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Cass Stewart

@designermae.bsky.social

(She/Her) Neurodivergent West Virginian with ADHD & narcolepsy. Future OT. Loud for disability & LGBTQIA+ justice.

954 Followers  |  3,739 Following  |  37 Posts  |  Joined: 14.11.2024
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Posts by Cass Stewart (@designermae.bsky.social)

i am barking at you through a short barrier gate that I could easily overcome

26.01.2026 05:10 β€” πŸ‘ 35    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

semi-regular reminder that ICE was only created in 2003

when you are asked to imagine a world without ICE, you're basically being asked to remember where you were when Lilo & Stitch came out

12.01.2026 20:04 β€” πŸ‘ 27118    πŸ” 8237    πŸ’¬ 392    πŸ“Œ 330

Reports and videos show ICE agents asking American citizens whether they’ve β€œlearned their lesson over the last few days” are deeply troubling. Language like this implies intent and raises serious questions about premeditation and mindset on the scene.

10.01.2026 17:12 β€” πŸ‘ 7118    πŸ” 2329    πŸ’¬ 348    πŸ“Œ 136

reminder to not be too hard on yourself if you are feeling major anxiety at any of the truly insane headlines you are seeing these days. it’s likely because you haven’t spent 10,000 hours mastering how to be immune to the truly insane headlines you are seeing these days

07.01.2026 18:10 β€” πŸ‘ 217    πŸ” 41    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
2026 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From! This year, consider ordering your Girl Scout cookies from a trans girl scout to make their day!

1. Did you know that Girl Scouts has, for a long time, accepted trans girls and nonbinary scouts?

Trans kids are under attack. Every year, I make a thread of trans and nonbinary girl scouts you can get your cookies from.

Lets get our cookies from them this year in solidarity!

06.01.2026 16:16 β€” πŸ‘ 8673    πŸ” 4519    πŸ’¬ 94    πŸ“Œ 229

things were better when the computer lived in its own specific room and you only went in there sometimes

21.08.2025 16:36 β€” πŸ‘ 17039    πŸ” 2476    πŸ’¬ 297    πŸ“Œ 278

I stand against ICE. I want peace. If resisting fascism isn’t peaceful, it is the fault of the fascists, not those who oppose them.

08.06.2025 23:55 β€” πŸ‘ 1231    πŸ” 244    πŸ’¬ 14    πŸ“Œ 6

I wish I could disconnect my hips from my body and give them a good shake

10.05.2025 06:20 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

There is nothing more frustrating than admitting to your own exhaustion but unable to fall asleep to make the most of the evening.

08.05.2025 21:57 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

A Chicago Pope implies the existence of an MLA Pope and APA Pope

08.05.2025 17:36 β€” πŸ‘ 28793    πŸ” 8101    πŸ’¬ 38    πŸ“Œ 761
eight leatherbound books all titled "FERNS" volumes 1 through 8

eight leatherbound books all titled "FERNS" volumes 1 through 8

Everyone in the past was neurotypical, which is how we got things like this single-author, eight-volume encyclopedia of ferns

06.05.2025 13:20 β€” πŸ‘ 33413    πŸ” 5285    πŸ’¬ 647    πŸ“Œ 317
The image is an informational poster featuring a panelist named Aubrey Sparks. It has a dark teal background with subtle, small dot patterns and several light blue accent lines in the upper right corner. The main text is in a bold, large sans-serif font with varying sizes for emphasis. It introduces Aubrey Sparks as a panelist, noting her role as the ACLU West Virginia Legal Director with pronouns listed as She/Her. There is a small color photograph of the panelist on the left side, depicting a person with long dark hair, wearing a red top and smiling at the camera in front of a brick wall. Next to the image is a block of text that reads: Aubrey will join the town hall as a panelist to update us on the Texas v. Kennedy case and the concerns that still remain. She will also speak to the intersectional impacts, especially how this case could affect trans rights and broader civil rights protections.

The image is an informational poster featuring a panelist named Aubrey Sparks. It has a dark teal background with subtle, small dot patterns and several light blue accent lines in the upper right corner. The main text is in a bold, large sans-serif font with varying sizes for emphasis. It introduces Aubrey Sparks as a panelist, noting her role as the ACLU West Virginia Legal Director with pronouns listed as She/Her. There is a small color photograph of the panelist on the left side, depicting a person with long dark hair, wearing a red top and smiling at the camera in front of a brick wall. Next to the image is a block of text that reads: Aubrey will join the town hall as a panelist to update us on the Texas v. Kennedy case and the concerns that still remain. She will also speak to the intersectional impacts, especially how this case could affect trans rights and broader civil rights protections.

