Emyle Watkins ♿️ @EmyleWatkins Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

@EmyleWatkins

3,712

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5,144

Following

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Statuses

Award-winning investigative journalist leading @WBFO ’s Disabilities Beat. Author of @GIJN ’s disability reporting guide. Disabled & Neurodivergent #CripTheNews 🎙

Buffalo, NY

https://t.co/4EbeqqseUn

Joined September 2014

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Excited to finally share a project I’ve been working on for nearly a year! @gijn invited me to write a guide for investigative journalists on covering disability! I hope you’ll check it out! 🧵 #DisabilityTwitter #NEISvoid #journalism

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Guide to Investigating Disability Issues: Introduction

To say the disability community is poorly covered is an understatement. Far too often, people with disabilities are pitied, ignored, or painted as “inspirational” for doing things anyone else does....

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 months

put in my dating app bio that being vaccinated is non-negotiable for me (because I’m immunocompromised, so doctors orders, also I don’t want to get sick) and a man literally just messaged me and said he’d be willing to get his booster to go on a date because he’s behind a shot

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 months

like honestly wasn’t excepting ppl to be willing to get caught up on their shots but like go off king thank you for caring

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

The thing that you don’t really think about until you’re in my shoes (disabled) or have a disabled family member is how there is usually absolutely no place to sit at street festivals. Only stairs and curbs. No where to eat. Take a break. Take medication. Feed your kid.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

I’m immunocompromised and you can’t tell by looking at me. Last year, my sister’s unmasked sniffle turned out to be a cold that I caught, which turned into pleurisy for me. Your little cold or cough can be someone else’s worst nightmare, even if not a COVID cough.

@adriel_rose

Adriel Rose

1 year

People still wearing masks in crowded spaces (as we all should), what are reasons other than COVID that people should still mask up?

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

As an immunocompromised journalist the framing of “prepare to get sick” blows my mind. Why can’t we frame these stories as “here’s how to lessen the risk of getting sick AND be ready for if/when it does happen?” Both are important!

@CNN

CNN

1 year

It’s time to stock up on tissues, bingeable TV options and Covid-19 tests. Yes, many signs are pointing to a Covid-19 summer surge – although one that’s far less intense than what emerged the past few summers.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 months

@jenryannyc LITERALLY!

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

some people think that when you get diagnosed with a disability or illness there’s just a doctor waiting there like “ah yes, the disability, let me help” like ER shows when in reality you go to 6 doctors that are all like “idk about this you should find someone who does”

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

11 months

We need to stop depicting mobility aids as a sign/symbol of inability to be or do something. My mobility aids aren't a sign I'm incapable of doing a job or living a full life. They give me the opportunity to do my job, to live a full life.

@AlexThomp

Alex Thompson

11 months

The New Yorker cover (And the cover story)

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

today when a stranger found out I’m immunocompromised they asked a question I don’t get asked a lot, but I appreciated: (paraphrasing) how have you survived COVID, not physically, but mentally?

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Mobility devices are 100% important and a means of freedom. I understand expecting people to have their own. What I don’t understand is having absolutely no seating at events with so many people. It’s not a big ask. It’s a huge accessibility thing though.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

All journalists covering Mayor Eric Adam’s decision and Kendra’s law should familiarize themselves with the history of institutionalization and deinstitutionalization in NYS. Talk to disabled people & disability orgs for stories about this. This is a disability story.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

There are a lot of people (myself included) who use a range of mobility devices, medicine, aides, etc and sometimes can use them less/differently if our built environment just provides for our needs a little better (like having bathrooms or a place to rest).

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

This weekend my sister really wanted me to go to a street festival with her. Yesterday I was flaring too bad to walk far. She asked if we could borrow a wheelchair there like you can at amusement parks (I don’t own one). I was like of like, I doubt they thought that far.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

7 months

EXCITING NEWS I CAN FINALLY SHARE: @WBFO is expanding our #Disabilities Beat with a new weekly segment! You can now tune in every Wednesday during Morning Edition and All Things Considered to hear 8 minutes about disability rights, equity and culture!

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Disabilities Beat: A new chance to hear the disability community

This episode kicks off WBFO’s new weekly Disabilities Beat segment. But as we create a new space for stories from the disability community to be shared, how can you, the listener, interact with this...

