“One of the things that really gives me joy is the fact that there are so many amazing, brilliant, creative disabled people out there. But part of my rage — and it’s a very real rage — is that most people don’t really know about them.”

Obit:

Talk with an attorney who specializes in disability cases. Most applications are rejected on first submission but can be awarded with appeal. Crossing my fingers everything can go as smoothly as possible for you; I think it took a good 8+ months for my mom’s SSDI to be awarded but it was backdated.

My hand is okay! The actual burn is not very large, just in an unfortunate location. Minimal blistering, and pain (even with mostly normal use of the hand) is tolerable today. There’s just not a great way to keep it clean and covered without a bulky bandage.

My only (slight) hope is that this proves what I’ve know all along: people want to vote FOR something, not just for a lesser evil. Give us some truly progressive candidates, and real progressive policies, not another face perpetuating the status quo. Status quo led us right where we are.