Have you watched The Matrix? It might seem like just a cool sci-fi movie, but it’s actually way deeper. Beyond the awesome effects and action, it has important ideas about our lives and why we’re here. So, stick with me as I explain. Don’t worry, I won’t give away any surprises from the movie because it’s been around for more than 20 years. If you haven’t seen it by now, you really should.
Here’s the quick version: The main character, Neo, gets pulled out of a fake world called the Matrix. The twist is that the fake world is the world he’s been living in all his life. He’s told he’s the hero who will save everyone from machines ruling the world. When he is awoken, he doesn’t understand why his eyes hurt. They hurt because he simply hasn’t used them before.
As someone with a disability, I find this concept awesome. Who wouldn’t want superpowers and to save the world, right? For me, it’s not about flying; it’s about simple things like standing up to pee. Recently, after a tiring day, My body was in a lot of pain, so I took a break to relax. This is rare. I’m always on the go. or at least my mind is. It made me realize that we often don’t really use our brains to their fullest. We only use 10% of our brain’s power. I imagine what we could do if we focused more on our thoughts and feelings.I’m not saying we should ignore our responsibilities and disappear. I’m just saying that sometimes it’s good to take a break.
“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Mark 9:23 NIV
Neo had to believe in himself and make a choice to be a hero. Similarly, I choose to see myself as a person, not just a disability. I believe one day someone will hold my hand without thinking twice. We’re always bombarded with distractions. But we can choose to stop and see beyond what’s obvious. If we want things to change, we need to believe in something different. The door is open, but we have to step through it. Thanks for reading. I love all of 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
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.
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
Hey everyone, Now that Labor Day has passed It’s time to get back to blogging. As some of you know, I took the last two months off. To recuperate from surgery and finish my next book. This is my attempt at a life update. First, my hernia surgery was a complete success with no complications. Second, I didn’t finish writing my book, but I think it’s about 75% complete. Stay tuned for further updates. Life is full of opportunities for growth and transformation. Sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and make small changes.
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26 NIV
The first change I made was admitting I needed help I know I’m a small-time content creator. That’s perfectly fine with me. I want to do some good and deliver a positive message. There are so many distractions and responsibilities that seek our attention that I am truly amazed when someone takes a few minutes out of their day to read my blogs, listen to one of my podcasts, or buy my books. As you can imagine, this takes a lot of time and energy. This is my part-time job, essentially. My other part-time job is my official advocacy duties, where I serve on various committees on both the state and national level. Despite what you may believe, I do not get paid for any of it. This is a labor of love. Honestly, It can be a little overwhelming for me There is one blog per week and two podcasts a month at a minimum.
I promised myself when I started this journey a few years ago that I would never do it for the money. I hate asking for money. So, after much deliberation and prayer, I decided to employ “the value method.” If you, as a consumer, find value in my work, then please leave me a tip. Now at the top of each blog and podcast You can find a link to my CashApp and PayPal. You can also support the podcast directly. Think of it as a musician on the street If you like my tune, leave some change in the hat. No one is under any obligation, and the content will always be available.
If you follow my social media accounts, I post on them five out of seven days a week. quick little videos of positive reinforcement. Some days, this was more exhausting than producing a podcast. This was the only way I knew To promote my work. So I decided to get off the social media hamster wheel. From August 1st to September 1st, I deleted my social media account. Facebook,Twitter,Instagram, and Snapchat To be transparent, I did keep my LinkedIn, but I hardly ever used it before, and I didn’t really use it in that month anyway.
I have it for my advocacy connections. For the first three or four days, Every time I Went to grab my phone, I felt a little bit weird. We, as a society, have become addicted to social media. After that, I really didn’t think of it at all. I finished a few audiobooks. I wrote three times as much in my book. That was my main goal. It was easier to be more present. I had conversations with people both in person and via text. Without Facebook, you have to find out what the person has been doing. Social media is an important part of our lives. Sometimes you do want to see pictures of your friend’s birthday party or someone’s major life event. However, 90% of it is miscellaneous and forgettable information anyway. The only reason I went back to those accounts was because I hoped one of my videos would make a difference in someone’s day.
