Hello 2018, Goodbye 2017

Top things I look back on from 2017

1. Making my voice heard – If you would have told me a year ago that I would be featured in a Microsoft Inclusion in Action video series that hundreds of thousands of people would be watching, I would have said, “are you kidding me?” I feel honored that so many people were able to see my story about why accessibility is so important in helping me do so many of the things I want to do.
2. Along with the Microsoft video, I also had some amazing opportunities to share my story. I spoke with former Senator Dave Durenberger and Dr. Colleen Wieck at the Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening and at the Global Accessibility Awareness Day event at the MN Department of Education. 
3. Travel to Toronto- Despite numerous buildings not being accessible, it was fun with getting soaked on the boat ride at the powerful Niagara waterfalls, a baseball game, and museums. This was an awesome family trip and my first time to leave the country!
4. Advocacy for disability rights- this year has been interesting with the push to slash Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. I’m going to say the same thing I said in previous posts. So many people with disabilities DEPEND ON Medicaid and health care to live independently in our communities. Please do NOT slash Medicaid and other important services that we depend on.  The disability community, our friends, and families WILL NOT give up the fight for protecting the services that move us forward in embracing inclusion and independence.

 Looking forward to 2018

1. Public speaking about accessibility and disability rights
2. Getting involved with our state and federal campaigns- I want to do my part to make sure that candidates that support disability rights are elected to office.
3. College – continuing to plug away. Learning all about Political Science this spring.

I am grateful for the viewers to take the time to read this blog. Have an awesome New Year all of you!