What makes a person who they are? Is it their gender? Is it their sexual orientation? Is it their ethnicity? Is it their faith? Is it the legacy they leave behind? Is it the way they’re perceived? Identity politics cannot define a human being As a Christian heterosexual Latino male with a developmental disability, I’m well aware of the labels society has put on me. Can you see me as Kevin?

“Labels are for soup cans, not people.” –Gary Rubin.

On the back of my business cards is a photo of myself with the quote, “Look at the person, not the disability.”

 This is how most people perceive me. My disability does not define me; however, it is a significant part of my identity that I cannot separate from myself. Likewise, I cannot hide my Puerto Rican heritage or my love for Jesus Christ. A person cannot be defined by just one trait. It is the intersectionality of all these characteristics, combined with their experiences, that shapes who a person is.

'And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 'Matthew 7:3

It’s wrong to judge or to have any bias. The fact is we  all judge and have unconscious biases. I am seen as an inspiration or as a token for society. Someone who looks like me should be offered more jobs than just the greeter at Walmart. I’m aware of how blessed I am. I know I was put on this Earth to be the voice for others. We all have gifts and blessings that others desire. 

 The label of “disability” is the one I have to wear to have access to programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. It has never been about a check in the mail, it is my key to life. Without it, I don’t have caregivers to get me out of bed in the morning. In my life, I’ve employed anywhere from 20 to 30 different Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Supporting individuals with disabilities does contribute to both local and federal economies.“Medicaid dollars”  helped me make notable accommodations to my home so I could live in a community and not be locked away. This will save taxpayers money in the long run. Any cuts or caps to these programs would be a slow death sentence. I have the same right to live as anyone else, but to do so, I have been placed in a societal box.

The elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is extremely damaging to the disability community, which has long been fighting to be seen, heard, and represented. Inclusion is more than just ensuring a certain number of people attend a specific event or hold particular positions; it’s about recognizing the person as a whole. Representation matters, but it must be approached carefully and purposefully to avoid confining ourselves to more boxes.

I know I’ve said a lot in this post, and I hope this can spark a series of conversations—that’s what I want. People from different ideologies need to start working and talking together. Democrats and Republicans are not evil; they’re human! Don’t categorize people. Don’t judge others before you truly get to know them. Learn to see the whole person, not just certain aspects of what you observe on the surface. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time.

Yesterday was election day in the United States of America. I love this country and am so proud to be American. This blog is not going to focus on any other election day results but rather on my personal experience as a disabled voter. It was amazing!

I’m almost 40 years old, so I have been voting since the 2012 general election. Usually, it’s very quiet and subdued at my polling place. I acknowledge that being a coworker is not easy. If I’m honest, previously, I’ve had limited interaction with them. They don’t usually say much after you sign your name before stepping into the voting booth. There are roughly about 32,000 people in my town. Before yesterday there was little turnout in my district. I never kept track but I feel there’s never been more than 10 or so people in line to vote when I’m gone. I’m not saying people in my township don’t vote I’m saying you don’t see them. I was expecting more of the same this year.

Mark 12:31 NIV [31] The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

After a medical appointment and running some errands, I arrived with my family around 6:30 p.m. There were easily over 250 people in line. We went to the back of the line and began to wait. For those of you who don’t know, I have a twin brother who also uses a wheelchair. One of the poll workers saw us and asked if we needed assistance voting. We informed her that we didn’t mind waiting we knew it was part of the process. I never knew there was a different entrance for the elderly and disabled at this polling place. It was nice to be recognized and accommodated. There was still a line but this one was accessible. It was not overwhelming. Fortunately, I don’t have sensory issues, but if I did, this would have been much safer. A shorter line is not about convenience.

My identification was verified along with my address to make sure I was in the right polling place. My brother could not reach the tablet to sign his name because the court would not stretch that far. Our father had to sign on his behalf. He had to document himself as our assistant. To sum this might seem like a hassle but it was nice to know my vote was safe and secure. My brother does not have the best communication skills so it was good for him to have my father as an assistant instead of having to communicate with someone else. Our father has always assisted us during the voting process, but it was never documented before. These extra steps matter. They assure equity and equality.

As an individual, I know my voice as a US citizen was heard. Regardless of who is living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue come January. I’m still going to live with disability I’m still going to have to fight for my rights. I know I did my part in the Democratic process and I did my civic duty. This country does not ask much of me. I was happy to cast my balance! Thank you for reading and may God bless America!