Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS
LightNews LightNews
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS
@jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
17 followers 6 following 160 posts
Special Olympics NC Athlete Leadership Council Chair • Person with Autism/ADHD/PTSD • NC Certified Peer Support Specialist • CNA Student • My posts are my own
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Jul 4
It's been a busy 2025, and we are just halfway through! Please take a moment out of your day to read my post below, as that will explain my absence here on Bluesky. Thank you all for the continued support!!!!

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #PTSD #ADHD #Autism #JDHuffmanCPSS
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Fresh finds from Bath & Body Works! Just stocked up on some new (and amazing smelling) hand sanitizers. They're usually $1.99 each (plus tax), but I snagged all three for just $3.21! These are going to be perfect to keep handy for my upcoming CNA classes in the Fall.

#Shopping #Autism #ADHD #CNA
Photo of a man’s hand holding a small brown checkered bag from Bath & Body Works. Photo of three different scented hand sanitizer. The first one, in the top left corner, is a yellow “Cozy Vanilla Almond” scented hand sanitizer with a gold cap. The second one, in the center, is a red “Champagne Apple & Honey” scented hand sanitizer with a gold cap. The third and final one, in the bottom right corner, Is a light blue “Eucalyptus & Spearmint” scented hand sanitizer with a pastel blue cap. All of these were purchased at Bath & Body Works.
July 4, 2025 at 3:40 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
My North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist certification arrived on June 21, 2025, and I am excited to continue leveraging lived experience in peer support, empowering others on recovery journeys, and advocating for mental well-being. Looking forward to collaborating!

#MentalHealth #Autism
July 4, 2025 at 3:34 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
It's been a busy 2025, and we are just halfway through! Please take a moment out of your day to read my post below, as that will explain my absence here on Bluesky. Thank you all for the continued support!!!!

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #PTSD #ADHD #Autism #JDHuffmanCPSS
July 4, 2025 at 1:03 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit my local #Publix to help fundraise for #SpecialOlympics. Thank you, Publix, for your continued support of our Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners.

#SONC #ChooseToInclude #InclusionRevolution
January 24, 2025 at 7:42 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Just rediscovered an email from President Biden thanking me for my advocacy on SSI reform for people with disabilities! Knowing the highest office recognizes these efforts is powerful. Advocacy matters—let’s keep pushing for equality, accessibility, and economic independence for all! #Advocacy
January 24, 2025 at 7:39 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Bags are packed for the 2024 Special Olympics NC Fall Tournament! This year, I’m honored to be a Volunteer Photographer, capturing moments of joy, determination, and sportsmanship. Stay tuned for updates—I can’t wait to showcase the magic of these amazing athletes!

#SpecialOlympicsNC
November 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Huge thanks to Walmart for supporting inclusivity! At the Gastonia location near Ashbrook High School, I saw a sign for sensory-friendly shopping hours—a simple yet powerful step for those with sensory sensitivities. Grateful to see businesses making spaces more welcoming for everyone!

#Walmart
October 28, 2024 at 10:27 AM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Excited to share Season 1 of Language Matters! This series dives into inclusive language and how words shape our views on disability and respect. Watch the full season here: youtube.com/playlist?lis...

#LanguageMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy
Language Matters: Season 1 - YouTube
Season 1 of my mini-series Language Matters
youtube.com
October 28, 2024 at 10:25 AM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
I’ve been quiet on social media lately due to my response to Hurricane Helene. Outside of Special Olympics, I volunteer with Gaston County ARES and as an Auxiliary Airman with the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, providing support during the storm and in Western NC. Just returned Thursday night. #HeleneNC
October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Had an absolute blast this weekend at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina Equestrian Tournament up at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (Tryon, NC). Here are just a few of the photos from this weekend.

#SpecialOlympicsNorthCarolina #Equestrian #Horse #SpecialOlympics #Autism #ADHD
Photo of a Special Olympics North Carolina athlete (Jacob Huffman) standing up at Saturday Night Lights at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. They are wearing denim cowboy-cut jeans, a red western shirt, a bolo tie, and a straw (tan/brown) cowboy hat Photo of a Special Olympics North Carolina athlete (Jacob Huffman) wearing a denim jacket while petting a horse at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina Equestrian Tournament Photo of a Special Olympics North Carolina athlete (Jacob Huffman) wearing a black polo with white stripes on the shoulders with the words “Special Olympics North Carolina” on the chest. In the background is the Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort Photo of a Jumbotron with equestrian riders at the Tryon International Equestrian Center
September 22, 2024 at 10:31 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
I received a truly sentimental surprise from Special Olympics NC: a plaque and a collage of memories from over the years.

Thank you to Katie, Madeline, Kyle, Kristine, Sherry, & Keith for an unforgettable internship! So honored to be part of the SONC family!

