The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Tag: Disability Awareness

  • Lessons From Chess

    Lessons From Chess

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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    Hi friends, I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday. What are some of the hobbies or sports you like to participate in? I am 35 and have limited mobility due to my disability. So my options are limited. Yes, there are challenge or baseball leagues, and the Special Olympics has every sport you can imagine. I’m at the age where most other participants are either way too old or way too young. In addition, the concept of everyone getting a trophy or metal at the end doesn’t seem right to me. Most importantly, it would take 50 more steps if I just wanted to play wheelchair basketball for an hour. What if I just wanted to distract myself for a few minutes? Yes, there are plenty of video games with adaptive controllers. That truly is wonderful. However, I wanted something more realistic and a guaranteed challenge.

    “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;” Proverbs 1:2‭-‬3 NIV

    I recently discovered chess. I know the game of chess has been around almost forever, but it really is a brilliant game, and it has so much to teach us about life. I picked up the following lessons from playing the game, among others Have a good day, everyone. Let me know in the comments if anyone has tried playing chess and what they’ve learned from it

    • No matter how much you can or cannot move, you can still play even if someone else moves the pieces for you because every piece and square on the board has a name.
    • Chess is not for nerds! It’s a very social game you can always learn from other players. Especially in today’s world with players constantly streaming their matches. Players of all races are represented. There’s always someone waiting to connect even if it’s just to teach or play a game.
    • I currently have the lowest rating in all of Chess, but it is almost impossible to play the same game twice so you always constantly being challenged and learning a new strategy.
    • Every piece on the board has a specific role you have to see the big picture. I specifically enjoy this aspect because we get so focused in this world about what we’re doing in the moment we never take a step back to look at the whole board of life.
    • Most people when they start a plan of any kind. Get excited when they start a new project but lose interest in the middle and never get to the end. In chess the middle game is where the challenge really begins. The game will not end until the king is captured so you constantly have to keep adapting to a new scenario.
    • After you play games, you have to study your mistakes. In life people don’t want to learn from mistakes but in chess if you don’t analyze your past you can’t get better in the future.
    • Chess does not require physical strength, but strictly. Your mind and your heart working together.

    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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  • God is Accessible

    God is Accessible

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    Hello, wonderful humans! Most people will say that God or some divine force is always with us, but how do we get access to him? It’s easy to save things like reading the Bible or going to a house of worship. Let us do that. However, what if you can’t read or get out of the house easily? The tagline for this website is “Disability and Spiritual Awareness.” I believe this post will embody that message. I identify as a Christian, and this is part of my spiritual journey. I have no intention to start a spiritual debate at this time. These are the tools that I use daily as a person with a disability to spend time with our wonderful creator. This list of resources is based on my personal experiences. Click on each link to learn more. If this topic does not interest you, you are more than welcome to come back next week. 

    All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 NIV
    • YouVersion/ Bible app This is the most popular app people use because it is available in multiple languages and can be read to you in various languages. You can also highlight in different colors. I can read however with my disability my eyes don’t always want to track To the end of the line. My eyes like to jump down a few lines. It’s not like dyslexia where the letters get jumbled up. I can read effectively it just takes a lot longer.
    • Through The Word(TTW) When I began my journey through scripture, I did not know where to start All I knew is I couldn’t start on page one. In an audio guide, a pastor breaks down each chapter. A one-on-one Bible study. Right there in my headphones. All the themes are separated into journeys. Most of the pastors are men, as a disabled man sometimes it is more relatable to hear from another man. They just did a series called The Manhood Talks To encourage men with faith issues.
    • Blue Letter Bible This app is designed specifically for Bible study It has tons of audio guides and commentaries to break down scripture. When you study the word you always have tons of questions This app helps answer them.
    • Day One Journal This is not an app designed for Bible study. This is where I write down all my thoughts and prayers at the end of the day. I love Jesus but I’m not really good at talking to him throughout the day This is how he and I spend quality time together.
    • Vizion Church-YouTube Since the outbreak of the pandemic, there have been thousands of virtual worship services. I wasn’t sure which one to try because all of them are fake and want money. I was determined not to join any of them. One day, the Holy Spirit said to look up the prodigal son. I came across Pastor Tyson’s sermon, and something just clicked. I don’t know how else to describe it. Since June of last year, I have not missed a Sunday service The pastor doesn’t know who I am. The only one who interacts with me is whoever runs the chat on Sunday live session The Holy Spirit does the rest.
    • The Righteous of God Facebook Group Another part of my stubbornness was that I would not join any Facebook groups because those are where most of the hypocrites are. Anyone can post anything they want, but do something different behind the screen. This group is run by an old friend of mine from school A person who’s not ashamed of their past and is not afraid to tell it like it is. They have several discussion boards and will always respond to every question. The leaders of the group will simply be there for 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