The image features a promotional poster for a panelist named Seth DiStefano. The background is a dark blue with light blue and white dotted patterns. At the top, large white and teal letters display the words "Panelist Seth DiStefano." Below, white text indicates his position as the Senior Policy Outreach Director at the WV Center on Budget and Policy, along with his pronouns "He/Him" in teal. The left side of the image includes a photograph of Seth, who is wearing a dark suit and glasses, with a neutral expression. To the right of the photo, white text reads: Seth will join the town hall as a panelist to help us unpack the current and potential impacts of dismantling the Department of Education. He'll focus on how these changes could directly affect disabled students in West Virginia.

The image features a promotional poster for a panelist named Seth DiStefano. The background is a dark blue with light blue and white dotted patterns. At the top, large white and teal letters display the words "Panelist Seth DiStefano." Below, white text indicates his position as the Senior Policy Outreach Director at the WV Center on Budget and Policy, along with his pronouns "He/Him" in teal. The left side of the image includes a photograph of Seth, who is wearing a dark suit and glasses, with a neutral expression. To the right of the photo, white text reads: Seth will join the town hall as a panelist to help us unpack the current and potential impacts of dismantling the Department of Education. He'll focus on how these changes could directly affect disabled students in West Virginia.

5/4 for 504: A Virtual Town Hall
8:30 - 9:30 PM EST

We are just two days away! 🀩

Have you registered? If not, here's that link: secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/...

Check out our awesome panelists who will be joining us on Sunday!

#DisabilityJustice #DISrupt

02.05.2025 20:19 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Flyer for a virtual town hall titled "5/4 for 504: A Virtual Town Hall" hosted by DISrupt West Virginia and MomsRising. Event is on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, starting at 8:30 PM EST. Two people are smiling and holding protest signs supporting disability rights. A QR code is included to join the movement.

Flyer for a virtual town hall titled "5/4 for 504: A Virtual Town Hall" hosted by DISrupt West Virginia and MomsRising. Event is on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, starting at 8:30 PM EST. Two people are smiling and holding protest signs supporting disability rights. A QR code is included to join the movement.

Join us for 5/4 for 504: A Virtual Town Hall on Sunday, May 4th at 8:30 PM EST as we come together to fight for disability rights and defend Section 504.

#DisabilityJustice #Section504

28.04.2025 21:07 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
Slide labeled 8/11 with a hand-drawn arrow pointing to the right on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œQuotes from this weekend.”

Slide labeled 8/11 with a hand-drawn arrow pointing to the right on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œQuotes from this weekend.”

Slide labeled 9/11 on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œThe hardest part is being the executive director of my person, navigating narcolepsy, ADHD, OCD, and the invisible energy cost of just trying to function. Now, I’m trying to be more present, more gentle with myself.” – Cass Stewart WV Sleep Society 2025 Conference. The bottom left is a picture of Cass smiling, wearing round glasses and a green sweater, with curly brown hair.

Slide labeled 9/11 on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œThe hardest part is being the executive director of my person, navigating narcolepsy, ADHD, OCD, and the invisible energy cost of just trying to function. Now, I’m trying to be more present, more gentle with myself.” – Cass Stewart WV Sleep Society 2025 Conference. The bottom left is a picture of Cass smiling, wearing round glasses and a green sweater, with curly brown hair.

Slide labeled 10/11 on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œThat’s why I say I’m a second-generation person with narcolepsy. I was fortunate to have been diagnosed so early, unlike my mom, whose story mirrors many others living with narcolepsy worldwide.” – Cass Stewart WV Sleep Society 2025 Conference. The bottom left is a picture of Cass and her mom. Her mom on the left has shoulder-length dark hair and is wearing a navy blue shirt with a vibrant floral pattern in orange, white, and teal. Cass on the right has medium-length dark brown hair, wears glasses with rounded frames, and has a nose piercing. She is dressed in a light blue shirt with subtle horizontal stripes.

