Author | Lightnews

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Jul 4

Fresh finds from Bath & Body Works! Just stocked up on some new (and amazing smelling) hand sanitizers. They're usually $1.99 each (plus tax), but I snagged all three for just $3.21! These are going to be perfect to keep handy for my upcoming CNA classes in the Fall.

#Shopping #Autism #ADHD #CNA

Photo of a man’s hand holding a small brown checkered bag from Bath & Body Works.

Photo of three different scented hand sanitizer. The first one, in the top left corner, is a yellow “Cozy Vanilla Almond” scented hand sanitizer with a gold cap. The second one, in the center, is a red “Champagne Apple & Honey” scented hand sanitizer with a gold cap. The third and final one, in the bottom right corner, Is a light blue “Eucalyptus & Spearmint” scented hand sanitizer with a pastel blue cap. All of these were purchased at Bath & Body Works.

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Jul 4

My North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist certification arrived on June 21, 2025, and I am excited to continue leveraging lived experience in peer support, empowering others on recovery journeys, and advocating for mental well-being. Looking forward to collaborating!

#MentalHealth #Autism

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Jul 4

It's been a busy 2025, and we are just halfway through! Please take a moment out of your day to read my post below, as that will explain my absence here on Bluesky. Thank you all for the continued support!!!!

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #PTSD #ADHD #Autism #JDHuffmanCPSS

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Jan 24

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit my local #Publix to help fundraise for #SpecialOlympics. Thank you, Publix, for your continued support of our Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners.

#SONC #ChooseToInclude #InclusionRevolution

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Jan 24

Just rediscovered an email from President Biden thanking me for my advocacy on SSI reform for people with disabilities! Knowing the highest office recognizes these efforts is powerful. Advocacy matters—let’s keep pushing for equality, accessibility, and economic independence for all! #Advocacy

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Nov 21

Bags are packed for the 2024 Special Olympics NC Fall Tournament! This year, I’m honored to be a Volunteer Photographer, capturing moments of joy, determination, and sportsmanship. Stay tuned for updates—I can’t wait to showcase the magic of these amazing athletes!

#SpecialOlympicsNC

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Oct 28

Huge thanks to Walmart for supporting inclusivity! At the Gastonia location near Ashbrook High School, I saw a sign for sensory-friendly shopping hours—a simple yet powerful step for those with sensory sensitivities. Grateful to see businesses making spaces more welcoming for everyone!

#Walmart

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Oct 28

Excited to share Season 1 of Language Matters! This series dives into inclusive language and how words shape our views on disability and respect. Watch the full season here: youtube.com/playlist?lis...

#LanguageMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy

Language Matters: Season 1 - YouTube

Season 1 of my mini-series Language Matters

youtube.com

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Oct 11

I’ve been quiet on social media lately due to my response to Hurricane Helene. Outside of Special Olympics, I volunteer with Gaston County ARES and as an Auxiliary Airman with the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, providing support during the storm and in Western NC. Just returned Thursday night. #HeleneNC

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 22

Had an absolute blast this weekend at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina Equestrian Tournament up at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (Tryon, NC). Here are just a few of the photos from this weekend.

#SpecialOlympicsNorthCarolina #Equestrian #Horse #SpecialOlympics #Autism #ADHD

Photo of a Special Olympics North Carolina athlete (Jacob Huffman) standing up at Saturday Night Lights at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. They are wearing denim cowboy-cut jeans, a red western shirt, a bolo tie, and a straw (tan/brown) cowboy hat

Photo of a Special Olympics North Carolina athlete (Jacob Huffman) wearing a denim jacket while petting a horse at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina Equestrian Tournament

Photo of a Special Olympics North Carolina athlete (Jacob Huffman) wearing a black polo with white stripes on the shoulders with the words “Special Olympics North Carolina” on the chest. In the background is the Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort

Photo of a Jumbotron with equestrian riders at the Tryon International Equestrian Center

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 22

I received a truly sentimental surprise from Special Olympics NC: a plaque and a collage of memories from over the years.

Thank you to Katie, Madeline, Kyle, Kristine, Sherry, & Keith for an unforgettable internship! So honored to be part of the SONC family!

#SpecialOlympics #Intern

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 22

New Video Alert!

Check out my latest video on the Autism CARES Act of 2024 and its recent passage in the House! There's still work to be done before it expires this month—learn why it's so important!

