Kristen

Disability Activist/advocate. Writer. Snark enthusiast. Cats are better than people. 😻💙🌊

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans Atrophy Amethyst

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@JarrettSkorup @NushratR @SHDetroit I'll take my actual lived experience as a disabled person who knows a lot of other disabled people in Michigan to measure the accuracy of the data. It is accurate.

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@JarrettSkorup @NushratR @SHDetroit

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@atima_omara @dominickevans I know this might be behind a pay wall for a lot of people but it is such an important, related article I came across recently https://t.co/efJ8yxNC1c

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@NushratR did such an excellent job writing this and I appreciate how she listened and represented my views accurately.
My people are suffering and it's not because we're disabled. It's because we're ignored. https://t.co/3dC3ljiuhf

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

It never ceases to amaze me that although disabled ppl experience way higher unemployment, poverty, less access to healthcare, etc, plans to reduce disparities rarely include disabled people as their own demographic. Problems will never be solved without that distinction.

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@Varmint_Vittles @dominickevans Last time for me I was taking a walk/stroll with my daughter, so I guess it was just being seen outside in the open atmosphere that got the person all in a tizzy. 😂

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans It's so common for me that it should be weird, but I'm desensitized to people telling me how inspiring I am to ...exist? I guess? Not clear on what it is about me that "inspires" random strangers I encounter in public spaces.

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans Nice! I lived in Oakland Co most of life. All over Oakland Co - I moved around a lot because of having to share my home care services or live with caregivers to get the amount I needed to live. I like being in Wayne County now though, and love being in Detroit a lot for work.

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans Sorry for that super long delay in response. I pop on and off of here infrequently usually. But I totally understand. I'm in Inkster, Wayne County these days. When (and only when) it's safe for you we should definitely find somewhere to meet in the middle. 🙂

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@wxyzdetroit The title of this article seems to suggest there are ONLY outraged citizens. Funny because all the residents of Oakland Co. I know would welcome the opportunity to be able to get around for enormously less $ than it costs to drive. 🤔

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans Speaking of which, we should probably try to meet in person sometime now that we live in the same state. 🙂 Only if under safe circumstances, of course, as COVID is definitely not out of our midst, despite some people make believing it's done and gone.

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans Haha! Love it! I wish I would have recorded my adult home help appeal hearing. It was pretty satisfying too. Its just infuriating that so many don't have the knowledge of how, or the energy, to fight back when they're just arbitrarily denied what they rightfully deserve.

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans Yes! It's a rarity. Too many disability orgs end up fighting on the side of the systems that oppress us rather than for the people that are being oppressed. It's easier to fall in line and it takes true determination to not do that. Lived experience and representation helps a lot

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans I know - been there. It IS ridiculous, to put it mildly (and politely). HCBS are so underfunded and restricted. It's a never ending battle. I feel like being disabled is criminalized most everywhere. We're punished for our needs. I'm proud that DRM fights that status quo though.

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans 😊 I have never been so happy to work anywhere as I am working with DRM. They really do fight for us, not just pay lip service to the disability community. And Simon is good people. Honestly, all our lawyers and advocates are. I can say that because I mean if. ❤️

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans This convo has BEEN a boost! I have the rare privilege of having a paying job that allows me to fight the good fight and express myself authentically, so it's given me relief from dependence on social media, but your presence is needed and appreciated. You are an ally to many. 🙂

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans Then my day is made. 🙂 I've felt like this myself sometimes and I've reduced my time on social media because of it - because of not feeling validated when I'm trying to speak my truth. But your persistence and authenticity gives me hope. ♥️

[Kristen @CripCamper2020]

@dominickevans One reason you've always had my respect is that you challenge belief systems, even when they are the beliefs OF the mainstream disability community. While it may feel like a lonely path, I've learned a lot from you and hope you're aware of the impact you have on people like me.