Slide labeled 10/11 on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œThat’s why I say I’m a second-generation person with narcolepsy. I was fortunate to have been diagnosed so early, unlike my mom, whose story mirrors many others living with narcolepsy worldwide.” – Cass Stewart WV Sleep Society 2025 Conference. The bottom left is a picture of Cass and her mom. Her mom on the left has shoulder-length dark hair and is wearing a navy blue shirt with a vibrant floral pattern in orange, white, and teal. Cass on the right has medium-length dark brown hair, wears glasses with rounded frames, and has a nose piercing. She is dressed in a light blue shirt with subtle horizontal stripes.

Slide labeled 11/11 on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: "My story represents what the future could look like: an early diagnosis, where a child with narcolepsy enters a classroom with a 504 plan and receives classroom support that matches the support at home."
– Cass Stewart WV Sleep Society 2025 Conference. The bottom left is a photo of Cass as a child, wearing a blue and white checkered dress over a white t-shirt. She is looking at the camera with a mouthful of cake.

Slide labeled 11/11 on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: "My story represents what the future could look like: an early diagnosis, where a child with narcolepsy enters a classroom with a 504 plan and receives classroom support that matches the support at home." – Cass Stewart WV Sleep Society 2025 Conference. The bottom left is a photo of Cass as a child, wearing a blue and white checkered dress over a white t-shirt. She is looking at the camera with a mouthful of cake.

#NarcolepsyNotAlone

26.04.2025 23:42 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Slide labeled 6/11 with an illustration of two simple figures giving a high five on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œWhile preparing for the conference, that old feeling of desperation returned. A lawsuit threatened Section 504, the very law I’ve relied on my whole life. So, I got to work. I looked for ways to join the fight online and found some new friends. Together, we started a 501(c)(4) disability justice org called DISrupt. I serve as the National Digital Community Organizer and the WV DISrupt Cohort Leader.”

Slide labeled 6/11 with an illustration of two simple figures giving a high five on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œWhile preparing for the conference, that old feeling of desperation returned. A lawsuit threatened Section 504, the very law I’ve relied on my whole life. So, I got to work. I looked for ways to join the fight online and found some new friends. Together, we started a 501(c)(4) disability justice org called DISrupt. I serve as the National Digital Community Organizer and the WV DISrupt Cohort Leader.”

Slide labeled 7/11 with an illustration of two simple figures giving a high five on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œExperiences are just that, and I have gone through a lot of rediscovery in the past few years. But this moment isn’t just about speaking. It’s about reclaiming my story, honoring the past, and continuing the work. So grateful to @project_sleep and @remrunner for reminding that each of us is just one person, but every story matters. And how sharing our story helps us remember that we are not alone.”

Slide labeled 7/11 with an illustration of two simple figures giving a high five on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œExperiences are just that, and I have gone through a lot of rediscovery in the past few years. But this moment isn’t just about speaking. It’s about reclaiming my story, honoring the past, and continuing the work. So grateful to @project_sleep and @remrunner for reminding that each of us is just one person, but every story matters. And how sharing our story helps us remember that we are not alone.”

And if you missed it, some amazing friends and I started a new #DisabilityJustice coalition: @disruptcoalition.bsky.social. We’re building a movement rooted in true community, one that sees and celebrates everyone at the intersections, especially those too often pushed to the margins.

26.04.2025 23:42 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Slide labeled 5/11 with a hand-drawn exclamation mark on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œToday, I shared my story at the WV Sleep Society Conference. This was my first Rising Voices speaking event, which felt special presenting in my home state of WV. In preparation, I’ve updated and reflected on my story since this past December.” It also includes a picture of her and her neurologist, Dr. Clawges. Cass on the left has shoulder-length dark hair and is wearing a light blue shirt. Dr.Clawges on the right has long, curly gray hair and is wearing a dark gray shirt.

Slide labeled 5/11 with a hand-drawn exclamation mark on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œToday, I shared my story at the WV Sleep Society Conference. This was my first Rising Voices speaking event, which felt special presenting in my home state of WV. In preparation, I’ve updated and reflected on my story since this past December.” It also includes a picture of her and her neurologist, Dr. Clawges. Cass on the left has shoulder-length dark hair and is wearing a light blue shirt. Dr.Clawges on the right has long, curly gray hair and is wearing a dark gray shirt.

Slide labeled 6/11 with an illustration of two simple figures giving a high five on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œWhile preparing for the conference, that old feeling of desperation returned. A lawsuit threatened Section 504, the very law I’ve relied on my whole life. So, I got to work. I looked for ways to join the fight online and found some new friends. Together, we started a 501(c)(4) disability justice org called DISrupt. I serve as the National Digital Community Organizer and the WV DISrupt Cohort Leader.”

