Why I’m Done Staying Silent

This summer, I literally made a year of rebuilding my life, and God said everything was gonna be new, and it really was! 😂🥳

I’m just so grateful for New Jersey and the help and resources that this state has. It’s crazy because growing up, people used to say “Stinkin’ Jersey.” Well, let’s just say I am SO grateful for New Jersey. 😂🤣

Because Florida was NOT it when it comes to people with disabilities, support, and resources. 😅🤭 and no, I’m not gonna be nice about it. It’s the unfortunate truth that I learned the hard way and through research while getting denied more than once.

But one day, we’ll talk about it in detail. because this experience has awakened an even deeper, burning passion in me to be a voice and an example for the disability community, a community that too often gets overlooked, underserved, and limited by the very systems and government programs that are supposed to help and support them.

Don’t even get me started when it comes to the Body of Christ. 👀 Because THAT is a whole other conversation. One day, I will go into detail about my testimony and my experiences that nobody can take away from me.

No, I’m not holding back. I lived it. I learned from it. God brought me through it. And if sharing my story can be a voice for someone else who feels overlooked, unheard, or limited, then I’m going to speak.

Biblical reference : Jeremiah 20:9-13

If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire  shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

10 

For I hear many whispering Terror is on every side!“Denounce him! Let us denounce him!”    say all my close friends,    watching for my fall.“Perhaps he will be deceived;    then we can overcome him    and take our revenge on him.”

11 

But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior;    therefore, my persecutors will stumble;    they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor    will never be forgotten.

12 

O Lord of hosts, who tests the righteous,    who sees the heart and the mind,[a]let me see your vengeance upon them,    for to you have I committed my cause.

13 

Sing to the Lord;    praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy

Back in the day, people did not like what Prophet Jeremiah said, and they denounce him . SO many have a problem with the words renounce or denounce

Renounce means to formally give up, resign, or let go of something you own, claim, or support. Denounce means to publicly state that someone or something is wrong, evil, or illegal.

God really did make everything new, and this is only the beginning. 🥳🔥🩵🗣️

Helpful Tips and Advice

• Medical Documentation: Visit your doctor to get updated medical records. Gather relevant old documents (such as birth records or school evaluations) to help demonstrate your need for government support.

  
  

• SSI & SSDI: Apply for Medicaid and disability benefits through your state and the Social Security Administration. SSDI depends on your work history and tax contributions (work credits), whereas SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with low income and limited assets, regardless of work history. Both programs follow the same medical criteria for disability.

  
  

• Developmental Services & Food Assistance: Apply for state programs such as the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) funds community-based services and supports for adults aged 21 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Individuals can apply for functional eligibility starting at age 18, but must be enrolled in Medicaid and turn 21 to receive final program services

• or SNAP (food stamps) if you require additional support.

  
  

• ABLE Accounts: Consider opening an ABLE account. These accounts allow you to save money without losing eligibility for resource-tested government assistance programs.

  
  

• Early Intervention: If your child shows developmental delays in their milestones between 6 months and 3 years of age, contact your state's Early Intervention program for evaluation and services.

  
  

• School Support (IEP vs. 504 Plan): Request a school evaluation if your child needs classroom accommodations or specialized instruction:

  
  

  • IEP (Individualized Education Program): Governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It provides specialized instruction, related services, and requires measurable annual goals with progress tracking.

    
    

  • 504 Plan: Governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It provides accommodations to adjust the learning environment without altering the core curriculum and does not require tracked annual goals.

    
    

• Parent Advocacy: Be a persistent voice for your child, ask questions, and don't give up on securing the resources they need.