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Today I was feeling better and said okay, I can maybe handle this. But there was no where to take a break, or eat. We sat on the sidewalk. My sister asked me questions about me getting a wheelchair for days like this, said she would push me if needed.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 months

@ravlun I know the COVID vaccine mostly just reduces severe disease (and thank you for continuing to share info about masking!) but for me personally this is what my doctors have recommended and I do also mean this tweet more broadly (including flu shots, measles, etc)

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Breaking news: A @WBFO investigation has found the City of Buffalo’s has several at its face violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is causing access issues for disabled residents, and leaves the city open to lawsuits. Our story:

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The City of Buffalo isn’t complying with disability civil rights law

Under Title II of the ADA, municipalities with over 50 employees are required to have an appointed ADA coordinator, who handles complaints, accommodations, and ensures the city is not in violation of...

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

Well, I have some big news! This is my last week at @WGRZ . Next week I will be joining Buffalo’s NPR station @WBFO as a News Reporter. My beat is going to be disability, which as a lot of my friends know, is super close to my heart as a disabled journalist. I start March 31!

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Disabled in winter: Blizzard edition - snow being plowed onto disabled parking spots is NOT a solution. This includes the loading zone! It leaves people unable to park there. Why are disabled people assumed to not be leaving their homes? #DisabilityTwitter #BuffaloBlizzard

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

@regina_ham It’s super weird how guys “test” us. Actually, to be clear - it’s not weird, it’s sexist. I’ve noticed when guys meet other guys they don’t test each other when they say they’re sports fans. But when I was a sports reporter I would get messages like this all the time.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

A mentor of mine used to always talk about “cosmic grandparents” - the activists who came before us and paved the way for us. Everyday this poster in my kitchen reminds me of the work @judithheumann did so I could have rights in our country. A tremendous loss. Rest in Peace💙

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

I think people are so quick to dismiss the experience of being immunocompromised because they see us as less-than other people (such as telling us we should just stay indoors so everyone else can go out unmasked). It meant a lot for someone to ask a question that acknowledged…

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

I’ve told a few people at work this: if news outlets don’t have really solid health insurance, then yes, disabled journalists are going to be excluded because benefits can determine if we take a job.

@Imani_Barbarin

@[email protected]

@Imani_Barbarin

2 years

A lot of employer based health insurance is as useful as a windsock on a windless day to disabled people. It’s really just a symbol for middle class-ness at this point.

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

9 months

Disability is such a complicated and nuanced experience and it endlessly frustrates me to see reporting that paints our lives as only one reality, often the one most comfortable for non-disabled people.

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Idk, it just meant a lot to feel seen in a small way and have a complete stranger be so willing to learn about my experience and where COVID is at now, especially when even some of my own family members have not been that considerate or willing to understand/learn.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

I have been thinking about this all day & this is my hot take: if you can afford a Taylor Swift Reporter, you can afford a full-time Disability Equity Reporter! It’s about what your org values - in the long term, do you want change for marginalized communities, or more clicks?

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

…that I’m a human being, and being a human being with a compromised immune system during a deadly/disabling virus is difficult & sucks. I told him about being in isolation for a whole year & how I’m just grateful I can now go do some things w precautions but it’s still tough

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

I don’t ask for this often, but I could use any good vibes, prayers, etc today. Back in Rochester (photo from my last scans here) for 2 major appointments and I’m more nervous than I usually am. A lot could change today. #DisabilityTwitter #NEISvoid

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

and how wearing a mask is also a sign of care and compassion among our community. I think he didn’t realize how bad COVID still is and we ended up talking about that and I explained how it’s been spreading lately and what my dad is going through w/ his infection

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Does anyone know what a high-risk immunocompromised person should do if they are still testing positive at the end of their 20 day isolation period? My dad hits 20 days on Wednesday. Still positive on rapids. Still staying away from everyone. #DisabilityTwitter #NEISvoid

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

My friends know I’m still cautious - I’m okay being unmasked around people I know well as long as they aren’t showing symptoms. But my friends, family and coworkers know that if they recently were sick or have been around someone who has been, they wear a mask around me.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

“Some people say that what I did changed the world,” she wrote, “But really, I simply refused to accept what I was told about who I could be. And I was willing to make a fuss about it.” Activist Judy Heumann passed away today at 75, her website confirms.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