The last change I made was more of a personal one. I’m always complaining that I’ll never find someone special in my life. So, I decided to take a chance and do something I promised myself I would never do. Get on dating apps. It’s been about 2 weeks, and I haven’t had any real connections or conversations with anyone, but I figured. Faith without action is dead, so I have to keep putting myself out there. I took the first step and let God do the rest.
Whether it’s taking a break from old habits, trying something new, or seizing new opportunities, each step can lead to personal growth, self-discovery, and positive outcomes. So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and embrace change—it might just be the key to a more fulfilling and enriched life. I hope this wasn’t too boring of a first entry after a long summer off, but I wanted to keep you guys informed. Thanks for reading, and I will see you guys next Wednesday. Remember, podcast episodes come out on the first and 15th of every month.
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
Note: The following blog was written in 2020 based on my life experiences. There have been some major life events that have occurred regarding this portion of my advocacy journey. Before I share that, I must share this for context. I hope you enjoy it, and I will provide part two next week.
The word independence always makes me laugh. Individuals with disabilities are always pushed to be more “independent.” No one is truly independent; we all need a little help. I need more than most; there’s no denying that. I have a very good support system to help me live my day-to-day life. They help me with such things as bathing, dressing, and bathroom necessities. For me, this is not a big deal. It is the only way I know life. If and when I do anything out of the ordinary, that’s when things get a little bit more complicated.
As I mentioned previously, my life as a disability advocate was very unexpected. I’ve been presented with several different opportunities, and I do my best to capitalize on as many as I can. At this stage in my life, I want to make as much of an impact on the lives of others as possible. I want the work I do to last. I don’t want a fancy award or a statue. Just to see tangible evidence of what I have done. The proof will be seeing the smile on someone’s face. The majority of my work focuses on system change. I don’t work against the system; I work within it to come up with common-sense solutions.
I was recently given the biggest opportunity of my disability advocacy career, but I don’t know if I can do it because of my disability. Trust me, I know how ironic that sounds. The position is as follows represent seven states on a national level to advocate on their behalf. The organization is called SABE.
Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered is a national self-advocacy organization. Run by and for people with disabilities, completely independent of any political affiliation. In July 2018. I attended their national conference. I was asked to seek one of the representative positions. I would represent seven states as their lead advocate. I decided then that I would give myself two years to get myself ready and make all the right connections.
I would only have to travel four times a year to attend the organization’s meetings. The rest I can do remotely thanks to modern technology like Skype and FaceTime. The tricky part is that I have to find one person who is willing to travel with me to help with my personal care four times a year for a 2-year term limit. Not many people would trust a stranger with personal tasks like this. I can’t help but feel guilty. I always feel like I’m bothering someone in some way. There is so much planning and preparation that takes place beforehand. Most get scared off. I do not have a lot of medical needs. Getting me ready for the day and getting me ready to go to sleep are the hardest parts. It’s those little things that people take for granted. That’s one of the main reasons I started this blog. I want to raise awareness about the real lives of people with disabilities.
I’m not afraid of doing the work. Some people will be hard to deal with. I am sure about that. I still have to write up the proposal to acquire the funds I would need to attempt this venture. I know I must try. The purpose of life is to live life. I know there’s a good chance I will fail. Even if I get everything I need, there’s no guarantee I will win the election for the position. I don’t want to say, “What if?” I want to say, “I did.”
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV
2020. I laughed while typing those numbers. The year the world changed, I spent two years calling people in different states. I would tweet their state organizations to introduce myself. To get ready for the next conference. I found people willing to do my personal care. Like everybody else, they postponed their conference, but not by one year but by two instead. 2022. In today’s world, that’s a lifetime! The disability community has always had a lot of turnover. In two years, every person I talk to will most certainly be gone.
I never say never to anything, but it’s impossible to know where my life will be by then. Planning from 2018 to 2020 was easy because the world was in its established routine. Now there is no routine. One of the main reasons I wanted the position was to travel across the country four times a year. I’ve only ever gone to Puerto Rico and Disney World. It would have been cool to see new places.
