Ability Radio

Welcome to Ability Radio, brought to you by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. Hosted by Kishma B. Francis, this episode features a special guest, Dawn O'Bryan, an advocate with the Disability Rights Center. Dawn shares her passion for community connection and the multifaceted role of an advocate. Discover the impactful work being done through a public health grant, in collaborati...

In this episode, hosted by Kishma B. Francis, we dive into the significance of ADA Month with special guest Shammi Carr, a seasoned advocate at the Disability Rights Center. Shammi takes us through the rich history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), highlighting its evolution from the early struggles of people with disabilities to the modern-day achievements and ongoing challenges. She...

Welcome to Ability Radio, brought to you by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. Today, host Angus Drago engages in a compelling discussion with Brandy Brooks, Prevention Coordinator at The Village, VI Partners in Recovery. The Village is the only residential treatment facility for substance use disorder in the Virgin Islands, offering crucial support for individuals from Water Isla...

Kishma Francis delves into the wonderful world of the Virgin Islands Children's Museum with Amber McCammon, the Executive Director of Facilities and Programs. Amber shares an insightful overview of the museum, highlighting its interactive play spaces that foster family engagement and the various programs that reach children and families throughout the territory. Discover the exciting Youth Art Mon...

Troy De Chabert-Schuster, the State Director for AARP Virgin Islands, and our host, Amelia Headly Lamont, share the impactful work AARP is doing in the Virgin Islands. AARP focuses on advocacy and community outreach to empower individuals as they age. We discuss AARP's nonpartisan stance and initiatives, including anti-ageism legislation, anti-elder abuse measures, and guardianship reform. Troy al...

Virgin Islands Housing Authority Resident Wellness and Empowerment Program Director Emmanuella Perez-Cassius and Marketing Specialist Kurtice Lewis discuss the programs that ensure VIHA residents experience wellness. They connect their residents to the programs and services available through VIHA and their partners and empower residents to advocate for themselves and their communities. They discus...

International competitive para-cyclist and para-Olympic hopeful, Andrew Hairston he is organizing Adaptive Sports Clinics for the third summer in St. Croix and St. Thomas. Hairston is a former U.S. Marine and St. Thomian, has a conversation with Amelia Headly Lamont about his experience as an adaptive athlete after his limb salvage.  Andrew runs an organization called "Salvage Life," which aims to...

Kishma Francis and Amelia Headly LaMont discuss the Virgin Islands Parent & Training Information Center (VIPTI), and the educational programs available in the US Virgin Islands - including DARRI's Book Club, "The Disability & Advocacy Rights Reading Initiative", "The Youth Empowerment and Leadership Program (YELP)", Art Therapy Sessions for students and school staff, "The Hygiene Project",...

John Abramson Jr. and Amelia LaMont discuss the importance of voting and how when you vote, you are a member of the jury that decides who is in charge of improving the territory and supporting our rights. They explain how citizens can fulfill their civic duties to enhance and uphold the US Virgin Islands Territory by volunteering and participating in civic-minded organizations. 2024 is an election...

Guest DeJongh "Dee" Wells and Kishma Francis talk about turning your passion into a career and how to create your own story as your journey continues.  He tells his story, starting in St. John, USVI, about developing your space in a niche you already know and loves. Dee successfully created several businesses and organizations from the feet up as a "kiskstorian" or "sneaker historian," who uses hi...

Errol Chichester, plant enthusiast, joins Amelia to talk about tropical fruits and other plants that grow well here in the U.S. Virgin Islands to encourage our people to start and maintain a garden to supplement their intake of imported food. He shares valuable tips and tricks - from which plants thrive here, where to plant them, and how to water and feed them.  We discuss what plants do well in t...

In this episode, the DRCVI staff talk about what we do as a protection and advocacy organization as they highlight our 2023 initiatives and successes. They also talk about what you can expect in 2024. 

"Magali De Jesús Cordero of The  AMSI  Employment Network talks about the SSA "Ticket to Work Program" for people who are on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). She outlines how you can work part-time and stay on SSDI or transition to self-sufficiency, if it's right for your situation. DRCVI Advocate, Shammi Carr, explains how DRCVI assists job seekers who are disabled by helping them nav...

Dr. Rita Dudley-Grant introduces us to "Radical Acceptance" by giving us noteworthy tips on starting in the present moment, accepting where you are, and then moving forward from there to lead a happy, peaceful life - where you can "let it be" and recognize that health comes from within without blame and criticism.  Mario Capriola discusses what happens during the first mental health intake intervi...

Tracy Sanders, founder of Continuum Care , discusses Hospice Care and End of Life Living. From comfort and supportive care for the patient to managing the details for the patient's caregivers, the goal is to follow individual plans of care respecting the wishes of the patient and their family.

Rebecca Russell explains how her son, who has Down syndrome aka. Trisomy 21 inspired her to teach other parents how to advocate for their children's health, education, and inclusion. We discuss prejudices, finding support and understanding, The Buddy Walk , the importance of early intervention , special education rights and resources - including IEPs , Vocational Rehabilitation, and more!

Patrick Farrell, Director of the USVI Office of Veterans Affairs , joins us to talk about the services and resources available for veterans in the USVI - including UVI tuition reimbursement , disabled veterans license plates, and Community Care. He and Archie Jennings discuss how and why veterans started the disability rights movement and talk about how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect milita...

Jenny Hawkes, Executive Director of My Brother's Workshop , discusses how the organization impacts VI youth through mentoring, training, education, and job placement. Advocate Shammi Carr talks about National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

Maria Morris an attorney for the ACLU shares information about the their work to improve the conditions of V.I. jails.

Lester Griffin and Marcus Altheimer, two formerly incarcerated men, share their experiences and talk about their work with The Foundation, a Washington state nonprofit that works with at risk youth. Lester is the Executive Director of The Foundation and Marcus is the Director of Operations of The Foundation ( www.thefoundationwa.org ).

Danita Worthy, Housing Case Manager of Greater Good Northwest , discusses homelessness and her mission to help those impacted by homelessness.

The American Red Cross V.I. discusses the various ways the organization assists the V.I. community and resources on disaster preparedness. 

DRCVI intern, Adeje Petersen, shares what he learned about disability rights and provides advice on how to engage V.I. youth.

V.I. disability advocates share the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and events celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the bill in the USVI.

Mother and advocate, Chari Richards-Meade, discusses parenting a child with autism, how integral therapy has been in assisting her son's development, and the importance of being your child's champion.