It’s not hard to practice hygiene that keeps us all safe, especially the people who you don’t know are immunocompromised. Wear a mask if you can, especially and at least when you’ve got any symptoms or have been around someone who has. Use hand sanitizer. Stay home if unwell.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

11 months

FREE TRAINING FOR JOURNALISTS! Next Thursday (Oct 19) in-person in Rochester and online (join from anywhere!) I'll be doing a training on how journalists can better cover disability! Thanks to @ArcofMonroe for deciding to host this! Register now:

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Language Matters: Framing the Story When Covering the Disability Community - Arc of Monroe

Language Matters Tone and Language to Use When Covering the Disability Community “As journalists, you worry about getting the story wrong. And not everyone has grown up with a disability, or a...

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

6 months

I'm interested in pitching a Disabilities Beat segment on how the #CDC 's new guidelines will impact #immunocompromised & #disabled people. Looking for potential guests - preferably patient advocates/orgs, doctors, etc - reply or email ewatkins @wbfo .org

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CDC shortens official COVID quarantine guidance

The nation is “in a different place” with the COVID pandemic than it was four years ago, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, who directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with wider access to...

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

And if you’re an editor reading this: hire or have journalists with mental health conditions write about this, if you can.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

It can be hard not having a body that can fight illness well, especially when I’ve had to accept that most people don’t take these precautions anymore, but I’m grateful to those who show they care by masking or asking if I need them to mask near me.

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

@AdamHubrig Adam, I am so sorry you had to go through this with your family member. You don’t deserve that ableism. I hope you are able to spend thanksgiving with people who make you feel loved and welcome in that space for who you are.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

People with mental illnesses are going to be the ones most impacted by this. To leave them or organizations run by them out of reporting doesn’t do the story justice.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

Something I’m noticing: Newsrooms are moving away from remote positions, especially sounds like remote producing is less common now. Newsrooms should keep in mind that this might be excluding extremely talented disabled journalists from your talent pool. #DisabilityJournalism

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

A year ago, I was looking for a place where I could do investigative reporting on disability, bc my community deserves better coverage. 8 months ago WBFO took a chance on me and gave me the chance to lead our disability coverage. Today I picked up our first major award.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

4 months

Just called @Grantrashley & confirmed that he was the reporter holding the camera in this video (I could tell from his voice). Told me after the officer said "Get out of here, get the f*ck out of here" he replied "I'm media" & the officer said "I don't care" and then pushed him.

@UBSpectrum

The Spectrum

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

11 months

I urge any reporters covering California's changes to conservatorship & involuntary committal to research the history of institutionalization, abuse of disabled people & ugly laws. Include ppl w/ mental illness & disability rights experts in stories.

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New California law aims to force people with mental illness or addiction to get help

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that makes it easier for authorities to compel treatment for people with mental illness or addiction issues. The proposal is partly aimed at addressing...

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

This, 100%. Had a good conversation w/ @EricMGarcia about this recently. Journalists should offer accommodations & we need to unlearn ableist j-school practices that taught us Q's in advance, written responses, etc "should be discouraged." They are reasonable accommodations.

@JustStimming

Julia Bascom

2 years

Probably going to regret tweeting this: My disabilities impact memory and speech. Before I do interviews, panels, etc I request *questions in advance. * It's a critical accommodation for me. It may seem counterintuitive, but it supports authentic + flexible communication. (1/x)

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

4 years

As a journalist I usually share other people’s stories. Today I want to share with you part of my own. The Americans With Disabilities Act has had a direct, important impact on my life. It was passed 30 years ago today. (THREAD)

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

I also want to mention, nearly all of the journalists I interviewed for this guide identify as being disabled, neurodivergent or chronically ill. There’s so many fantastic disabled journalists doing this work. People think we’re a small community or a niche beat, but…

@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Excited to finally share a project I’ve been working on for nearly a year! @gijn invited me to write a guide for investigative journalists on covering disability! I hope you’ll check it out! 🧵 #DisabilityTwitter #NEISvoid #journalism

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 months

went to pride w/ my friends who are also disabled and in the course of what felt like 10 minutes a stranger took a photo of us, then a free condom guy skipped over us, and then some lady told us there would be ADA seating… somewhere ??? lol what

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

@cmpriest @ivictoriaruth I love dry erase board wall stickers! They make them about the size of a page and they’re removable. Super easy to put anywhere in your house (because I also do the lists!)

