun aspect to my writing. I thought people might enjoy this. As of now, I only have one subscriber. So how do I not get lost in the numbers?

I’ve just begun to learn that I was given this disability as a platform, not a weakness. Every podcast, blog, tweet, and keystroke is done with the help of the Holy Spirit. My new goal is just to help one person at a time. There are tons of podcasts, and anyone can make a blog. My hope is that anything I produce can make one person smile. I might not know who they are. I might not know their circumstances. I know they’re warriors like me.

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

The show scandal is famous for the tagline “gladiators in suits.” Well, this is to all my warriors in wheelchairs. My warriors use walkers. My Warriors, who don’t use words. My warriors may have invisible disabilities. our battle is long, and your battle is hard, but we can make a difference. we are the difference. The world sees your weaknesses, but you know your strengths. You grow stronger every day because you overcome more every day. Would God save his best warriors for the easy battles or save them for the ones he needs to win? Don’t give up. Keep going. Don’t look back; keep moving forward. Thank you for your time, and I hope to spend more time with you next Wednesday.

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February 21, 2024

Disability and the American Dream

Whether we like it or not, 2024 is a presidential election year. Now that we are most likely faced with a rematch, Americans will have to make a choice. It’s fair to say that President Biden has had his share of critics. His first term is not even over, but I don’t think many historians are going to put him in their top five of the best US presidents. I know I’m a few months early, but as a disability advocate, I have a different perspective. There are issues that matter to me that most people don’t think about. Most people don’t recognize disabilities until they’re affected by them. We finally have a president who has seen this underrepresented community.

Biden became the first president to improve the lives of people and families with disabilities when he vowed to support Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), which includes long-term services and supports. (LTSS) People with disabilities should live in their communities in the least restrictive environment. For some people with disabilities, they are locked away and forgotten. We must serve and protect those who are most vulnerable. Some may want us dead. We all have the same right to live.

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

I am a capitalist. It is maddening to me that just because I was born with a disability, I am forced into a system of poverty. There is nothing wrong with being broke. What is wrong is that I, as an American, don’t have a chance to change that. The social security asset limit set in the mid-1980s has not changed. Under this administration, there has been serious discussion about raising it. I cannot have more than $2,000 in a bank account, so someone else can pay for my $50,000 wheelchair. How does that make sense? I want to live my American Dream, not exist off of the backs of others. There is nothing like going home knowing you earned that money.

Emily Voorde probably won’t be studied in history books like Kamala Harris. Voorde was the associate director of public engagement for just under 500 days. For the first time in my life, I saw someone who looked like me in a real position of power. She was not there just to be a token, but to actually make change.

Most Americans don’t realize that we still don’t have marriage equality in this country. There is still a marriage penalty for those with disabilities. This president may stumble with his words from time to time, but I’m confident he would support eliminating this obscene restriction so people can love regardless of their abilities.

I certainly don’t agree with all of the Biden administration’s policies. He still has more proof. The work is still not done. However, he is the first president to give me, as a disabled American, hope for my American Dream.

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January 31, 2024

The Dream Job

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Hello, my friends, I hope you guys are having an excellent day. We all have dreams. Cinderella said it best: “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” Without a dream, we cannot have goals. Every goal starts out as a dream or idea. There are so many people out there who are “dreamers,” but there are very few who do anything about it.

I’ve never wanted to be an NBA star or an astronaut. One of the restrictions of my disability is that I cannot have a ”dream job.”. To be specific, I do not have a job. Anyone can dream. Now that it is January 2024, it is officially election season.

Regardless of which side of the political spectrum you fall on, there will be an election in a few months.

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

My dream job is to have a job working for an elected official. Disability should not be a partisan issue. Every American should have the right to work and earn a living. Why do my circumstances automatically put me in a system of poverty? The disability asset limit sits at $2,000 at any one time. That limit has not been raised since the mid-1980s. The cost of raising a disabled child is 20 to 25% more. There is no official disability tax, but I certainly feel it.

No matter how significant the medical diagnosis is, everyone should feel like they have a purpose. Everyone should be able to dream. There is currently legislation to have the asset limit raised to $10,000, but it hasn’t gotten much public attention, so it really hasn’t gotten anywhere. My population just wants to do their part,pay their taxes, and contribute to our society.

America is the land of opportunity. America is the land of dreams. America started out as a dream. Whoever sits in the overall office come January 2025, don’t forget the American citizens with disabilities. We just want the chance to turn our dreams into reality, like anyone else in the land of the free.

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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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January 24, 2024

People with Disabilities under Surveillance

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Imagine someone proposing to install cameras in your home without your consent. You’d likely object strongly, and rightly so. Now, consider a piece of legislation, S1897/A2483, known as Billy Cray’s Law. The New Jersey legislature is aiming to introduce monitoring devices in group homes and community-based settings for people with disabilities. As Kevin Nuñez, I want to clarify that my opinions are my own, shared to shed light on an often overlooked issue.

The origin of this legislation lies in the tragic passing of Billy Cray, who was found dead in a group home closet. Recent articles, such as the one highlighting the push for cameras in group homes, add a layer of complexity to an already contentious debate. Another piece examines the ongoing discourse surrounding whether cameras would genuinely make group homes safer or if they compromise residents’ privacy.

