Today was my last day at the Autoimmune Community Institute after 13 months of amazing work with the most dedicated team of hardworking volunteers I have ever met. I was Outreach Coordinator. I wish I didn't have to leave, I love my position, but I needed to prioritize my energy and refocus on my mental… Continue reading Reflections on My Time at the Autoimmune Community Institute as I Exit
Derek’s Blog
Archived Twitter Thread: Extra Life Game Day 2022
This is an archive of my 11/05/2022 thread on Extra Life Game Day 2022. The thread can be viewed here. I'm not streaming today for @ExtraLife4Kids gameday because my workload is insurmountable, but I do want to promote my hospital @ChildrensAL for a minute. They saved my life and I have some of the best… Continue reading Archived Twitter Thread: Extra Life Game Day 2022
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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
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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
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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?
Derek I. Schmitz 
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