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 months

@ravlun I also take additional precautions beyond this but this is just part of my approach and preferences :) because of my immunosuppressive medication I don’t respond as well to vaccines so it’s important the people around me are creating a layer of protection through vaccination

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

11 months

The implications of this cover are ableist and ageist. I've had to have the conversation of if a walker or crutches would be right for me on my absolute worst days. It's not a sign of aging. It doesn't mean I'm not capable. And I am so grateful for the braces I have.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

I know that despite my best efforts there’s still a chance I get sick so I keep meds, disinfecting supplies, tests, food, etc in my pantry. But I also use hand sanitizer often, mask as much as I can, and keep my distance from people who are visibly ill/encourage virtual meetings

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Who are your favorite journalists covering disability (especially disabled/neurodivergent/chronically ill journalists) or favorite stories about disability, from outside the US/Canada? Feel free to DM or reply! #journorequests #DisabilityTwitter #NEISvoid

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

4 years

Hi! This is an old photo. But I have new news! I just found out I'm the 2020 Commencement Speaker for Canisius' College of Arts and Sciences! So excited to be capping off these four years leading some reflection at graduation (and hopefully hyping everyone for our futures, too!)

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

#Buffalo , #Toronto , #Rochester area residents w/ disabilities: I'm working on a story about how a lack of, or improper, snow shoveling/plowing impacts our community. If you're willing to speak with me about your experiences in the winter, DM me. #journorequest #DisabilityTwitter

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

The #Fetterman interview really just exposes what so many disabled journalists & news consumers already knew: our industry has serious problems with ableism. So let's talk about it: What do you wish journalists or outlets would do differently? #CripTheNews #DisabilityTwitter

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

I’m in downtown Buffalo where the City of Buffalo is raising the Disability Pride flag for the first time, in honor of the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act @WBFO #DisabilityTwitter #ADA33 #DisabilityPride

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

(Thread) Terrance Hasan was among many New Yorkers with disabilities who were ultimately able to get vaccinated for COVID-19 because a local agency built a partnership to make sure the vaccine process was accessible. My story for @WBFO , airing tomorrow on Morning Edition.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

As a teen, I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me on my lunch break from my first full time reporting job, during a snowy April day in the middle of a pandemic, I’d give the commencement address for @CanisiusCollege . But, here I am.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

@Keah_Maria Hi Keah, I’m so sorry to hear about this. I’m a reporter covering the disability community at @WBFO in Buffalo. I am really interested in sharing the story of your book and previewing it as a story if you’re interested! Feel free to DM or email me ewatkins @wbfo .org.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

The fact I work somewhere in news that prioritizes disability coverage (& disabled writers) shouldn’t be “cool” or “unique” like so many ppl say. It just should be the standard for news orgs to care about the people most disproportionately impacted by the stories we’re covering.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Tired of logging on this website and watching our community compete in the “misery Olympics” - disability is difficult and we all experience it differently but lateral ableism doesn’t serve any of us, it only divides us.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

AND just want to add preventative methods aren’t an absolute thing everyone can do. People have conflicting access needs. But educating on the different options can help people make informed decisions and find what works for them.

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

@the_tweedy Make sure someone in your life is trained to be your advocate. They should have copies of at least meds + dx, and medical proxy if you have it. They should know what you are high risk for and what your wishes are as far as treatment and life saving measures.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

A year later... and finally walked the stage! Magna Cum Laude and Class of 2020 Commencement Speaker!

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

me: wearing a WBFO/NPR sweatshirt, holding a microphone that says WBFO, NPR, while interviewing bills fans strangers: what is this? A YouTube channel?

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Hey #DisabilityTwitter #NEISvoid - for Disability Pride Month I'm working on a story about how our community has been reclaiming the words "crip" and "cripple" - looking for people willing to do an interview giving their thoughts on this and what it means to them.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 months

This week on the #DisabilitiesBeat we're focusing on how people with disabilities are spoken to and about, in honor of #WorldDownSyndromeDay

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Disabilities Beat: On World Down Syndrome Day, let’s stop infantilizing adults

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. You’ve probably met someone with Down syndrome before or know what Down syndrome is, but how often do you talk to people with Down syndrome? In this week’s...