I am looking for a new opportunity to make a difference for both the world and myself. What opportunities have you not taken advantage of? What things have not worked out for you? I hope this gives you something to think about. Thank you for your time. Another blog will come next Wednesday, as usual. All comments are welcome.
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
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
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.
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
Do people ever do little things or say little things that bother you? A pet peeve is defined as just that: ” Something that a particular person finds especially annoying.” I decided to do something a little bit different with this blog post. I want to tell you about one of my “pet peeves” to hopefully create a discussion about how people interact with each other. It bothers me when people say, “I hate people.” I can’t believe people hate every single person in the world that exists on the planet today. So, what exactly do people hate?
Jesus replied, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37, 39-40 NIV
We live in an on-demand society. We have the world at our fingertips, with unlimited amounts of information. You can have your groceries delivered to you within two hours. You can watch any show you want anytime you want. The fact is, people, do not work the same way. It takes time to get to know a person. With the invention of social media, we lead ourselves to believe that we do know someone. Then we are disheartened when it turns out that they were not who they said they were. We no longer use social skills to introduce ourselves, now we use keystrokes. Have you ever been to a party and seen all the kids in a corner together? They communicate with each other without ever saying a word to each other. I find this to be very sad.
We no longer have patience because everything comes to us right away. People may be rude and inconsiderate, but we no longer try to understand one another. If you think I’m wrong, answer this question Do you know your neighbor? Your best friends used to be your neighbors. I know these are just a few reasons why we all have lost the ability to consistently and effectively create a positive relationship. After reading this, I challenge you to speak to three new people in your world today. Take care, and I will see you next Wednesday as usual.
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
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
Greetings friends, I always want to hear from my audience please let me know how you are in the comments. I always get questions about my wheelchair. so, I decided to do something about it. Below are 10 things I want people to know about wheelchairs. I hope you all take away something from this. Enjoy and have a good day.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 NIV" https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-5
If you see someone struggling to push their wheelchair. Don’t just go behind them and push. How would you like it if someone grabbed your legs and made you walk?
Not all wheelchairs are the same. Most of the time their custom made. Just like every human, every wheelchair is different.
If you see someone in a mass-produced wheelchair. Please be patient they are probably uncomfortable. These chairs are not meant for everyday use.
If you see someone, open the door for them. Don’t cut in front of them because you’re in a hurry. It’s not polite to assume that someone else will help.
The wheelchair may be an extension of their body but unlike yourself, they can’t just clean it when they want to. If you see that it’s a little dirty don’t judge them.
Ask how to transfer them if you’re going to do that. Don’t just grab someone’s body. That would be very rude wouldn’t it?
Not all wheelchairs have tires filled with air.
The vision is at eye level come down to us if you want to talk to us. insurance companies generally deny those wheelchairs that raise up.
don’t ask if we have a license to drive the wheelchair you’re not the first person to think of that joke.
it is perfectly acceptable to have your children come up to us, just don’t be rude about it.
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
Greetings friends, I hope everyone is enjoying the peak fall season. As you know my name is Kevin. I started This blog as a pet project. little by little and with the grace of God. it took off. I wanted to create a space where people with disabilities could write and share their own stories. I am overjoyed to say I now have an official writing team. Please let me introduce you to them. You will notice that my introduction is the longest not because of vanity I just never expected to have anyone else on the website. I will be crafting a new one soon. I will also be adding archives very soon so you can keep up to date with all the writings. God bless you.
Note: The authors of this page write of their own free will. They receive No monetary compensation. Any opinions expressed are theirs alone.
David Champignon
David Champignon
Mr. David Champignon is a Political Science major from Edinboro University and a graduate of the New Jersey Partners in Policymaking Program. He is a proven leader and staunch advocate for people with disabilities. He currently lives with his wife Jenny in Sayre Pennsylvania. Alongside their dogs and cats, they are living proof that nothing is impossible. His experience blogging and semi-published works make him a perfect candidate to start this project with.
