Embracing My Inner Alien – a column by Kevin Schaefer

Kevin is a writer, podcaster, and lover of all things pop-culture. Diagnosed with SMA Type 2 at the age of 18 months, he shares a vast array of hilarious and eye-opening stories from his life with a neuromuscular disability. In addition to his weekly columns, he works as the Director of Forums for this site’s parent company, BioNews. Kevin is a graduate of North Carolina State University and lives with his parents in Cary, NC. People regularly mistake him for Tony Stark, on account of his intellect and advanced technological equipment.

April 6, 2021April 2, 2021

Thanks to the COVID-19 Vaccine, I’m Back Where I Belong

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

“Chewie, we’re home.” Just as Han Solo uttered these words when he stepped aboard the Millennium Falcon in “The Force Awakens,” I felt a similar tinge of nostalgia and excitement ... Read more

March 23, 2021March 22, 2021

‘I’m Not Broken’: Examining How Disability Is Portrayed in ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

On March 18, the gargantuan blockbuster of a superhero movie known as “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” arrived on HBO Max. With its multiple storylines, ensemble of main characters, staggering four-hour ... Read more

March 9, 2021March 5, 2021

Amid the Busyness of Life With SMA, I’m Learning to Embrace Stillness

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

In college, my sanctuary was the room where the majority of my classes took place. Tucked away in a secluded corner of the humanities building, the film room was akin ... Read more

February 23, 2021February 19, 2021

This Rare Disease Day, I’m Grateful for My Friends

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

You know it’s a unique relationship when one friend helps the other use the bathroom. This is the scenario I found myself in a couple weeks ago when my longtime ... Read more

February 9, 2021February 4, 2021

How ‘Disability Visibility’ Illustrates Diversity and Equity

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

I looked at the faces on my computer screen and saw just a snippet of the SMA community. People from different locations, different cultural backgrounds, and with different types of ... Read more

February 2, 2021January 28, 2021

As a Disabled Extrovert in a Pandemic, I’m Struggling to Stay Sane

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

Well, 2021 has arrived, but we are still dealing with the ongoing ramifications of the previous catastrophe of a year. Those of us in disability communities remain in physical isolation, ... Read more

January 12, 2021January 8, 2021

Pursuing Personal Independence Requires Careful Planning and Thought

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

The pursuit of independence is almost always on my mind. As a disabled person, I face numerous challenges when it comes to living an independent lifestyle. From financial obstacles to ... Read more

December 31, 2020December 29, 2020

Holidays and Kidney Stones and ER Visits, Oh My!

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

I didn’t plan on spending the majority of the day after Christmas on the toilet with a sharp pain in my side, but it was a rather fitting end to ... Read more

December 22, 2020December 17, 2020

Rewards of Being a ‘Funcle’ With SMA

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

Christmas Eve marks four years since I became an uncle, or as I like to call myself, a “funcle.” I let my sister and brother-in-law attend to all of the ... Read more

December 8, 2020December 4, 2020

Boy Meets Wonder

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

The ABC sitcom “Boy Meets World” was a staple of my childhood. My sister and I spent many afternoons watching the hilarious and often idiosyncratic adventures of Cory, Shawn, and ... Read more

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