CDC FOIA Update #4

This is the 4th, and unfortunately final, update to my saga of requesting records from the CDC regarding the handling of the COVID pandemic. Last Friday, the analyst covering my case quoted me a whopping and exorbitant $976 for the processing of my request and gave me five days (until November 1) to either a)… Continue reading CDC FOIA Update #4

Remarks as Outlined for Delivery at Alabama Disability:IN Conference, October 19, 2022

Introduction (near verbatim): Hi! My name is Derek Schmitz. I’m an 18-year-old queer, nonbinary person using they/them pronouns. I’m currently wearing a pink polo shirt, blue glasses, and a little makeup. I’m an author, accessibility consultant, disability advocate, and student, and I’m excited to be here today to discuss cross-generational disability inclusion! Q1: Tell us… Continue reading Remarks as Outlined for Delivery at Alabama Disability:IN Conference, October 19, 2022

Did I Really Have a Choice to Become Immunocompromised?

This piece will be short with a more venting tone. I'm not editing this much or letting anyone proof it, so it might be a mess. But, stick with me, because I am angry and I need someplace to put this. As I've covered quite extensively in a few previous pieces (like How I Knew… Continue reading Did I Really Have a Choice to Become Immunocompromised?

I’m an Immunocompromised Teen. And I am Angry.

I’m newly 18, I’m immunocompromised, and I am angry. I am angry at the government. I am angry with select family members. I am angry with friends. And, truthfully, I’m furious with the world.

A Disabled Teen’s Short, Early Review of the iOS 16 Medication App

Native medication tracking is a feature I've been looking at and hoping for since I switched to iOS a few years ago. Yeah, third-party apps are great, but I've always wanted it natively, and now I have it in iOS 16 and I LOVE it. It had a DIFFERENT notification noise and it's so simple… Continue reading A Disabled Teen’s Short, Early Review of the iOS 16 Medication App