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

4 years

On Saturday, I officially graduated from @CanisiusCollege magna cum laude with two Bachelors of Science: Multimedia Journalism and Digital Media Arts. I couldn't be more thankful or grateful for the privilege to graduate college.

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

To kick off this 31st anniversary of the ADA and to celebrate #DisabilityPrideMonth I updated my bio to reflect something I feel strongly about as a journalist: “Inspiration porn” is something we need to end in our industry. Our storytelling shouldn’t infantilize people.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

@DorionNowell I’m really glad someone is talking about this, but I’m so sorry this happened to you. I used to go to chiro as well, now I go to specialized physical therapy. It’s a lot safer, covered by insurance, and helps in the long term. PT realized I have hypermobile joints, so turns out

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Wish PR people would read the room. Getting emails about weight loss for the New Year - anyone in Buffalo right now is covering the Blizzard. This is the last thing on anyone's mind. On a personal note, I've also talked openly about recovering from an eating disorder...

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Buffalo has gathered to remember and honor the 10 people killed and 3 people injured in a racist mass shooting that happened one year ago today on May 14, 2022. Outside of Tops, the community is about to hold a moment of silence at 2:28 p.m.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

I was told that studying abroad would be difficult, if not impossible, w/ my disability & medication. They dropped me from the summer SA program. One person in the office stopped me as I left & told me I should go anyway. So I did - I backpacked Europe on my own during a break.

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@amandadeibert

Amanda Deibert

5 years

Tell me about a time someone told you that you could not do something and you went ahead and succeeded out of spite.

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Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Have you ever wondered why disabled journalists feel unsafe speaking up? It’s because we end up hearing comments like this from colleagues and others in the field. This is disgusting. This is why journalism needs to change. Ableism has no place in journalism.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

My doctors went back and forth on if I have ADHD since elementary. I didn’t actually get a diagnosis until this year when I explained a parent had also been diagnosed with ADHD.

@commaficionado

Pete Wharmby

@commaficionado

3 years

Whenever a child is diagnosed as autistic or ADHD, both parents should be invited to be assessed too, or at the very least informed that they may wish to consider that they are autistic and/or ADHD too. It would save a lot of time and missed diagnosis/self-understanding.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 years

Excited to say that after a wonderful semester interning at @WGRZ , I’ve accepted a job at the station as an Associate Producer that I will work part-time as I finish my degree at @CanisiusCollege . I’m excited to keep working with a team that is so devoted to the truth and to WNY!

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

CW: COVID / This is just an observation, but I feel like I saw the immunocompromised community tweeting about variant BA.2 (“stealth omicron”) weeks ago/at least way before its just now being more widely discussed? #NEISvoid

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Any time someone talks about eugenics as something of the past I know they’ve never listened to the experiences of disabled/immunocompromised folx in the pandemic because we get trolls like this constantly. It’s exhausting. No one should have to deal with messages like this.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Just got out of genetics. Crying tears of relief and grief for younger me. You were right Little Emyle. It wasn’t in your head. Doctor says I have a connective tissue disorder. They’re going to run a panel. If nothing comes back on that, then I’ll likely be diagnosed with hEDS.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

I don’t ask for this often, but I could use any good vibes, prayers, etc today. Back in Rochester (photo from my last scans here) for 2 major appointments and I’m more nervous than I usually am. A lot could change today. #DisabilityTwitter #NEISvoid

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

One time while covering a disability related story in a cramped space, I stumbled w/ the tripod I had & accidentally bumped another reporter in the ankle. I used to work w/him, I’m sure he knew I’m disabled. He turned around & said to me, “what are you trying to do, cripple me?”

@RebeccaLamorte

Rebecca Lamorte

@RebeccaLamorte

1 year

Last night a Senator greeted me, looked down at my cane and joked, “Is that for self defense?” Just now another Senator - who has seen me with a cane for years now - started a meeting by pointing to my cane and asking how my recovery is going. You all are exhausting me.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

11 months

You know, one of the wild, beautiful things about being disabled is the community we have. I have friends all over the country & world that I’ve never met in person but we all care deeply for each other and I’m so, so grateful. To feel that love, tenderness & care is a blessing.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

@gabrielledrolet I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I went through this too but landlord didn’t believe it was bad until it was really bad, and then asked what I did to cause it. I tried the traps and everything I could. If you’re hearing them in the walls it’s def time for an exterminator!

