The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Category: Guest Writers

  • Awakening the Disability Workforce

    Awakening the Disability Workforce

    Awakening the Disability Workforce

    By Jesse Schwartzman

    This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Celebrate how far we have come! The Disability Employment rate has never been higher! The labor participation rate for people with disabilities in 2018 was 37.8 percent; in 2024, it is now 40.0. Tremendous strides have been made! It is also important to acknowledge that more can be done and how we get there.

    How do we get there? Two things need to happen, Everyone needs to support each other and know that getting a job could take some time, especially a job with health care and a living wage. I enjoy what I do and most importantly I enjoy helping people. It makes me happy. My happiest moment last year was hearing that a former client heard back from her dream job and received a job offer. She has been working there ever since. I have yet to help anyone land their dream job this year, but the year is still not over. My inspiration for this opinion article is to inspire business owners, human resource officers, and the public at large to hire more people with disabilities. People with disabilities, stay at jobs longer and are great workers. If they need an accommodation it will not cost much money the average accommodation is $300. I would also like to say that if you are a person with a disability you should advocate for yourself. It is also important to advocate for others because there is strength in numbers. Every human rights moment was moved forward with a large number of people and yes disability rights are human rights.

    This passion for helping people with disabilities is very personal to me. I came out of college with an internship at a Senator’s office, multiple student leadership and work experiences as well as nearly graduating with honors. I thought I would have multiple full-time offers coming out of college boy was I wrong? I would have an easy time getting an interview based on my resume but when it came to going on the interview I would be so self-conscious as a person who stutters and born with missing fingers on my right arm. I would not get hired because I did not show that I could do the job and I do not bring the confidence or passion either. Through hard work, going back to school, and networking I finally got a full-time job three and a half years after I graduated college. I did not get a permanent full-time job in health care for 12 years after I graduated college. I never gave up but it took time. I saved up money to get driving lessons, and then a car so I could drive myself to speech therapy. I continued and to this current day continue to work on myself. Working gave me the ability to do these things and more. Work gives me purpose and the ability to better myself and maybe one day start my own family. I want every person in the disability community to be able to work if they want to work.

    I call on leaders in the disability field, elected leaders, people with disabilities, and the general public to not accept the status quo on disability employment. We need more mentors, more willingness to move forward on ideas, and most importantly more opportunities in society. The time is now to not just say these things but to truly implement them in real time. If you would like to join me and help advocate for more employment opportunities for the disability community here’s my email jesseschwartzman00@gmail.com I await your message.

    i

    Jesse Schwartzman is a disability advocate who has worked in the legal, political, and advocacy fields. He currently works as an outreach and advocacy worker in the disability field. Jesse enjoys helping people and watching sports and movies. He can be reached at jesseschwartzman00@gmail.com.

  • Finding your Belessings

    Finding your Belessings

    By David Champignon

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    Hello, loyal friends and readers. It’s David Champignon. My friend Kevin is hard at work on many upcoming writing projects and has asked me to step in for a few weeks in the interim. With that said, I would like to share something that my wife Jenny and I watched on Sunday. That night we saw the movie The Blessing Bracelet on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. To my amazement, it’s based on a genuinely beautiful story.

    A woman named Dawn had gone through a divorce and faced mounting doubt and the looming threat of foreclosure at the house where she and her son lived when a friend reminded her of bracelets she used to make. longing for something different but unsure of what exactly to do for those she loved. Like so much that happens in real life, the improvements started off slowly.

    Working at a local restaurant, she began giving the blessing bracelets to customers as a little something extra in addition to her existing great customer service skills. Part of the magic of the blessing bracelets is that they are made with four beads so that people can reflect on the four blessings present in their lives at any time of the day.

    Over time, her community, including her church, rallied around her, and she could barely keep up with demand for the bracelets. Dawn and her loving son made enough money to pay off their debt and cancel the foreclosure. To this day, blessing bracelets are a vibrant business you can order from for yourself or your family.

    What is the lesson here? While not everyone can be an entrepreneur and start a small business to bring joy and blessings to the world, the challenge is to remember the blessings we all have in life. Remember to not take things for granted, no matter how routine our lives get. Finally, remember that the people who matter in life will stick around no matter what. Love those people with all your heart and soul because those people are truly special. Have a great week, and I will see you next week.

    Sources:

    The Blessing Bracelet Movie

    https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/the-blessing-bracelet/about-the-blessing-bracelet

    https://decider.com/2023/04/10/we-found-the-bracelet-from-hallmarks-the-blessing-bracelet/

    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 Eternal Flame

    The Eternal Flame

    By David Champignon

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    Martin Luther King Jr had a dream that one day “his children would live in a nation where they would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”. Though human beings both tire and error his clarion call to action lives on in all who seek a better world not only for themselves but for their children and all future generations. Even though in today’s times it’s hard to be an activist or advocate I believe that in America and indeed the whole world today the eternal flame that makes us attempt to seek truly equal justice and a more perfect union is alive and well in the hearts of all people of goodwill. I know for most of us the road recently has been long, winding and sad. The losses from COVID-19 alone have been staggering and a heavy cross to bear. Please know that no matter the heavyness of the crosses that they aren’t ours to bear alone. Remember that in the souls of people of goodwill there is always the hand of God nearby to either let us continue on the path of righteousness or give us the tools necessary to change our actions and our hearts for the better.

