Could This Happen in Your Program?: The Podcast

To mark National Safety Month and the one-year anniversary of the “Could This Happen in Your Program?” podcast, we are looking ahead to the next chapter of our mission and the Justice Center’s commitment to prevent, protect, and advocate for New Yorkers with disabilities. Our guests, Chief of Staff Dr. Jessica Pidgeon and Director of Strategic Initiatives & Portfolio Management Mike Wilmot, jo...

In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day , this month we shift the conversation around accessibility from checklists to compliance deadlines to the heart of the matter: People.  When a person with a disability can access information via a website or a digital application, it’s one more step toward creating a more inclusive state for all. In this episode, we sit down with Michele Bruno from t...

In recognition of April’s National Volunteer Month , we’re discussing the important role volunteers play in some of the Justice Center’s most critical programs.   Earlier on the “Could This Happen in Your Program?” podcast, we introduced you to the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee—a non-court alternative authorized to provide consent for non-emergency major medical treatment and end-of-life car...

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we explore how self-advocacy and family support help ensure that people with developmental disabilities live with dignity, choice, and security.    We begin with Dr. Lucina Clarke , Executive Director and Co-Founder of My Time Inc.   Dr. Clarke shares her mission to support the pillars of the disability community who are too often forgotten:...

In investigations and human services, we often focus on the mechanics of a case. Yet, at the heart of every interaction is a person who has likely experienced a significant crisis.   In this episode, we explore why a trauma-informed approach is critical for anyone who works with people in vulnerable situations. It's a shift in perspective that moves us from simply "getting the facts&quot...

For those who may be unable to report pain or describe an injury, body checks provide an early warning sign to assess a person and help tell that story.    In this episode, we explore why body checks are far more than paperwork; they are a vital tool for protection, dignity, and early intervention. We're joined by Serena Sturman-Pupons , Deputy Counsel at the Justice Center and a former nurse...

Most people know the NYS Justice Center investigates abuse and neglect. But what many don't know is that at the heart of the agency is a powerful Data and Analytics unit—a team of data scientists working to make the entire system safer.  In this episode, we spotlight our data unit and how the Justice Center leverages incident reports to identify systemic dangers that no single provider or cas...

In situations where an individual is unable to provide informed consent and has no family or legal surrogate available, major medical decisions can stall in the court system, resulting in delayed care. This episode of the "Could This Happen in Your Program?" podcast explores the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) , a critical, non-court alternative authorized by New York State to...

In celebration of Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM), this episode features a discussion with two specialists in assistive technology. We explore how assistive technology (AT) can aid individuals with disabilities not only in their careers but also in their personal and leisure activities.  We’ll define what we mean by assistive technology devices, demonstrate how these too...

In this episode, we'll discuss the concept of professional boundaries, help to clearly define what they are, why they're non-negotiable, and how to train providers and staff on maintaining clear, respectful, and appropriate professional boundaries when working with individuals with disabilities.  We'll also tackle the tricky side: the risks associated with failing to uphold professi...

Welcome to the "Could This Happen in Your Program?" podcast, where we find collaborative solutions to protecting NY’s most vulnerable populations.  The Justice Center is proud to celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which is happening from September 7 – 13. This week is a chance to shine a light on the committed direct support workforce at the heart of care for individ...

As the summer heat intensifies across New York State, so do the heightened risks of heat-related dangers, especially for individuals receiving services.   In this episode, we sit down with two staff members from the Justice Center – Tracey Sosa , Assistant Director of Prevention and Quality Improvement at the agency, and Tabitha Purcell , a Quality of Care Facility Review Specialist and a Register...

The summer months bring increased opportunities for individuals receiving services to participate in activities and outings and to become more involved in their local communities.   During this episode, we sit down with Erin Pinchbeck and Carisa Huble from Northern Rivers Family of Services to discuss the benefits of community outings, as well as best practices for planning and executing outings t...

The NYS Justice Center prevents abuse from entering the direct care system in a variety of ways.  In today's episode, we sit down with Davin Robinson , Deputy Director of Outreach, Prevention, and Support , to discuss how providers can create a culture of safety within their organizations, including the importance of the Staff Exclusion List, background checks, and the training offered by the...