Watch here: (youtu.be/KxatFkVlUTY?si…)#AutismCARESActc#AutismAdvocacyc#Autismsm

Autism CARES Act of 2024 Passes the House (But There's More Work to Be Done!)

YouTube video by Athlete Leader Jacob Huffman

https://youtu.be/KxatFkVlUTY?si…

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 22

Bluesky now has over 10 million users, and I was #3,054,032!

#BlueSky #SocialMedia #Autism #ADHD

A virtual certificate with text "Celebrating 10M users on Bluesky, #3,054,032, Athlete Leader Jacob Huffman ‪@jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social‬, joined on Jan 24, 2024"

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 18

Tonight I will be giving a presentation at Gaston Residential Services, Inc. about Special Olympics. I am so grateful to the admins at GRS for allowing me this opportunity to advocate and share about such a wonderful organization.

#SpecialOlympics #Presentation #Autism #ADHD

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 18

Bought myself a 2nd 35 mm film camera, this time a 1963 Lomo Smena 8 camera with a T-43 lens manufactured in the Soviet Union. This is going to be a nice addition to my gear.

#Photography #VintageCamera #VintagePhotography #Photographer #Autism #ADHD #35mm #35mmFilm #FilmCamera

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 18

I had the opportunity to donate blood at a OneBlood event on campus yesterday. Did you know that every 2 seconds a person in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion, whether it is platelets or blood? Needless to say that if you are able to donate, it is crucial to do so.

#DonateBlood #BloodDonor

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 18

Found some old photos from Summer 2010 at Camp Royall during fall cleaning. It’s wild to think how those experiences 14 years ago shaped my journey in advocacy and leadership. Grateful for the lifelong friendships and connections made.

#CampRoyall #AutismSocietyofNC #Autism

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 9

A big thanks to Senator Ted Budd for his quick and thoughtful response to my email about H.R. 7055, the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act. It's great to see leaders addressing issues that impact so many. I appreciate his support and look forward to further progress!

#SSI #HR7055

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Sep 6

Check out the latest episode of Language Matters, where I dive into the phrase “You are such an inspiration to me” and why it can be harmful. Let’s rethink the way we talk about disability and inclusion.

Watch now:

youtu.be/RG4RizTgP5I?...

#InclusiveLanguage #LanguageMatters #Disability

Language Matters - Episode 4: I’m Not Here to Be ‘Inspirational’

YouTube video by Athlete Leader Jacob Huffman

youtu.be

Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Aug 28

When hiring individuals with disabilities, it's vital to focus on their skills, not just their disability. Hiring solely to meet diversity quotas can lead to tokenism, which undermines true inclusion. Let's promote genuine opportunities for all! #Inclusion #Diversity #Tokenism

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Aug 27

Thrilled to share that I just bought a camera I've been eyeing for a while: a 1953 Zeiss Ikon Contaflex 35mm SLR. I can hardly wait for it to arrive and start capturing some great photos with this classic piece of photography history!

#Photography #Photographer #Autism #ADHD

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Aug 26

Check out my latest YouTube video about H.R. 7213 (Autism CARES Act) and why it's crucial to renew it before it expires in September 2024. This legislation is vital for the autism community—don’t miss out on learning why! Watch here:

youtu.be/chY0bKFiCa4?...

#Autism #AutismCARESAct

Why H.R. 7213 Matters: The Urgent Need to Reauthorize the Autism CARES Act of 2024

YouTube video by Athlete Leader Jacob Huffman

youtu.be

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Aug 25

I had a great afternoon at the NC Make ‘M Smile event in Downtown Gastonia, where I had the opportunity to help Special Olympics North Carolina share valuable information about the Healthy Athletes program. It was inspiring to see the community come together to support such an important cause!

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Aug 25

As someone with a disability, I’m deeply saddened by the media’s negative coverage of Gus Walz, son of VP candidate Tim Walz, who has NVLD. A sentimental moment has been turned into a spectacle. I urge all media, regardless of political leanings, to do better. We must show respect and understanding.

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Jacob “Jake” Huffman, NCCPSS @jdhuffmansonc.bsky.social · Aug 25

Thank you, Senator Thom Tillis, for your prompt response to my email about H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act. Your support for this critical legislation, which must be renewed before it expires in September 2024, is greatly appreciated by the autism community.

#Autism #AutismCARESAct

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