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

It’s Okay: COVID-19 Edition

Derek I. Schmitz

I’m feeling like an advocate this morning so I’m just going to put these out there. During the pandemic, remember this: It’s okay to not be okay.It’s okay to be sad/depressed/anxious about COVID-19.It’s okay to be unproductive.It’s okay to not have motivation to get out of bed.It’s okay to need a break from social media.It’s… Continue reading It’s Okay: COVID-19 Edition

My Thoughts after being Outed as LGBTQ, and still being religious afterwards

Derek I. Schmitz1 Comment

Coming out should be an experience that you can control. You should be able to tell who you want to tell, when you want to tell them. Unfortunately, myself and many other LGBTQIA+ teens lose their control of that experience. Outing an LGBTQ person is never okay. If you've experienced any type of outing, I… Continue reading My Thoughts after being Outed as LGBTQ, and still being religious afterwards

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Derek I. Schmitz

Hey y’all, As most of you know, I have a condition called Cerebral Palsy (CP) caused by brain trauma during my premature birth. What I bet most of y’all don’t know is that March is CP Awareness Month. Cerebral Palsy affects 10,000 babies per year and is the most commonly diagnosed childhood motor disability in… Continue reading March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Children’s of Alabama AccessibiliTEA Shirts Relaunch

Derek I. Schmitz

The AccessibiliTEA shirts did very well last time, and due to popular demand, they’re back for a limited time starting Sunday, March 15! We’re fundraising for Children’s of Alabama again just in time for spring! Last time, we sold 11 shirts and raised $36 for Children’s! We can do better this time! We must sell… Continue reading Children’s of Alabama AccessibiliTEA Shirts Relaunch

Blog Rebrand Coming April 2

Derek I. Schmitz

New changes are coming on the Derek I. Schmitz website on or before April 2. We will have a new layout, cleaner tags and categories, and most importantly the new Contributor opportunity! Stay tuned, the new layout debuts at 1pm CDT on April 2!