Category: Disability

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

I’m on Disability After Dark with Andrew Gurza!

Derek I. Schmitz

Hey, y’all! I recorded an episode of Disability After Dark with Andrew Gurza and it’s out now! We discuss life as a disabled and queer teenager, my advocacy journey, my partner, and more! My episode, "Episode #320: Working toward a world where queerness and disability is loved and accepted, not just tolerated w/ Derek Schmitz"… Continue reading I’m on Disability After Dark with Andrew Gurza!

Did I Really Have a Choice to Become Immunocompromised?

Derek I. Schmitz

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?

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

Derek I. Schmitz

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

How I Knew I Had Arthritis, Not “Just Cerebral Palsy”

Derek I. Schmitz1 Comment

So, I just threw together a pretty detailed thread answering a few questions posed by someone early on the autoimmunity journey and I wanted to share those here, as well as my response to them! Questions: What do you have? How did you know it wasn't "just" CP? How did you get a doctor to… Continue reading How I Knew I Had Arthritis, Not “Just Cerebral Palsy”