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

After over a decade of doctors essentially being like “we have no idea why you are disabled this way” a specialist was finally able to tell me today I was born with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome! Glad to finally know. #DisabilityTwitter

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

#UniversityAtBuffalo #UB students, professors and alum - I’m working on a story about concerns re: Michael Knowles’ visit to UB this week - if you’d be willing to do a brief interview please DM or email ewatkins @wbfo .org. Can offer privacy if you are LGBTQ+ & fear retaliation

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

3 years

BREAKING NEWS: The Village of Williamsville will be paying the $300 fine and signing the stipulation from Erie County, rather than continuing to a hearing with the county. @WBFO

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

6 months

last night I had a long talk w/my dad about what it was like for him being a stay at home disabled parent. I told him I don’t know if I’d be alive if he hadn’t been there to teach me self-advocacy at every turn. those skills are vital to the survival of disabled people like us.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

🥺🥺🥺💙💙💙 thank you to my Buffalo Toronto Public Media family for all of the support and embracing me as a disabled journalist who is passionate about changing our industry. I’m so proud to work at this amazing public media org! @WBFO @wnedpbs @WNEDClassical @WBFOTheBridge

@wnedpbs

WNED PBS

1 year

All of us at #BuffaloTorontoPublicMedia want to send a CONGRATULATIONS to @WBFO Reporter, @EmyleWatkins !🎉 The Global Investigative Journalism Network reached out to Emyle to write a guide on covering disability for journalists and it is now complete.🗞️

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

As an immunocompromised person the past 2+ years made me hopeful public hygiene could change but the past month it’s felt like everyone went back to exactly how things were before COVID, and now going out in public in winter is a minefield for people like me

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

Disabled immunocompromised people can’t just stay home. I need medical care. I love my job. I want to see my friends. I have to pick up prescriptions, go to the grocery store sometimes. Your flu lasts a week. My chronic illness is life long. Please consider us

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

2 years

In Buffalo today, 86-year-old Ruth Whitfield, the eldest victim of the May 14th massacre, is being remembered in a ceremony at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. The great-great grandmother is survived by Garnell, her partner of 68 years. @WBFO @NPR

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 months

NO SIGNS OF PROGRESSION 🎉 My infusions are working!! Scans had nothing new!! It’s a good Monday!! #RheumatoidArthritis #Orencia #Abatacept #DisabilityTwitter #NEISvoid

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Before I get the "what 20 day isolation period?" question - us immunocompromised folx have to isolate longer than others per CDC guidance - .

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

4 years

This came today, what an amazing feeling! Thank you @CanisiusCollege , for everything. #FirstGenGrad

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

6 months

There are many things I love about being a journalist but among them is just spending time with people I maybe wouldn't have met otherwise. Had a really wonderful time today recording our March 20th episode of the disabilities beat segment and I can't wait to share it!

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Two weeks ago I saw a geneticist for the first time, and his first question was about my job, who I am as a person. His second question was along the lines of “what are your hopes for this appointment?” But in a caring, compassionate way. It felt like he was asking what I need.

@DrZedZha

Zed Zha, MD, FAAFP

1 year

Have you ever felt dismissed/misunderstood/misdiagnosed by your doctor/healthcare provider? If so, what question could they have asked, to make you feel heard, or comfortable in starting a real conversation?

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

1 year

Took Amtrak for the first time since the COVID pandemic began and this was my first time using their “Red Cap” accessibility service. A few thoughts on taking #Amtrak as a #Disabled person ⬇️ #DisabilityTwitter

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

5 months

Just saw on LinkedIn a media company post a remote job with a monthly rate and no health insurance coverage. The monthly rate equals $76k a year. When jobs, fellowships & full-time internships don't include health insurance, they can exclude disabled people from applying, IMHO.

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

4 months

I had so much fun reporting and producing this episode on how people can hear the eclipse using an accessibility device and why it's important: for @WBFO

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Disabilities Beat: Did you know you can hear the eclipse?

Post-eclipse it seems like most people talked about their visual experience on April 8th. However, across the country, many people experienced the eclipse though a sonification, or a conversion of...

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@EmyleWatkins

Emyle Watkins ♿️

7 months

I found accidentally adaptive pants that work with my new knee brace but I accidentally look like a national parks intern or a like, rei employee who is really excited to sell you hiking poles

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