#SpecialOlympics #Intern
September 22, 2024 at 10:22 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
New Video Alert!

Check out my latest video on the Autism CARES Act of 2024 and its recent passage in the House! There's still work to be done before it expires this month—learn why it's so important!

Watch here: (youtu.be/KxatFkVlUTY?si…)#AutismCARESActc#AutismAdvocacyc#Autismsm
Autism CARES Act of 2024 Passes the House (But There's More Work to Be Done!)
YouTube video by Athlete Leader Jacob Huffman
https://youtu.be/KxatFkVlUTY?si…
September 22, 2024 at 10:18 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Bluesky now has over 10 million users, and I was #3,054,032!

#BlueSky #SocialMedia #Autism #ADHD
A virtual certificate with text "Celebrating 10M users on Bluesky, #3,054,032, Athlete Leader Jacob Huffman ‪@jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social‬, joined on Jan 24, 2024"
September 22, 2024 at 10:18 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Tonight I will be giving a presentation at Gaston Residential Services, Inc. about Special Olympics. I am so grateful to the admins at GRS for allowing me this opportunity to advocate and share about such a wonderful organization.

#SpecialOlympics #Presentation #Autism #ADHD
September 18, 2024 at 3:23 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Bought myself a 2nd 35 mm film camera, this time a 1963 Lomo Smena 8 camera with a T-43 lens manufactured in the Soviet Union. This is going to be a nice addition to my gear.

#Photography #VintageCamera #VintagePhotography #Photographer #Autism #ADHD #35mm #35mmFilm #FilmCamera
September 18, 2024 at 3:21 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
I had the opportunity to donate blood at a OneBlood event on campus yesterday. Did you know that every 2 seconds a person in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion, whether it is platelets or blood? Needless to say that if you are able to donate, it is crucial to do so.

#DonateBlood #BloodDonor
September 18, 2024 at 3:19 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Found some old photos from Summer 2010 at Camp Royall during fall cleaning. It’s wild to think how those experiences 14 years ago shaped my journey in advocacy and leadership. Grateful for the lifelong friendships and connections made.

#CampRoyall #AutismSocietyofNC #Autism
September 18, 2024 at 3:16 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
A big thanks to Senator Ted Budd for his quick and thoughtful response to my email about H.R. 7055, the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act. It's great to see leaders addressing issues that impact so many. I appreciate his support and look forward to further progress!

#SSI #HR7055
September 9, 2024 at 2:31 AM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Check out the latest episode of Language Matters, where I dive into the phrase “You are such an inspiration to me” and why it can be harmful. Let’s rethink the way we talk about disability and inclusion.

Watch now:

youtu.be/RG4RizTgP5I?...

#InclusiveLanguage #LanguageMatters #Disability
Language Matters - Episode 4: I’m Not Here to Be ‘Inspirational’
YouTube video by Athlete Leader Jacob Huffman
youtu.be
September 6, 2024 at 9:06 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
When hiring individuals with disabilities, it's vital to focus on their skills, not just their disability. Hiring solely to meet diversity quotas can lead to tokenism, which undermines true inclusion. Let's promote genuine opportunities for all! #Inclusion #Diversity #Tokenism
August 28, 2024 at 6:54 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Thrilled to share that I just bought a camera I've been eyeing for a while: a 1953 Zeiss Ikon Contaflex 35mm SLR. I can hardly wait for it to arrive and start capturing some great photos with this classic piece of photography history!

#Photography #Photographer #Autism #ADHD
August 27, 2024 at 1:10 PM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Check out my latest YouTube video about H.R. 7213 (Autism CARES Act) and why it's crucial to renew it before it expires in September 2024. This legislation is vital for the autism community—don’t miss out on learning why! Watch here:

youtu.be/chY0bKFiCa4?...

#Autism #AutismCARESAct
Why H.R. 7213 Matters: The Urgent Need to Reauthorize the Autism CARES Act of 2024
YouTube video by Athlete Leader Jacob Huffman
youtu.be
August 26, 2024 at 12:40 AM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
I had a great afternoon at the NC Make ‘M Smile event in Downtown Gastonia, where I had the opportunity to help Special Olympics North Carolina share valuable information about the Healthy Athletes program. It was inspiring to see the community come together to support such an important cause!
August 25, 2024 at 3:34 AM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
As someone with a disability, I’m deeply saddened by the media’s negative coverage of Gus Walz, son of VP candidate Tim Walz, who has NVLD. A sentimental moment has been turned into a spectacle. I urge all media, regardless of political leanings, to do better. We must show respect and understanding.
August 25, 2024 at 12:54 AM
jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social
Thank you, Senator Thom Tillis, for your prompt response to my email about H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act. Your support for this critical legislation, which must be renewed before it expires in September 2024, is greatly appreciated by the autism community.

#Autism #AutismCARESAct
August 25, 2024 at 12:49 AM