Slide labeled 6/11 with an illustration of two simple figures giving a high five on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œWhile preparing for the conference, that old feeling of desperation returned. A lawsuit threatened Section 504, the very law I’ve relied on my whole life. So, I got to work. I looked for ways to join the fight online and found some new friends. Together, we started a 501(c)(4) disability justice org called DISrupt. I serve as the National Digital Community Organizer and the WV DISrupt Cohort Leader.”

In preparation to present as a Rising Voices Speaker at the WV Sleep Society Conference, I realize: I’m not that scared kid anymore. I’m someone who speaks, shares, builds, and fights, not just for myself, but for others too.

#Narcolepsy #RisingVoices #ProjectSleep

26.04.2025 23:42 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Slide labeled 1/11 with an accent graphic to add emphasis. The text reads: β€œHow being a Rising Voices Speaker with Project Sleep helped me find my voice again, at a time I needed it most.” The text for the entire carousel is a mix of white and teal on a blue-green gradient background.

Slide labeled 1/11 with an accent graphic to add emphasis. The text reads: β€œHow being a Rising Voices Speaker with Project Sleep helped me find my voice again, at a time I needed it most.” The text for the entire carousel is a mix of white and teal on a blue-green gradient background.

Slide labeled 2/11 with hand-drawn stars and arrows on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œIn 5th grade, I gave my first presentation on narcolepsy. I was terrified to go to middle school. I was used to one classroom and one teacher who knew me well.” To the right is a photo of Cass from 2009. She is smiling and has long curly hair, wearing a purple graphic t-shirt, white undershirt, jeans, and gray sneakers, sitting cross-legged on a white floor against a white backdrop.

Slide labeled 2/11 with hand-drawn stars and arrows on a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: β€œIn 5th grade, I gave my first presentation on narcolepsy. I was terrified to go to middle school. I was used to one classroom and one teacher who knew me well.” To the right is a photo of Cass from 2009. She is smiling and has long curly hair, wearing a purple graphic t-shirt, white undershirt, jeans, and gray sneakers, sitting cross-legged on a white floor against a white backdrop.

Slide labeled 3/11 with a lightbulb icon and a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: "My first act of advocacy was born out of desperation, fear, and hope. I worked with my parents and teachers to create a presentation about narcolepsy, which I gave to my peers. I wanted them to look out for me. Mostly, I didn’t want to feel so alone in a new system." To the right is a photo of Cass from 2009. She is smiling and has long curly hair, wearing a purple graphic t-shirt, white undershirt, jeans, and gray sneakers, sitting cross-legged on a white floor against a white backdrop.

Slide labeled 3/11 with a lightbulb icon and a blue-green gradient background. The text reads: "My first act of advocacy was born out of desperation, fear, and hope. I worked with my parents and teachers to create a presentation about narcolepsy, which I gave to my peers. I wanted them to look out for me. Mostly, I didn’t want to feel so alone in a new system." To the right is a photo of Cass from 2009. She is smiling and has long curly hair, wearing a purple graphic t-shirt, white undershirt, jeans, and gray sneakers, sitting cross-legged on a white floor against a white backdrop.

In 5th grade, I gave my first presentation on narcolepsy out of fear and desperation in an attempt to be understood by my current classmates and future teachers.

#SleepSky #Narcolepsy #Disability #Advocacy

26.04.2025 23:42 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Dark blue background with the text "Affirmations for the Disability Community," a blue heart, and an arrow.

Dark blue background with the text "Affirmations for the Disability Community," a blue heart, and an arrow.

You are not broken. You are not a burden. You are powerful.

#DisabilityJustice #AffirmDisabledLives #RestIsResistance #DISruptWV #DISrupt #SoftAndRadical #DisabilityPride

19.04.2025 13:38 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

It is concerning to me, the levels of clarity and uncertainty I feel simultaneously. I am overstimulated by my own ability to see life in fragments of where I draw hope, seek safety, and crumble in despair.

17.04.2025 02:46 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Disability Advocates Alarmed by HHS Removal of Gender Dysphoria Protections The move reduces protections for transgender people who face discrimination in health care, education and housing.

Removing gender dysphoria from Section 504 significantly reduces protections for transgender people who face discrimination in health care, education, and housing. β€œThis opens up those with gender dysphoria to discrimination in [...] pretty much all aspects of life, without legal recourse.”

