Forgive my horrific Canva skills, but here's my Snapshot for August, capturing my first couple weeks as a UAB transfer! Hoping to do one of these each month I'm enrolled & taking classes, but we shall see if I stick to it. Alternative text: A photo collage showcases 5 photos of Derek, a white nonbinary… Continue reading Snapshot: August 2025
Author: Derek I. Schmitz
Derek, 20, disabled, chronically ill, non-binary (they), and queer person.
Lead Advocate @ Derek Schmitz: Advocacy, accessibility consultant, author, and paralegal. Views mine, not a lawyer.
Alabama, USA - Progressive
CV Update
Following today's announcement of my acceptance into The University of Alabama at Birmingham, a new copy of my CV is available! Check it out: Schmitz Public Full CV_2508 (embedded, or click the file name to view)
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I’m a Blazer!
For as long as I've been alive, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has been my second home. I was born there, receive my braces from their partner organizations, attended hundreds of physical and occupational therapy appointments, and been treated by the best team of physicians anyone could ever ask for. And, now, I'm… Continue reading I’m a Blazer!
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Reflections on my Time at Gadsden State Community College
In this piece, I reflect on my time in the Paralegal Program at Gadsden State Community College, where I graduated from in May.
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Advocacy Alert: Comment by June 16 in Opposition of Department of Energy Accessibility Rule Changes
The Department of Energy currently has two "direct final rules" that will adversely affect disability rights. One of these rules removes regulations requiring new buildings to be accessible, and the other would remove accessibility requirements for older buildings and alterations to buildings. Further, the rules remove highly-specific language regarding accessibility requirements, called the Uniform Federal… Continue reading Advocacy Alert: Comment by June 16 in Opposition of Department of Energy Accessibility Rule Changes
Derek I. Schmitz 
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