Financially, the burden on providers is immense. The strain on the disability care system has been building for a while and has reached a breaking point, made worse by current issues. Caregivers, the backbone of the system, already face difficulties. Constant scrutiny undermines the trust crucial for effective care.

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.

Particularly troubling is the provision allowing monitoring devices in bedrooms and at the entrance to bathrooms. If any individual or their family does not wish to be recorded, they must move. This is a forest evacuation. This “choice” is more illusion than empowerment. This bill aims to protect the most vulnerable, but instead, it takes away freedom for all individuals. The disability population is made up of people. Please stop trying to fix the system with a one-size-fits-all solution.

In a time where awareness is crucial, I encourage everyone to conduct their research, form their opinions, and engage in discussions about the potential repercussions of Billy Cray’s Law. It’s not just a matter of legislation; it’s about the well-being and rights of an often marginalized community. The recent push for cameras in group homes, coupled with the ongoing privacy debate as explored in the linked articles, underscores the need for a nuanced approach that balances security with respect for personal privacy.

Sources:

https://nj1015.com/after-man-was-found-dead-in-closet-a-push-in-nj-for-cameras-in-group-homes/

https://www.nj.com/politics/2023/01/would-cameras-make-group-homes-for-disabled-people-safer-debate-rages-over-privacy.html

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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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November 29, 2023

A Different Look at Disability

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Hey there! I came across this fascinating article by Javier Robles, a respected figure in the disability community. The opinion piece challenges readers to discover a more realistic definition of disability. Dive into the thought-provoking insights shared by this Rutgers professor. In a world where we often have fixed ideas about disability, this article is like a friendly push, asking us to question what we think we know and see things in a new light.

Robles guides us through the world of disability, helping us understand it better. He asks us to think about how society sees disability and encourages us to understand it in a more genuine way. This article isn’t just about thinking—it’s a call to action. Robles wants us to talk about disability differently to challenge our ideas and make our society more understanding. It’s a chance to open our minds and be a part of a more inclusive world.

Join Javier Robles on this journey to rethink disability. Let’s change how we see things, break old ideas, and embrace a truer understanding of disability. The conversation is starting, and it’s time for us to be a part of it. Have a good day See you guys next week! All comments are welcome.

Source:

https://mosaic.nj.com/commentary/2023/10/this-rutgers-professor-dares-you-to-find-a-realistic-definition-of-disability-opinion.html

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

Thank you for your response. ✨

November 8, 2023

Keep the Faith-A Poem

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Happy Wednesday, my friends. This may seem a little obvious, but I love writing. I’m always experimenting with different forms. The other day, I woke up with the inspiration to write a poem. I’ve never taken a poetry class; I don’t even read poetry. This may be really basic, but most will say it’s not good. I don’t blame you. All I can tell you is the Holy Spirit wrote it; I was just the instrument based on my expenses In the comments, please let me know what you think. This was one of my first.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8‭-‬9 NIV

People say my head’s in the stars

Can’t they see I’m holding back tears

Can someone please look past the scars

I’m trying to learn how to overcome my fears

People say go on dating apps

No picture I take can hide my wheelchair

Part of me wants to snap

I can’t just wipe it away like nar

Swipe left on the phone

Doesn’t anybody care

Swipe right I still feel alone

Jesus you’re always there

Come save my life

You do what I don’t dare

You are my spiritual wife

May your glory shine

With you I always have hope

May your will be done not mine

My faith is not gone, nope

Your plan will be revealed in time

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

Thank you for your response. ✨

October 18, 2023

Optimizing Life’s Challenges

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Greetings and happy Wednesday! WordPress.com informed me that I have been writing this blog for four years. I relaunched it with a podcast in March of 2022 The intention was to spark conversations about disability issues, both the positives and the negatives. Lately, I’ve been feeling spiritually restless, and a recent Facebook memory prompted me to reflect. Sometimes, we all need a reminder that God is watching over us, even when faced with life’s challenges. This is especially true for the disability community, which often grapples with questions like, “If God is perfect, why do people suffer from disabilities or other conditions?”

To address this question,I want to ask the Holy Spirit to help me speak the truth. Some have accused me of lacking humility or bragging about my accomplishments. My only aim is to leave the world a better place than I found it. I don’t hold any degrees; I have only a high school diploma. I pray nightly, seeking forgiveness for any wrongs I may have committed. Just as the song says, “This is me.” I can only speak from my experiences and give my opinions.

Next, the statement about being broke and having bills to pay: It’s straightforward. I’ve never cashed a paycheck from an employer because, as I’ve mentioned before, working would mean losing my health insurance. Unfortunately, many private insurance companies don’t cover wheelchairs, and because of my Cerebral Palsy, I will always rely on one. There’s no cure for my neurological condition, and my life expectancy shouldn’t be affected, barring other complications.