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  • The Language Rabbit Hole

    The Language Rabbit Hole

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    The following was an opinion piece Kevin Nuñez wrote for the Burlington County Times in March 2020. Click here to read

    I am a 32-year-old disability advocate living with cerebral palsy. I am of sound mind and spirit, and I’m inviting you to go down a linguistically inspired rabbit hole with me to start a much deeper conversation about human awareness and language.

    Before beginning, I know what I’m about to say is controversial and might raise more questions than answers. I am trying to make people aware of the way we are communicating with one another. Unlike Alice in Wonderland, we cannot wake up from this nightmare. Just like my disability, it will not disappear. This should be an ongoing conversation, with people allowed to draw their own conclusions. We should learn to understand the meaning behind words and phrases before we use them. If we look up the etymology of most words, we would find a negative connotation for most of them.

    My function as an advocate is to educate and collaborate with others to better the lives of those affected by disability. I have come to realize that I am more of a human advocate, because everyone has a disability.

    One day, I was giving an orientation to new direct support professionals (DSPs) on how to treat individuals with respect and so forth. Later that night, I was out with friends whom I have not seen in a long time. During the conversation, they jokingly used the R-word once. I did not want to break up the conversation and begin a lecture on disability and why the word is offensive. No one at the table was trying to be offensive; there was no malice behind it. I immediately cringed internally. What was I to do? I can’t wear my advocacy hat all the time. I have the right to have fun as well.

    The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.- Proverbs 14:15 NIV

    When the night ended, I pulled the one person aside and simply explained the situation. That person apologized, and that was the end of it. There was no need to cause a scene in the middle of a restaurant. I did not have to shame them in front of everyone. We didn’t have to stop being friends because they made a mistake. All I had to do was express myself in a calm way and make sure they didn’t forget it.

    These days, everyone preaches acceptance, but we also need to preach tolerance. People will say the wrong thing. This does not mean they should be punished for the rest of their lives. Words are tools, like hammers and knives. Yes, they can be used to hurt. They can also be used to build and create wonderful statements that can change the world. We are so quick to destroy anyone who says something we don’t like, instead of educating them to make the change.

    Comedian Kevin Hart made a joke many years ago about how he would discipline his son if he ever said he was gay or transsexual. At the last Oscars ceremony, Hart was scheduled to host. There was such a huge uproar about his statement that he removed himself. If we are going to judge every word every person ever said, then we should all put tape over our mouths and learn to communicate telepathically.

    In conclusion, language is like comedy — totally subjective. It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it. Tone and delivery matter. Think of it like this: Have you ever texted someone and then had to send another text immediately after to explain it?

    How we communicate is like driving. Everyone does it a little differently. We have all sped up and broken a rule once in a while. We may cause a major tragedy, a tiny fender bender, or get away with it.

    We can do only so much. First of all, know your audience. Find the most effective way to deliver your message. Learn to accept feedback and reactions. Most importantly, be patient with how to respond to someone’s message back to us.

