Derek’s Blog

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

Upcoming Conference Appearances

Derek I. Schmitz

So excited to announce I'll be at two conferences in the next few months! I'll be at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2023 Convention & Expo in Louisville from Feb 28-March 4, delivering a presentation on Youth Engagement in Transition Planning on the 3rd with Alexandra Wong and Adene Karhan. And, I'll also be… Continue reading Upcoming Conference Appearances

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!

Colorado Springs

Derek I. Schmitz

Hello. I wish I wasn't writing this. I don't even know where to start. Trigger warning for discussions of mass shootings, hate crimes against LGBTQ people, and Transgender Day of Remembrance. This morning, I woke up to news alerts of a shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs. The AP, CNN, and Washington Post… Continue reading Colorado Springs