Category: Personal Updates

Census Action Alert Update 2

Derek I. Schmitz

A month ago, I published an action alert due to the Census Bureau's intent to change the definition of disability and the screening questions they use to compile disability data. Today, I'm glad to report that the change has not been adopted, at least not at this point. This is largely due to the pushback… Continue reading Census Action Alert Update 2

Action Alert: US Census Disability Definition Proposed Changes

Derek I. Schmitz1 Comment

Yesterday, I posted an Action Alert on Twitter about the US Census' intent to modify the definition of disability in a way that provides less complete data. I've pasted it below, and I want to also use this space to outline what the changes are, why they're bad, and what to say if you file… Continue reading Action Alert: US Census Disability Definition Proposed Changes

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery at Exceptional Alliances 2023 Accessibility and Intersectionality Panel, October 20, 2023

Derek I. Schmitz

Panel questions are top-level bullets, followed by Derek’s answers. Get access to an archive of ALL sessions and transcripts by signing up for an Exceptional Lab Community Membership! What is intersectionality? How does it show up for you? I think of intersectionality as a Venn Diagram, where all facets of a person’s identity come together… Continue reading Remarks as Prepared for Delivery at Exceptional Alliances 2023 Accessibility and Intersectionality Panel, October 20, 2023

My Journey to Setting Work/Life Boundaries

Derek I. Schmitz

Setting boundaries is something that's always been hard for me. I used to (and still sometimes do) say "yes" to a lot of things I don't have the capacity for. I feel like that's an experience most folks can relate to nowadays. A big area I struggled in was that I gave everybody work-related (coworkers,… Continue reading My Journey to Setting Work/Life Boundaries