    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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  • Restarting Life

    Restarting Life

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    I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14 NIV


My name is Kevin Nuñez I live with Cerebral Palsy and I cannot do the simplest tasks like tie my shoes. In my senior English class, I had to write a practice essay question for college applications. For some, I’m sure it was just a silly assignment. For me It’s something I never forgot.  “If life had a reset button, would you press it? Like every big decision, they’re pros and cons, so let me give you both of them before I give you my answer.

The negatives: Lack of spontaneity, because I need help from others to do so many daily tasks, I rarely get the feeling. I’m just doing what I want when I want it. Everybody likes the idea of staying in bed an extra 15 minutes. What if you can’t get out of bed until your caregiver shows up for their shift? Feeling like a burden, I have had so many family and friends rearrange their schedules just to include me and sacrifice so much. That it honestly hurts me I just want to run away when in fact that is the last thing I can do. The disability community is the largest under-served population in the USA. That is because they lock us into a system of poverty. It’s simple, the belief is if you work you’re not disabled. That doesn’t consider so many obvious factors most insurance companies Don’t cover wheelchairs or other daily used devices. You want to strengthen to be the best person you can be the fact is you cannot. At 33 It’s no longer amusing to be single. Finding someone to share your life with is simply part of the human experience. Disability and relationships sometimes don’t mix well. Some people  Will never give you a chance to see you as anything more. People have their little check boxes of what they think a partner should be. People were not designed to be put into boxes.

The positives: The kindness and generosity of others, This world can be really dark. I have seen the very best in people. I find the light and the goodness in everyone. No one is all bad, despite what others say. The willingness to not give up so many people who have “everything” Simply choose to do nothing with it. I never look to be an inspiration. However, if I make one person strive to be better through my actions. Then I have helped the world and we should all want to leave the world better than you found it. God’s blessings, I have had so many fortunate and unique adventures that would not have happened if it was not for this disability. From Being on a local radio show as a little kid. To meet with legislators in Washington, DC. I can’t say that me and God have had the best relationship over the years, but I have definitely become a man of faith. I am so grateful for all that I have. I may not have had a lot of relationships to brag about, but I have stayed friends with all them. The simple fact is If you give a person with a disability a chance. You see that the relationship is much deeper and fulfilling because we go past all the typical surface issues that most people cannot get past.  

I am well aware some of you out there would gladly say that you would press the restart button. Regardless of If you had a disability or not. My point is simply this, We have to stop looking at the bad. So we can find the good. By doing this, you do not deny the bad. You are just searching for a unique perspective. Will fully admit, there is no longer a straightforward answer to this question. Some days are tough. That’s just part of life. My answer is still the same as it was all those years ago. I cannot and we’ll never wish to start my life over again.

    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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  • A Message for Young Advocates

    A Message for Young Advocates

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    Salutations to my dear friends. I hope you guys are all enjoying the early days of spring. Every once in a while, we all need a pick-me-up. I decided to write one for my fellow individuals who may be having a hard time right now. Please read or share this with any individuals with a disability of any kind who are going through a difficult time. I, the writer, have a disability, so I hope my words can provide additional comfort. What I’m going to do to make this writing a little more digestible, is list ten brief statements for you to ponder over. Please note the order does not indicate importance; it’s just the way it came out of me.

    I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14 NIV
    • Just because there is something medically wrong with you does not mean there’s anything wrong with you. Scientifically one in four people are diagnosed with some form of developmental disability. It is universally understood that no human is perfect, therefore there has to be something wrong with everyone.
    • Don’t let your bad days distract you from remembering the good days.
    • You are under no obligation to accept someone’s evaluation of you.
    • Everyone always fights for what they want, don’t let them make you feel less than for doing the same.
    • Your disability cannot stop you from having a life, only you can do that. Learn the difference between existing in living.
    • if you want people to see you as a person, you must do it before the public does.
    • Your disability does not give you an excuse to treat others any less than you want to be treated.
    • Learn to rest and exercise both your mind and your body.
    • We are never abandoned without a gift. Once you learn what yours is, do not be afraid to use it.
    • Find a small circle of friends, not a large number of acquaintances.

