Disability News You Can Use

Join us for a conversation with Arianna Bordeleau, Assistive Technology Specialist at Perspectives Corporation and the 2024 Rhode Island Assistive Technology Champion. Arianna shares how assistive technology can help people live, work, and participate more fully in their communities. She discusses the importance of focusing on a person's goals and needs, explores different types of assistive techn...

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Angela Amado. Former Research Associate at the University of Minnesota with 40 years of experience in looking at ways to foster friendships, belonging, and inclusive communities. We discuss her manual Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members , and her experience in the field, conducting research, developing government policy, and leadin...

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Adiaha (pronounced /ah dee YAH/) I. A. Spinks-Franklin, MD, MPH, FAAP.  Dr. Spinks-Franklin is a Board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, lifelong anti-oppression/pro-liberation social justice warrior, and Black/African American woman. She is the owner of DBP Doc, PLLC, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Consultation, Education, and Training...

Join us as we interview Kevin Savage, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities. We talk about what the Division has focused on, what has gone well, and what still needs some work from this year. We also touch on what the Division's plans are for 2026 and some goals Kevin has for himself in the New Year.    Contact Information: For the Division: Phone: 401-462-3421 (main line) Email:...

Join us as we interview Sue Babin, Special Projects Coordinator at The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council. She has been the founder and Project Director for Rhode Island's Self-Employment Business Incubator since 2018. We discuss the details about the Self-Employment Business classes, support, and opportunities provided to entrepreneurs.   Contact for Sue Babin: Phone: 401-523-2300 Em...

Join us as we talk with Amy Stone about the RI Sibs. Rhode Island's Sibling Chapter is part of the national Sibling Leadership Network.  RI Sibs' mission is to empower siblings of individuals with disabilities with the support, tools, and opportunities to advocate, collaborate, and engage with their brothers and sisters. They aim to promote the issues that matter most to families. Sibling chapters...

July is Fragile X Awareness Month, and July 22nd is National Fragile X Awareness Day as designated by the 106th US Congress. Join us as we speak with Barbara and Charles as they raise awareness about Fragile X, build community, and share how you can support someone living with Fragile X.   Resources mentioned during the episode: Foundation -  Fragilex.org RIPIN Community Guide Advocates in Action...

Join us as we interview Donna Martin, Vice President of State Partnerships and Innovation, with the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). We discuss changes in federal policy, the potential impacts of budget changes, and what individuals can do to have a voice in the conversation.    Resources mentioned during the episode: Ancor Website Ancor Amplifier     Enjoy!

Join us as we have a candid conversation with Joanne Malise, Director of  Living Innovations , Judy Niedbala, the recently retired Chief Executive Officer of  Perspectives Corporation , and David Reiss, the Chief Executive Officer of  The Fogarty Center . We discuss their days at the Ladd School, the impact they have had on the Developmental Disability (DD) system since then, how to build a good l...

Join us as we interview Maggie Sebastian, a resident at Ladd School, and Joanne Malise, a former employee. We will discuss their experiences at Ladd and their lives since it closed.  Best Judgement: Ladd School Lessons will air on Rhode Island PBS on May 8th at 8:00 pm.     You can learn more about Ladd and upcoming opportunities to see the Ladd film at  Facebook - Best Judgement - Ladd School Les...

Join us as we interview Jim Wolpaw, Academy Award-nominated documentarian and co-director of Best Judgements: Ladd School Lessons, and Scott Hopkins, Peer Mentor at Advocates in Action and one of the film crew members, as we discuss the history of Ladd with the making of the film.  Best Judgement: Ladd School Lessons will air on Rhode Island PBS on May 8th at 8:00 pm.   You can learn more about La...

Join us as we interview Kate Sherlock, a lawyer and consultant for Sargent Rehabilitation Center's Regional Resource Center, and Torry Flis, an Inclusive Community Living Administrator at Looking Upwards, Inc., as we discuss Supported Decision-Making (SDM).  You can learn more about SDM at ridecisionmaking.org . To learn more about the Supported Decision Making Coalition or if you have a story abo...

Join us for our interview with Dr. Christopher Ottiano, Medical Director for Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, to learn more about benefits and how your insurance can work with you to provide the best care.  You can learn more about Neighborhood Health by visiting their website ( https://www.nhpri.org/ ). If you have INTEGRITY (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), you can call 1-844-812-6896, or for M...

Join Disability News You Can Use for an insightful interview with Jackie Camilloni, Coordinator of Self-Direction at the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). In this episode, we delve into goods and services, the process for requesting them, and any changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of these crucial aspects.  This episode mentions the DDD Self-Directed Supports ,  RIPIN Sel...

Join us for our interview with Anne LeClerc, Associate Director of Program Performance at the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and learn more about individual budgets, service changes, and more. You can contact the division with questions by emailing ( BHDDH.AskDD@bhddh.ri.gov ). You can check out their  website for more about these changes and updates. To get the latest updates, cons...

Listen to our co-produced episode of Disability News You Can Use with RIPIN's Susan Donovan and Sharon Kochan and learn more about their new Self-Directed Supports Program (SDSP). You can contact RIPIN about this program by calling the main number at 401-270-0101 or email ( info@ripin.org ) mentioning the Self-Directed Program. You can check out their website at  https://ripin.org/selfdirectedsupp...

Enjoy this exclusive interview with the RI Director of Medicaid, Kristin Sousa. Director Sousa provides listeners with information, tips, and techniques for navigating RI's Medicaid renewal process. Links to resources referenced in the episode: Healthy Rhode RI website (https://healthyrhode.ri.gov/HIXWebI3/DisplayHomePage), Healthy Rhode RI iOS and Android apps (https://healthsourceri.com/healthyr...

Join us as we interview RI General Assembly members Representative Tina Spears and Senator Louis DiPalma, take a glimpse into their tireless disability inclusion work, and learn how you can get involved in their efforts. Links to resources referenced in the episode: RI Legislature (https://www.rilegislature.gov/Pages/Default.aspx), Secretary of State (https://www.sos.ri.gov/), Open States (https:/...

This month, Deanne Gagne speaks with Ed Laurenzo, a certified personal trainer and person with a disability. Ed has conquered his self-doubt and strives to encourage others to reach their full fitness potential. Contact Ed via email at Eplpersonaltraining@gmail.com or phone: 401-226-5048.

Listen to episode 1 of the Sherlock Center's brand-new podcast, "Disability News You Can Use!" Join Deanne Gagne and Andrew McQuaide as they discuss topics impacting Rhode Island's Disability Community and share practical ways you can use information from each episode in your life. This month Deanne and Andrew discuss the Division of Developmental Disabilities' Technology Fund with Jennifer White,...

Listen to the trailer for the Sherlock Center's brand-new podcast, "Disability News You Can Use!" Starting next week, join Deanne Gagne and Andrew McQuaide as they discuss topics impacting Rhode Island's Disability Community and share practical ways you can use information from each episode in your life.