15.04.2025 23:20 β€” πŸ‘ 141    πŸ” 67    πŸ’¬ 7    πŸ“Œ 9
Preview
Protect Section 504 This is a Caard of resources for individuals and groups wanting to know how to help protect Section 504.

πŸ†˜ Protect #Section504 πŸ†˜

Texas v. Becerra is a court case in Texas. A group of 17 states have sued the United States government. The states are asking the court to get rid of Section 504.

Section 504 is an important law that protects people with disabilities.

#disability #humanrights

13.02.2025 20:07 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

If you’ve already started calling it the Gulf of America instead of the Gulf of Mexico, you should have no trouble with someone’s preferred name and pronouns.

13.02.2025 11:27 β€” πŸ‘ 17549    πŸ” 3540    πŸ’¬ 297    πŸ“Œ 153
Video thumbnail

If you have a child with a 504 plan or IEP please watch.

If you don’t…watch anyway because if you’re reading this, you know someone who does.

Please call your representatives and tell them to stop this nonsense!

Children need advocates to protect them. Please be one.

Part 1

11.02.2025 21:19 β€” πŸ‘ 1873    πŸ” 942    πŸ’¬ 67    πŸ“Œ 53

Some context about the 17 states suing in full-throated support of disability discrimination

11.02.2025 03:32 β€” πŸ‘ 114    πŸ” 77    πŸ’¬ 5    πŸ“Œ 13
THE 17 STATES SUING TO ELIMINATE SECTION 504
West Virginia

Alabama

Alaska

Arkansas

Florida

Georgia

Indiana
lowa


Kansas

Louisiana

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

South Carolina

South Dakota
Texas

Utah

THE 17 STATES SUING TO ELIMINATE SECTION 504 West Virginia Alabama Alaska Arkansas Florida Georgia Indiana lowa Kansas Louisiana Missouri Montana Nebraska South Carolina South Dakota Texas Utah

Why is Section 504 important?
Section 504 covers all parts of society that get money from the United States government. Section 504 and its rules are very important, especially in education and healthcare. Here are some ways that Section 504 and its rules help us. The rules in Section 504 say that:
β€’ Schools must include students with disabilities and help them learn.
β€’ Doctors and schools must have sign language interpreters for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing who sign. Videos must have captions.
β€’ Doctors must give clear information to disabled people. This includes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
β€’ Websites for schools and hospitals must work for people who are blind and low vision.
β€’ Doctors and hospitals cannot stop helping someone because they have a disability.
β€’ Doctors and hospitals must have tools and machines that work for wheelchair users. This includes machines that check for cancer.

Why is Section 504 important? Section 504 covers all parts of society that get money from the United States government. Section 504 and its rules are very important, especially in education and healthcare. Here are some ways that Section 504 and its rules help us. The rules in Section 504 say that: β€’ Schools must include students with disabilities and help them learn. β€’ Doctors and schools must have sign language interpreters for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing who sign. Videos must have captions. β€’ Doctors must give clear information to disabled people. This includes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. β€’ Websites for schools and hospitals must work for people who are blind and low vision. β€’ Doctors and hospitals cannot stop helping someone because they have a disability. β€’ Doctors and hospitals must have tools and machines that work for wheelchair users. This includes machines that check for cancer.

🚨Critical Thread 🚨 1/2

17 states are suing to eliminate Section 504β€”a law that protects disabled people from discrimination. Without it, schools, hospitals & public services could deny access & accommodations. This is a direct attack on inclusion & equal rights. Our kids’ futures are at stake.
Cont

11.02.2025 22:59 β€” πŸ‘ 250    πŸ” 160    πŸ’¬ 26    πŸ“Œ 29

Probably good to remember that Section 504 was only enforced after disabled individuals took over a federal building for a almost a month.

11.02.2025 01:02 β€” πŸ‘ 261    πŸ” 122    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 1

Kendrick brought America together the way that "Country Roads" ad was supposed to.

10.02.2025 01:48 β€” πŸ‘ 12218    πŸ” 972    πŸ’¬ 70    πŸ“Œ 20

All these healthcare commercials. I want analysis of the impact of NIH cuts on each brand.

10.02.2025 01:47 β€” πŸ‘ 74    πŸ” 13    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

this is a weird year for business and communication majors to have analyzing super bowl commercials for homework

10.02.2025 01:05 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0