    I for one have had to have my path righted to truly atone for actions that were clearly wrong both at the time and in retrospect. They where wrong and hurtful to people I deeply care about. However on my journey once I accepted help I was given the tools necessary to avoid those actions from occuring again and gladly use those tools everyday. The hardest thing for us to do as human beings is to accept the need for change in our hearts and actions. For even in those guided by the eternal flame accepting the need for change or the evolution of human beings is a hard winding and twisty road. Too often we see the need for change in others but not in ourselves.

    It’s always the other person’s fault whether it’s true or not. For those with the eternal flame inside their hearts the road can be long but God allows to stop along that road to see how we are doing in treating others well or not. For each one of us the question is are we approaching the intersection blind or do we still see the need to be beacons of light for other people? Do we in this uniquely challenging place and time still see both the need to acknowledge our successes but also be willing to do the work necessary to form that more perfect union we keep promising ourselves and future generations as the world keeps turning? My personal awnser is yes and I know others with courage follow that vision everyday and not only do I thank you but the rest of the world thanks you as well. Those with the eternal flame in their hearts pursue justice even In the face of injustice and hate. Those who have the eternal flame in their hearts seek justice and peace not onlu for those they like and admire but for every living soul the world over too. Those with the eternal flame of goodness in their hearts seek to make the world a better place even for those who would curse at them for doing that very thing. With these words go forth to love and serve the Lord and each other in whatever way you can. Peace be with you everyday warriors.

    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

    Subscribe
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    ← Back

    Thank you for your response. ✨

    ← Back

    Thank you for your response. ✨

  • What Is Our Charge?: David Takeover

    What Is Our Charge?: David Takeover

    Go to the about page to learn more about David
    by, David Champignon

    It has become an overused trope. millennials are lazy job hopers who have no patience for work or tolerance for bosses telling them what to do. Well for some at least part of this trope is true there is scant evidence if any that today’s young people deserve the scathing indictment some are ready to give them. 

    The world is not like it was when our parents and grandparents were young. There is no war in which the whole world is involved at the same time, taking sides for and against each other. There is no draft. At the moment there are smaller regional wars that are largely being taken care of by concerned regional partners without direct US military involvement. That could change at any time but for now, that part hasn’t changed. I firmly believe right after 9/11 had president Bush declared WW3 and instituted a draft America would have gone along with it. His clarion call during that time was to go shopping. I’m not saying that the military hasn’t made enormous sacrifices but largely the sacrifices are theirs and their families alone while the rest of us just go about our day as ordinary Americans only aware of the extraordinary sacrifices others make when it comes to our phones and television screens.

    In a way, we are better off than we were at the time of WW2 because our army is an all-volunteer army but it has also created a situation where the serious problems of the world are always taken care of by other people. Even from a street-level perspective when we see a fight or a rape in progress we go, “that’s sad.” and hope somebody else calls 911. “I’ve got to get to work,  ta ta for now.” 

    I swear we have one side of a recent generation that is every man or woman for themselves and there’s another side genuinely trying to make things better for not only themselves but other people. Unions are fighting for better wages, health benefits, and for our current generation not to be on call with our bosses 24/7 as we hold our baby in our hands and make dinner for our families with our free hand.

     To be clear, people can do this but people shouldn’t have to. We want to be able to go to the doctor without being fired from our jobs or being forced into economic disaster. If recent times have proven anything it’s that the vast majority of the world is more resilient than we give ourselves credit for not only as Americans but I genuinely believe as a world. So as the old question goes, “Will the kids be okay?” The short answer, I believe is yes.  We must also remember that the adults in every modern generation have said that the following one will be far worse off because of their ineptitude. At this point, that prediction is as old as time itself. With my optimism noted, there are things we can do to make the world a better place without having to move mountains.

     We have to make deliberate attempts to care more about each other. We should recognize that just because Ryan pulls Susie’s hair on the playground doesn’t mean Ryan will be an irredeemable serial killer for the rest of his life. Men and women evolve their political views change, groups don’t think monolithically and  We would be better off if we didn’t treat someone’s political affiliations or views as if it were a sports team we must be with no matter what. Oh, and while we are at it can we stop using the terms fake news or alternative facts.

     It is already difficult to navigate our changing world without one’s views being willing to accept new and emerging facts. We must also recognize cult behavior when it comes to our politics. One man or one woman alone can’t fix the problems that ale America and the world despite what anyone says. Real problems require thinking outside the box and coalition building even when embracing the concept is outside our interests. The concept of acting in the interest of the common good must be re-established and vigorously defended from age to age like it once was. There is no one size fits all solution to what troubles the world but I believe what I’ve written here is a good start toward improving the large canvas that is our collective souls.

    Source: 

    https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4552776/user-clip-bush-shopping-quote

  • July is Disability Pride Month

    July is Disability Pride Month

    By Jesse Schwartzman

    The following statement and subsequent article are written and produced by Jesse Schwartzman He is a tremendous disability advocate who formerly worked on Governor Philip Murphy’s reelection campaign in New Jersey I hope you all enjoy his fresh perspective.

    Progress has been made but it is not enough. We are at least 15 percent of the population but do you see people with disabilities integrated into society?
    It is time to uplift voices and bring our own seats to the table.
    Look to your left and your right disability can be hidden and happen anytime.
    The intersectionality is insane.
    Be kind to everyone, especially yourself.
    Do your best and improve at least 1 percent each and every day.

    https://njcdd.org/personal-touch-and-why-it-matters/
  • 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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    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

    Subscribe
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    Thank you for your response. ✨