CP State(d)

In this episode, Layla Hazlett, Director and Clinical Coordinator of Adult Services at Pathfinder Village, sits down with Connor McGough from Arise Adaptive Design in Syracuse, New York. Arise Adaptive Design is a community-based organization that creates custom, low-cost equipment to meet the specific functional needs of individuals with disabilities.  As an Occupational Therapist, Layla is passi...

Welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas, and innovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond. We are excited to continue our tech series, kicking off 2026, where CP State(d) discovers how technology and innovation are enhancing the lives of the I/DD community. In this episode, Brianne Flewelling from Racker sits down...

Welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explorethe people, ideas, and innovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond. We are excited to continue our tech series, kicking off 2026, where CP State(d) discovers how technology and innovation are enhancing the lives of the I/DD community. In this episode, Brianne Flewelling from Racker sits downwi...

Welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas, and innovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond. On this episode, titled "Leveling the Playing Field: Gaming, Accessibility, and Inclusion with SpecialEffect," CP State Communications & Operations Specialist, Kelsey Massyk, sits down with Jacob Holden, an Occupational T...

Happy Holidays and welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas andinnovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond. In this episode, Laura Beth Malkowski from Aspire of Western New York and Nichole Belonge from CP North Country sit down with Kathleen Dowd, MSW Professor of Human Services, Human Services Department Chair at...

Welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas and innovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond. We are happy to have you joining us for Part 2 of our interview with Kathy O’Connell. Brianne and Laura Beth will continue to explore The Confidence Gap in Dating, Disclosure & Dating Visibility, Debunking Sexual Ableism &...

Welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas and innovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond. In Part 1 of this episode, Brianne Flewelling from Racker and Laura Beth Malkowski from Aspire of Western New York have a conversation with Kathy’ O’Connell, the leader of Radiant Abilities and organization based in Syracuse,...

Welcome to a special live edition of CP State(d) — recorded at the 2025 CP State Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs! This year’s theme, Powering Progress, is all about innovation, leadership, and the people driving the future of services for New Yorkers with disabilities. In this episode, we’re spotlighting the Emerging Leaders Committee — a dynamic group of professionals from CP State Affiliat...

How can nonprofits build digital resiliency in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of CP State(d) , CP State Technology Specialist Kelsey Massyk interviews Adam Eads , Senior Program Manager at TechSoup , about cybersecurity, technology literacy, and creating a culture that embraces innovation. Together, they explore how nonprofits can protect themselves from emerging threats, overcome barri...

In this episode of CP State(d) , we preview the keynote address from communication expert and author Tim David at the CP State Annual Conference on October 9. Tim shares why strong human connection is a learned skill -not an innate gift - and how it can transform leadership, teamwork, and the quality of our lives. From the science behind his bestselling books to practical takeaways for everyday in...

In this episode of CP State(d) , we sit down with Sara Trowers from Jawonio to talk about Brick It Again ,  an innovative LEGO resale shop that provides job training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Sara shares the story behind the program, how it’s grown,and the impact it’s having on both the community and the individuals it supports. We’ll also look ahead to Brick-A-Pal...

Dr. Maria Kansas Devine, Chief Medical Officer at theCenter for Disability Services, joins CP State(d) to discuss what it takes to deliver better medical care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From expanding telehealth options and addressing unconscious biases, to empowering patients and families through advocacy, Dr. Kansas shares actionable strategies for creating more...

In this Short Stated episode, Dr. Maria Kansas Devine, Chief Medical Officer at the Center for Disability Services, offers a brief but vital look at how diabetes uniquely impacts people with developmental disabilities. She shares clinical insights on early warning signs, barriers to effective care, and why person-centered education and proactive monitoring are essential. Whether you're a provi...

In this episode of CP State(d) , we sit down with Constance Harrington, Director of Education and Accreditation for Tech First SHIFT, to explore the real-world impact of enabling technology in disability services. Constance shares how SHIFT is helping organizations across the country adopt tech-forward, person-centered supports that promote independence and inclusion for people with intellectual a...

Layla Hazlett is the Director and Clinical Coordinator of Adult Services at Pathfinder Village, a community in Otsego County, New York for people who have Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. She joins us to talk about Pathfinder's Farmstead Market Project. The Farmstead will be the new home for Pathfinder Produce, a business that offers vocational training opportun...

Welcome to the first episode of CP State(d) . Huge thanks to our guests for kicking things off with such heart and honesty. Their reflections on what drives them - whether it’s the people, the purpose, or the possibilities - set the tone for the conversations ahead. We’re just getting started. In upcoming episodes, we’ll explore critical topics shaping our field, including advocacy that drives rea...