    I pray this small blog finds someone who needs uplifting and encouragement. Remember, you are not given anything you cannot handle. Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

    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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  • 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
  • Seasons of Life

    Seasons of Life

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    Living the Extraordinary Life episode 2

    In the second episode of her podcast Ms, Betsy Lee takes us through the hardships of watching her daughter undergo multiple surgeries. faith was the only thing that could and would get her through it. Her emotions can be felt in every syllable of her voice. You can find joy in the hard seasons of life. This is a real testimony.

    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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  • In the Beginning…

    In the Beginning…

    Living the extraordinary life episode 1

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    In her first episode, Ms. Betzy Lee describes the early years of raising her disabled daughter Mindy—the joys, successes, and failures. She lays it all down along with her love for Christ. This uplifting message should be heard by all parents raising disabled children. There is hope there is life. Don’t give up! Click on the link for more information.

    Available on podcast platforms

    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 Big Choice

    My Big Choice

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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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    My mother used to read a book to me as a child called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I usually keep my posts uplifting and/or educational. I have one rule never publish anything I write when I am upset or feeling anxious. Today I’m choosing to break that rule to hopefully help someone else. I’m not thinking of anyone in particular. I know in my spirit someone else needs these words. Today I went to talk about two subjects that the mere mention of them makes my skin crawl.” Inspiration Porn” and Valentine’s Day. Let me explain, according to Urban Dictionary inspiration Porn is defined as:

    “A portrayal of people with disabilities as one-dimensional things that only exist to warm the hearts and open the minds of able-bodied people.”

    An example of this is when we see a video on social media of a handsome young man who took a girl with Down syndrome to the prom to make her and everyone else feel good. There is more to a person than just their disability. We are all taught to look past a person’s physical skin color. disability has no skin color. Yet, when you see someone like me rolling up to you the disability is all you see. I was that kid who was taken on a mercy date to prom. That’s a larger story that I will save for another day.

    Today I am “inspirational” because I self-published a book on Amazon and I have a slowly growing podcast. Most folks purchase my book without finishing it. Spoiler alert! There is a whole chapter against “ inspiration porn”. I feel like I should issue a massive refund. in February I began offering bonus episodes for paid subscribers to the podcast. I currently have one subscriber. He is my friend. I should give him his money back. The truth is if I offered the kind of subscriptions with nude photos I might make some money. I don’t want any money! I can’t lie It hurts to produce all this content and people miss the message.

    This brings me to my second point I cannot stand Valentine’s Day! I am well aware it is the stupidest holiday America invented I’m writing this the day before Valentine’s Day. at 35 from this world’s point of view, I am a failure. I have no official job. I cannot live on my own. I am not the typical man a girl pictures when they go on a date. I’m not giving up on finding someone, However, Valentine’s Day is my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Not because I feel bad for myself but because for a lot of people, those misconceptions are true. People with disabilities are isolated. They are abused mentally, physically, and sexually, daily. most by the very people who are supposed to protect them. forced into financial slavery while people waste money on things they don’t need.

    So why do I choose not to give up? for me, because my hero and big brother Jesus did not give up on me. He suffered so others wouldn’t have to. I am not self-righteous. I have countless sins. I am not a pastor, a priest, or a rabbi. I am saved by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. I believe that I and those like me other “lucky ones” choose not to sleepwalk through life.

    “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
    Romans 15:13 NIV

    The other day I had a dream. I was dreaming of walking on a beach with Jesus holding my hand. it lasted less than 2 seconds because I was woken up by the garbage truck coming down my street. I know this is a lot to think about and this is probably part of a larger conversation. Some of you might think I’m crazy.

    Here’s what I know, this world is unfair, unkind, and ungrateful. I know I may have a lot of more unpleasant days in front of me and people will not understand a lot of what I go through no matter how many ways I describe it. That’s okay because I don’t do it for them, I do it for him. it may not be fun at the moment but 100 lonely Valentine’s Day’s is worth the rest of the eternity. Do you think Jesus enjoyed the events leading up to and then going up on the cross?

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