Weekly Notice

As I prepare to meet my representative this next week, I'll need to write down some notes in regards to what I can about an issue that highly effects people in the disability community. I've had a little bit of a concern in the sense with my independent living center not being able to either have enough funding to continue keeping youth program coordinators in employed. It has been such a frustration for me being a self advocate with getting new people almost every year and not getting a chance to know them as well as I'd like to. I am legitimately certain this issue is somewhat different from what I'll need to share with my representative about how this can get taken care of and not be a problem anymore. I am really having the hardest time with trying to maintain my anxiety when things like this happen and I'm not sure what more I can do to make it better. 

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Other Stories:

My other governor appointed council will select and vote on a new member to join us!!! I cannot wait to work a little bit closer with this person and trying to learn as much as I can from them. I know it will be a little bit sentimental due to the fact we will be approving a new executive director who is the most selfless person I know in this world. I am grateful for their passionate dedication to the IL community here in Utah and making it such an inclusive place for everyone!!! I may or may not be a little teary eyed knowing their life is going to be changed forever and can only hope that everyone else will approve of them too. I will be keeping my fingers crossed and in hopes they can feel the unconditional love, endless support and just an overwhelming sense of gratitude in their heart for taking on this new leadership role. 

Mini Updates

Disability Advocacy Day (Online Event)

After the struggles I had with this virtual event last year, I could not be more thrilled to have the format changed to be a little more interactive and engaging. I can only hope it will give me much more insight and details into the legislative process in a more simplistic and approachable way... which if you ask me, is pretty much how I roll in this world. I am most likely going to support and participate in at least TWO sessions that my favorite colleagues will be doing in regards to their field with self advocacy and how we can better communicate or talk with our legislators. It's hard for me to not feel the least bit outside with all of this stuff because I don't necessarily know who my legislators are well enough, to sit down and have a conversation with them about issues inside the disability community. #ItsTheTruth #ImJustSaying #Legit

LCPD Reception (Capitol Rotunda)

Minus the endless list of restrictions and protocols that we have to follow, I am excited to finally get back in person with seeing my friends who I have greatly missed so much. I am not particularly certain just if all of them will be in attendance at this event and can only hope for a more relaxed experience this time-- as opposed to the other times when it has felt a little bit overwhelming. I am truly hoping that we can all enjoy our time together and catch up after what has been an emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty due to the circumstances that we are being dealt with. #NINJA4Life 

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Untitled Post

 New USILC Sidekick (Mini Version)

I could not be more than excited about getting to work alongside one of the best people I've ever known within the disability community on my governor appointed council. It is exciting to have a fresh brand new face to join us while we continue making an impact on the lives of people with disabilities. This is where my self advocacy began a little over ten years ago and can only imagine all of the unforgettable memories that we will make together as a group. It is such a delight getting to learn and be inspired by some of the most incredible people that I've ever met in my life, as well as trying to be that good role model for others. 

Volunteering my time on this governor appointed council has been a dream come true for me, in more ways than one!!! I am grateful for the many incredible people who have helped me to believe in myself when it almost felt next to impossible, motivating me to always give it my best in everything that I do, among so many other things. Some of the most meaningful council initiatives that I have loved being a part of are: NINJA Conference, Youth Leadership Committee, (which if you ask is just the beginning of what is to come into the future and both of these have impacted me in an endless amount of ways.) I am grateful for the ways these have stretched me to become the most legitimate version of myself over these past several years. 

(To Be Continued)