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

Book Writing Update 1

Derek I. Schmitz1 Comment

Hey guys! If you didn't know already, I'm an author. I've completed one book that needs to be published and am writing a couple others right now. In fact, that's what I've spent most of my summer doing. I'm excited to one day share with you all everything that I have been writing.

Validation and Feeling Valid

Derek I. Schmitz6 Comments

Validation is a huge thing in both the disability and LGBTQIA+ communities. The definition of the word is to offer recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile. The definition of valid is having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable or cogent. It is important that… Continue reading Validation and Feeling Valid

Person-first or Disability-first language

Derek I. Schmitz2 Comments

Let's start this post with an example of both languages. Disabled person is disability-first, as it describes the disability that the person has before the gender. Person who has a disability is person-first, as it puts the gender/fact that they are human before the disability. Different people prefer different usages. Disability-first, to me, means that… Continue reading Person-first or Disability-first language

Don’t be “Sorry” about Disability

Derek I. Schmitz

Please don't pity disabled people. We live with what we are given. We understand that our situation is different, but most of us know how to adapt around it. Pitying us gets us nowhere. Validation gets us somewhere. Pitying makes us feel bad (or worse) about the disability or condition that we live with. We… Continue reading Don’t be “Sorry” about Disability

Welcome to my NEW WordPress Site!

Derek I. Schmitz

Hey guys, welcome back to a new blog post on my new website! I find WordPress easier for blogging, and Wix easier for business management, so that's what I'm gonna use. Take a look around! Add me on WordPress @theboiderek and let me know what you think!