What is the difference between being included and truly belonging? When someone is included, space is made for them to be present. When someone belongs, they are fully a part of all activities, have personal interactions/connections and are fully known. They are sought out, welcomed. They are loved like the Skin Horse in the nursery of storybook fame. Living with …
Protecting Life: Melissa in the Media
Illinois Review | December 12, 2025 “I Was Offered Death When I Needed Care — When the State Decides Your Life Isn’t Worth Living” In this guest opinion piece, Melissa shares the full account of her harrowing experience as a cancer patient living with spina bifida—and the night a nurse approached her unsolicited to discuss ending her life. Now five …
Physician Assisted Suicide, Disability Inclusion & Advocacy with Melissa Ortiz EP 142
Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down with Melissa Ortiz to discuss her history with disability & advocacy, physician assisted suicide, along with what she will be sharing at Disability and the Church Conference. Get in Touch with Melissa Ortiz! capabilityconsulting.org Instagram: @dcbelleonwheels Email Melissa: [email protected] Find Melissa at Disability and the Church Conference: keyministry.org/datc/
Candace Owens Is Wrong. Women Like Me Who Use Wheelchairs Can – And Should – Model Underwear.
by Melissa Ortiz, published in USA Today The Daily Wire’s Candace Owens recently made comments that led me to believe that she either doesn’t understand why disability representation is important or that she would like America to reinstate “ugly laws,” the last of which was abolished in 1974. Two parts of my world collided as I listened to her speak. As …