Poet, advocate, mentor

DC raised me.
Rochester made me.
Lupus is upgrading me.

It took things I'd have kept. It's not a gift. It's a clean slate I'm already writing on.

Portrait of Courtney Thomas Jr.

What I do

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I write

I write what survives the night. Grief, beauty, and defiance, held without apology.

Collections

Uncoiled · Reruns · Fables & Folklore

Read the poetry Read the essays β†—
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I advocate

β€œMy rule is simple: the people a change affects should be able to understand it, evaluate it, and shape it.”

I push for clearer ADA standards, accessible institutions, fairness in technology, and financial independence for people with disabilities.

Read the draft ADA policy framework

See my advocacy work

The Connective Tissue Line

A numbered hardcover journal, a 30g weighted pen, a desk deck of words that move, and a solid brass bookmark. Limited runs. Free U.S. shipping on every order.

Shop the line

TEDxRochester talk

Tech Bias and Algorithmic Discrimination

How training data, trust, and transparency fail the people algorithms already sort.

Watch on YouTube β†—

Where to start

Pick what brought you here.

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Read the poetry

Poems on survival, faith, and what the body teaches. Start with Uncoiled.

Read poetry
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Learn about advocacy

Plain-language ADA policy, accessibility, and disability equity, from lived experience.

See advocacy work
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Work with me

Book a poetry reading, talk, or workshop, or ask me a question.

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Disability savings

Support my ABLE savings.

An ABLE account (Section 529A) lets people with disabilities save and invest without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid, within program limits. Your gift goes directly into my account.

Gifts to an ABLE account are not federal tax deductions. Ask a tax advisor about state rules. Questions? Write to me.

Give with Ugift β†—
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My Ugift code

35C-V9S

Enter this code at UgiftABLE.com to give directly to my NY ABLE account.

Contact

Write. I read it.

Booking a reading, talk, or workshop? Asking about accessibility consulting? Tell me what you need.

Email: courtney@courtneythomasjr.com

Location: Rochester, New York · He/Him/His

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