Ashley Odell

@ashleyodell
40 Followers
195 Following
1,002 Posts

A real piece of work. Equal parts righteous fury + fluffy animals.

I follow: interesting experts, news, funny folks, weirdos, etc.

Interests: Disability justice, public libraries, mental health, mutual aid, New England, intellectual freedom, higher ed, universal design, combating hostile architecture, third places & more.

Personal stuff/views/jokes private.

Tá Gaeilge agam. 2nd-gen Bahamian-American. Go UConn.

Pronounsshe/her nó sí/í
LocationNew England, USA
Ashley OdellDec 18
I love how rich politicians are always trying to act like they were born with a plastic spoon in their mouth.
Show threadAshley OdellApr 27, 2025
Making clever Trump/Elon signs for rallies is fun, I get it. But we're shoving people into institutions again, and Democrats are the ones doing it. Please resist that, too. The fires are being set from all sides.
Ashley OdellApr 27, 2025

"[T]he current trends of government-mandated treatment or simply the criminalization of homelessness and mental illness are occurring at a time when the federal government is considering vastly decreasing funding streams vital to mental health treatment, especially Medicaid."

If your "resistance" doesn't involve fighting for the mentally ill to have dignity, you aren't doing enough, sorry.

🔗 Blue states change course on mental health policies - Axios

https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/mental-health-crackdown-states

#MentalHealth

Blue states change course on mental health policies

States that once championed progressive approaches are increasingly open to involuntary commitment.

Axios
Ashley OdellApr 23, 2025

Admittedly a bit disappointed that this hasn't gone viral over the past few days. Did everyone else forget this classic? Or are you all just a lot more "too soon"-oriented than me?

🔗 I Would Like to Be Pope - McSweeney's

https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/i-would-like-to-be-pope

I Would Like to Be Pope

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to apply for the position of Pope. I recently received my Bachelor of Arts, or “artium baccalaureus,” from Dartmout...

McSweeney's Internet Tendency
Show threadAshley OdellFeb 9, 2025
I don't THINK that page is members-only, but if it is, it turns out the video is on YouTube as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ1EHBVYniY
Psychological Science Explains Why Some Feel Threatened by Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives

YouTube
Ashley OdellFeb 9, 2025

I was going to post about how the American Psychological Association nuked their webinar on why people feel so threatened by DEI, and how it was further proof that every institution is caving.

Then I realized it was just the link I had bookmarked; the page had moved. Good reminder to take a deep breath sometimes -- not ALL hope is lost.

🔗 Psychological Science Explains Why Some Feel Threatened by Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives - The APA

https://www.apa.org/education-career/training/essential-science-conversations-equity-diversity-inclusion

#DEI #Psychology

Ashley OdellJan 25, 2025
A man at my crowded local pharmacy this morning was loudly and aggressively demanding to be helped by a man instead of a woman, and nobody except me challenged him, in case anyone's wondering what the streets are like right now.
Ashley OdellJan 20, 2025

Amazing tool for U.S. folks:

"ProPublica's Claim File Helper lets you customize a letter requesting the notes and documents your insurer used when deciding to deny you coverage. Get your claim file before submitting an appeal."

Fill in some blanks and it'll generate a properly-formatted PDF to mail. Insurers are supposed to respond within 30 days.

🔗 ProPublica's Claim File Helper: Find Out Why Your Health Insurer Denied Your Claim

https://projects.propublica.org/claimfile/

#Insurance #Health #Healthcare

Claim File Helper

You likely have the right to access records that explain why your insurer denied your claim or prior authorization request. Use ProPublica’s free tool to generate a letter requesting your claim file from your health insurance company.

ProPublica
Ashley OdellJan 12, 2025

Sharing for the benefit of everyone else who struggles with this...

I really like the strategy of having scripted phrases to use. I turned to that a lot over the past few months, even having some favorite go-tos sticky-noted on my desk. Felt silly, but hey, whatever works!

🔗 Saying no is hard, but setting boundaries can improve your health | AP News

https://apnews.com/article/work-life-balance-setting-boundaries-b33ef0e904f9be67e06591bcd3d74b80

#Wellness #MentalHealth

How setting boundaries can improve your health at work

Setting boundaries at work can be tricky. Many people find it difficult to say no, especially to a manager. Some get a sense of satisfaction from being needed or pleasing others. But experts say learning to turn down a request or an invitation is essential for protecting our health. And as with any new skill, drawing boundaries gets easier with practice. It can be tempting to agree immediately when we’re asked to chip in. One expert suggests taking five minutes to assess your workload, energy level and priorities before responding. Another says people who are uncomfortable with saying no can write down what they want to say beforehand and rehearse it.

AP News
Show threadAshley OdellNov 1, 2024
When you've had a mentally draining, and I mean *draining*, week, there is something really lovely about kids enjoying the last bits of their childhood and having fun together like that. And also being unapologetic about just wanting the dang candy, no small chat please. 🙂