Now, the part that keeps me up at night is: Will I always be single? I’ve had a few relationships, both with disabled and non-disabled women, but they’ve been rare. It’s okay to admit that I feel lonely. There’s a space in my heart waiting to be filled. I have a small bucket list of things I’d like to do with that special person. Nevertheless, I keep putting myself out there because I have faith that someone is waiting for me.

“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? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11‭-‬12 NIV”

However, there’s something special about having Jesus in my life. It’s like having a friend who’s always there to make those empty spots go away. Just knowing that Jesus is with me helps me feel better when things are tough. So, even when life gets hard, I remember that Jesus is like a comforting blanket, filling those empty spaces with his love and warmth.

Yes, it’s tough. If I dwelled on all the things I can’t do for myself and how challenging my daily life is, I’d likely go insane. No medication or doctor in the world could heal me. So instead, I choose to focus on the little joys in life—the aroma of food cooking in my house, the sound of my brother’s laughter, texts and calls from family and friends, and checking my emails for messages from my advocacy colleagues. Negativity surrounds us daily, but the key is to seek out and embrace positive moments.

I always welcome comments and encourage anyone reading my posts to share their thoughts. Some may see me as a naive optimist, and that’s perfectly fine with me because it means you gave me the chance to show you more than meets the eye. I genuinely believe that God has a purpose for me and for all of us. Thank you for your time, and may God bless you. Thank you to my small but loyalFollowers for following me on this journey. If you feel so inclined please share

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

Thank you for your response. ✨

October 11, 2023

“My World is Beautiful” Interview with Brandy Rosley PBW OCT 1 2023 PT 1

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In the first episode for September, Kevin is excited to interview Ms.
Brandy Rosly is an excellent disability advocate. She shares her story about disability and dating. What it was like to be married, divorced, have kids, and marry again all while being blind. She goes to the gym and drives a car. This is a story everyone needs to hear. Please share it with as many people as possible—links to support the podcast are below.

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October 1, 2023

Breakdown of Me Before You

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Is there a book you’ve read more than once? Don’t worry, this is not another shameless plug for my book. I’m going to talk about another book. Admittedly, I’m more of a movie buff than a bookworm. I can count the books I’ve read more than once on one hand. For me to do that, the book must stand out. I want to start a new series on my blog where I break down books and other sources of media featuring The disability community. I know this is not a new idea, but I never claimed to be original. For this first installment, I will be discussing the film and book Me Before You by Jojo Moyes I both love and hate this piece of fiction.

Please note that this book and film are over 10 years old, and I will be discussing spoilers. So, if you don’t want the ending ruined for you, come back and read this later Emma Clark, the female protagonist, is one of my celebrity crushes. The only reason I watched the movie in the first place was because I read the book after watching the movie. I am writing this before I purchase the audiobook. I am recommending this book and film. However, there are a few things you should know first.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6‭-‬7 NIV

Quick synopsis Will Traynor was once a very athletic and active young man before becoming paralyzed. His mother hires Louisa Clark to accompany him and perform some caregiving tasks, but not any of his private ones. Another caregiver looks after those. It is clear from the outset that the disabled character is depressed and missing his former life. As often happens in the beginning, they are both annoyed with each other before falling in love. After overcoming hardships and learning to trust each other with their most intimate life details, like a sexual assault that occurred to the female character, It is revealed that Will had planned and assisted suicide a year prior. Unfortunately, it does not end happily, as he follows through with those intentions.

Before I begin, I want to say I am not a paraplegic or quadrilateral. I was born with a disability. Every person is different, and every person living with a disability is different. It is not for me to say If the character is an accurate representation of a quadriplegic. I usually don’t enjoy first-person narrators. This is overused in young adult literature. Keeping this story from the point of view of Louisa not only keeps this story interesting, but it also serves as an educational piece to teach outsiders about disability. It’s okay to show that disabilities can be intimidating. Having a disability can be overwhelming at times The disability community does not serve to inspire the rest of society. No one with a disability is positive all the time. Struggles with mental health are real. People with all kinds of disabilities can have successful romantic relationships, even quadriplegics.

The idea that individuals with disabilities often harbor thoughts of suicide explains Will Traynor’s desire to end his life. This portrayal oversimplifies the complex emotions experienced by people with disabilities Just because someone has a major disability does not mean they wish to end their life. I truly believe that pieces of media like this unintentionally feed the idea That we should be put out of our misery. We are not dear on the side of the road. We are human beings with the same rights to live as anyone else.

Another stereotype the book addresses is the belief that love cannot flourish in a relationship involving a disabled person. Louisa and Will’s connection is depicted as profound and heartfelt. However, the story inadvertently hints that love can only exist in the face of pity and tragedy when one has a disability. This portrayal undermines the possibility of genuine love in such relationships.

Literature like this can inadvertently propagate negative stereotypes. When books consistently depict individuals with disabilities as trapped in despair, they reinforce biases and restrict opportunities and expectations. As responsible readers, we should approach such stories with a critical perspective and use them as a starting point for conversations that challenge these stereotypes. By doing so, we can contribute to a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities are recognized for their unique strengths and abilities rather than being confined to harmful clichés.

Sources:

https://www.jojomoyes.com/books/me-before-you/

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