Kevin G. Nuñez Head Writer
Hello and welcome to my blog. I am happy you chose to spend a little bit of your time with me. I’ve been wanting to do this for some time now. Please allow me to introduce myself and what I want to do with this website. A lot of people click the follow button without ever reading the about me page.
The short answer is I’m a follower of Jesus with a smart-aleck mouth. Who advocates for people and families living with developmental disabilities. In New Jersey. At the moment of writing this, I’m a 34-year-old man living with Cerebral Palsy. It’s a neurological impairment. It affects the connection between my spine and my brain. I use a wheelchair as my main tool for Independence. I still have to depend on others to do basic tasks. like using the bathroom, getting dressed, and transferring in and out of my wheelchair. I was able to attend a public school and College. Only my physical body is affected by this disability, not my mind and heart.
Let’s begin with my Foundation Jesus and spiritual growth. As a child, my family made sure I always attended church. So, I always believed in god but over the years I struggled and forgot to establish my connection. it’s hard to feel a Divine spark sometimes when society can make you feel less than others. forget about being picked last to play sports I couldn’t even play kickball at recess. my support person would kick the ball for me. girls have run away from me when I tried to ask them out.
I can never work because if I do I lose my health insurance. I’m glad to say I never felt sorry for myself, it always bothered me that people did so. I never saw myself as any better or worse than anyone else. I never felt “special. ” Then one day in 2020 I found myself downloading a few Bible apps to find something that was missing. That’s when I had my moment, Jesus is like a smartphone that little device we can’t live without. we may have the world at our fingertips but the more you take it off the charger you are dying. at least once or twice a day you have to connect to a higher source to succeed and be everlasting.
The next part of my life is fun to explain, if you’ve ever seen the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding that’s my family. only instead of Greek and Windex Puerto Ricans use Vicks Vapor Rub on everything! They are loud and they will always tell you what’s on their mind without the consideration of a filter. Yet, when you need support and need someone to have your back on the darkest day. There’s not a better group of people to have in your corner. The best part is throughout my life we have been able to add members of the family that are not blood who would do the same thing for me.
The next thing you’re wondering is what I do with my life besides writing these blogs. I am currently the vice chair of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities. I realized pretty early on in life that I was given in this disability for a reason. I didn’t know what the reason was didn’t know what that reason was. Like I said believed but was not connected. I had to speak out for others who could not speak for themselves. it is a labor of love as I am nothing more than a well-recognized volunteer. I’ve never received any monetary compensation for any of the work I’ve done.
As for this website, it’s also a labor of love. There are so many misconceptions about the disabled population and the general public. I wanted to bridge the gaps between both worlds by sharing my own experiences. not for vanity but to put some actual positivity in the world. Please feel free to check out the Media Center and other publications on this website to see more work I’ve done to assist those like me.
The very last thing I want you to know about me is, I’m single ladies! I did not start this website to meet women. I promise you that but at this point, there is no point in not putting myself out there anything could happen. we need to learn to love the person and not what they can offer us like some sort of business arrangement. Yes, I know so many people can not handle a relationship. Due to the nature of their disability but everyone is affected differently by the disability. I will never be on the cover of People’s sexiest man addition. they keep denying my application. (LOL) That’s what I want to change. We need to see the person and not the disability.
That’s everything friends, if you have any questions please leave them in the comments I will be sure to read all of them. Follow my social media accounts linked to this website I post on them regularly. There will be new posts every Wednesday. Take care of each other and love each other. Have a great and blessed day see you soon.
Jesse Schwartzman
Jesse Schwartzman
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.
Nicholas Taubenslag
Nicholas Taubenslag
My name is Nicholas Taubenslag. I am a passionate transportation advocate for the Disabled Population.
I started my advocacy journey at New Jersey Partner’s In Policy Making where I learned about the history of advocacy. As well as the Disability Rights issues that are facing us presently. For example, Inclusive Education, SSI and Medicaid, Housing, and of course Transportation.
I hope to be an asset to this blog and spread my knowledge and life experience to the Disability Community as a whole.
The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog 