The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Tag: disability blogger

  • Fighting for One

    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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  • A Valentine’s Day Message

    A Valentine’s Day Message

    Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope this blog brings some joy to your day. Over the weekend, many couples celebrated Valentine’s Day, which is honestly my favorite holiday. Even though we should show love to our friends and family every day, it’s easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of life. That’s why having a special day dedicated to love is so important.

    To me, Valentine’s Day isn’t about fancy gifts like flowers and chocolates. It’s more about showing genuine care and support for someone, even in small ways.

    Now, let’s talk about something important: advocating for people with disabilities. Before we get into it, I want to be clear. Some people with disabilities may not be able to understand or consent to romantic relationships, and that’s okay. But for those who can, it’s important to challenge misconceptions about what they’re capable of.

    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4‭-‬5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

    Years ago, people with disabilities were often kept out of sight in institutions. But things are changing, just like they did for the LGBTQ community. It takes time, but education and breaking down stereotypes are key.

    Having a disability can make romantic relationships more challenging, but it’s not impossible. It just takes understanding and communication from both partners. There might be people who don’t understand or stare, but love knows no boundaries, whether one or both partners have a disability.

    It’s important to see the person beyond their disability. I’ll share links to two couples who are in integrated relationships to show that it’s possible. I promise to keep talking about this topic regularly in my blog because awareness is important, just like having accessible facilities.

    I’m sending love to everyone who needs it today, and I’ll see you next Wednesday!

    Sources:

    Roll with coal and Charisma

    Squirmy and Gloves

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  • A Believer

    A Believer

    You may have noticed that the title of this blog is “A Believer. No, it’s not a profile on Imagine Dragons. I’m certainly not going to sing the song for you. This post would get flagged for inappropriate content if I did. “I live by faith, not by sight.” I want to tell you three things that I believe will happen in my life. I have no logical reason to tell you why these things will happen; in fact, the odds are none of them ever will. However, as Han Solo once said, “Never tell me the odds!” I’ve learned that this life is a journey. The problem is that most people give up on their journeys because they don’t get immediate satisfaction. The greatest things take time and effort. 

    ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ For we live by faith, not by sight.

    My dad is a gigantic Mets fan. To his disappointment, I grew up a Yankees fan because all my friends were Yankees fans growing up in the mid-to-late 90s. I wonder how many followers I just lost by admitting that. Anyway, when Mets catcher Mike Piazza was inducted into the Hall of Fame, I watched it with my father. I can’t remember a word of what Piazza’s speech was, but I remember his father crying like a baby just because he was so proud of his son. Obviously, there is no Hall of Fame for the work I do, but if one day I get some sort of award, I believe I will give a speech in Spanglish and make my whole family cry. Parents and grandparents, please bring your tissues. The day is coming.

    “You will find someone one day.” I find it really annoying when people say this to me, presumably because I have heard it since I was 17, and since I am 36, I am running out of “some days.” It is difficult to hope for someone special because it gets harder and harder to put yourself out there every time. I know I’m not alone. I also know that it can happen. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and experienced it to some extent. If the Israelites can walk 40 years in the desert, then I can wait a little longer. I think I will spend the next 24 hours just talking and getting to know a kind woman. I do not care if she spends the entire evening in a hazmat suit while curled up on her bed, as long as she can see the true me. What matters is the connection, not the sex.

    The final one is somewhat, but not truly, new. I envision myself and my brother living in a house that is more like a duplex, where we can be together but still have our own space, or at the very least, be close enough to one another to be able to see one another when necessary. Without a doubt, my brother is smarter than I am. He is capable of directing his own care, so in some ways he can take care of himself. He reminds me of things most of the time. The issue is that, with the amount of support and physical accommodations, it’s extremely expensive. People never realize how expensive it is to actually have a disability. Disability is big business.

    I know some of you think after reading this that I’m nothing but an ignorant fool, and I fully understand if you believe that none of this will happen to me. I know most days it’s hard to believe, but that’s why we have to believe. I can’t get the award for my family if I don’t put in the years of work for others first. No girl is going to show up at my front door waiting for me to take her away to a magic castle. The Extreme Makeover Home Edition TV show will not show up on my front lawn to design a house for my brother and me. I have to take the journey through all the highs and lows. It will not be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Please tell me in the comments: What do you believe? Thanks for reading, and have a great day.

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  • Disability and the American Dream

    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.

    “provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of liberty.”

    free and both of the US Constitution

    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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  • The Dream Job

    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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  • Spiritual Breakthrough

    Spiritual Breakthrough

    Hello readers, I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for spending a few minutes of your busy day with me. I had a really nice moment that I want to share with you all today. Before I do, let me just give a quick recap of who I am and my mission for this website, in case I have any new visitors.

    My name is Kevin, and I’m a Puerto Rican male living with cerebral palsy from New Jersey. I serve on various state and national boards advocating for people with disabilities. The purpose of this website is to create conversations about faith, society, and disability. The Purposely Broken World produces two episodes a month. On the 1st and 15th of every month. With the accompanying blogs every Wednesday. In addition, every so often, I have a few contributors that add to the website. For example, Miss Betzy Lee hosts the Living the Extraordinary Life Podcast.

    I will never charge for any work produced on this site. If you enjoy it, please leave me a few dollars in my Cash app or PayPal. There is also a link to support the podcast directly. Think of me as a musician just playing a song on the street. All links are above every post.

    As a writer, I’m always finding myself in front of a keyboard, typing my way through an idea. It may not surprise you to find out that I have a journal where I write letters to Jesus. Essentially, they are my prayers. On rare occasions, I share them with a friend. After reading it, I was asked a simple question: “Why don’t you ask God to help you walk?”

    This might sound naive or even strange, but I never gave it much thought. Once, when I was down the Atlantic City boardwalk, two inebriated gentlemen asked to pray over me. I didn’t want to be rude, and prayer is always good, so of course I said yes. They prayed that the demon would leave my body so I could walk. This was years before I was saved, so I didn’t take it seriously. Truthfully, I thought it was a bit rude. After all, they didn’t even say my name when they prayed.

    I will not lie my disability can be exhausting. People think it’s all about not walking and not being able to do stuff. There is no day off, which can be annoying, but it is what keeps me up at night. Even the best mother has been known to hide in her bathtub for a few extra minutes. Any dad will admit that they have stayed in the driveway of their house just to finish a song before going in. I can’t go for a run when I feel stressed. Physical therapy is not the same thing as a workout at the gym. Like most people, when I pray, I ask for my family, my friends, and a loving partner to accept me. Here is a fact: God is not a genie. One of the biggest challenges as a Christian is accepting his will over your own.

    I do not believe that God is not punishing me. I don’t believe I deserve to walk. My life purpose is to accept the gift of grace he’s giving me. I don’t have perfect faith. I also know that I don’t need to have perfect faith. I realized by thinking about this simple question that I’m not the man I used to be, nor am I the man I want to be. I think a lot of people like to pretend and lie to themselves about how strong they are in their faith as if they could show it off on Instagram. It’s okay to say you don’t understand God’s plan right now. It’s okay to say I’m willing to be God’s miracle. A miracle is more than just splitting the sea. It’s answering a text from my friend. It’s buying someone dinner. It’s doing a Bible plan with a friend. Faith is laughing until your ribs hurt. Faith is not being afraid to ugly cry.

    I can’t say I’ve ever seen myself walking down the street. However, I never thought I’d be going to Washington DC, regularly to be the voice for others. I just made the arrangements for my next trip in April. I know I’m going to dance with Jesus one day. That’s what faith means to me. At the age of 36, here’s my new prayer.

    ‭‭John‬ ‭9:1‭-‬3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [1] As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” [3] “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

    “Jesus,

    My Lord and Savior. The keeper and protector of my faith. It would be wonderful to run, jump, and take showers by myself. If you’re willing, may I be healed physically so I may be able to do things like everyone else? So my life won’t be so hard.

    More importantly, may I be healed spiritually. So that I may be a miracle for your glory to help others. My life may not be easy, but because of this journey you gave me, I’ve done more than I ever thought I would. I’ve surprised so many people, including myself. Keep the devil from me so I may continue to thrive. My life can get lonely, but I know that with you by my side, there will never be a moment alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, I say

    Amen

    Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this very personal testimony. Have a good day. Tell me in the comments: What do you pray for?

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  • People with Disabilities under Surveillance

    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

    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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  • Everyday Personal Questions

    Everyday Personal Questions

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    Hey there, folks! I hope you’re all having a great day. My last few posts have been serious. I wanted to have some fun this week. Today’s blog post is all about challenging some common misconceptions that people have, especially when it comes to disabilities. My goal is to connect the disability community with everyone else out there. I have to admit, it’s a bit nerve-wracking to share this, but when you’re talking about life with a disability, honesty is key. So, let’s dive into three questions that I often get asked.

    ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:15‭-‬16‬ ‭NIV‬‬  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

    How do you pee?

    People often assume I use catheters because of the lack of sensation, but having Cerebral Palsy doesn’t necessarily mean I can’t feel. Using catheters can be uncomfortable and increases the risk of infections, so I opt for a urinal bottle. It’s a straightforward process—my caregiver helps me out, and I go about my day.

    How do you poop?

    This question is a bit tricky because asking for help isn’t easy. When I’m placed on the toilet, I can balance myself, but for the rest, I rely on someone close to me to assist. It’s a vulnerable situation, but knowing they care makes it easier to handle. It’s a bond we share, and it’s part of my daily routine.

    Does your junk work?

    Yes, it does. I have a fully functional system. This question comes up a lot, and I’m always cautious, especially when someone sits on my lap. It’s not uncommon for them to be surprised, but just like any other couple, we figure out what works for us.

    I get that these topics might make you a bit uncomfortable, but that’s okay. The point is to shed light on different experiences and break down misconceptions about disabilities. It’s cool to ask questions, just be mindful of who you’re asking and remember that everyone’s experience is unique.

    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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