Ability Radio

Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands

Ability Radio is a program of the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands to promote a more inclusive Virgin Islands. Ability Radio brings you information on healthcare, art, culture, education and current affairs. read less
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Episodes

Disability Services and Advocacy in the USVI - Episode 46 with Guests Shamika Thomas, VIUCEDD Executive Director, and Shammi Carr, DRCVI Advocate
6d ago
Disability Services and Advocacy in the USVI - Episode 46 with Guests Shamika Thomas, VIUCEDD Executive Director, and Shammi Carr, DRCVI Advocate
Join host Amelia Hedley-Lemont in this episode about the integral roles of the University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) and the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. Guests Shamika Thomas, MPH, CCHW, Executive Director of VIUCEDD, and Shammi Carr, DRCVI Advocate, discuss how these organizations serve the broader community by providing essential services and advocacy for people with disabilities.  Explore the free services the UCEDD offers the entire community, ranging from early intervention to assistive technology and a lending closet for durable medical supplies. Shamika Thomas explains how these resources are made accessible to the community through grants and partnerships, while Shammi Carr highlights the collective efforts to drive systemic change for individuals with disabilities across the territory. Learn about the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering leaders in the disability advocacy field. Discover how this program, in collaboration with the Westchester Institute for Human Development, equips Virgin Islanders with the skills needed to advance disability services. Finally, the episode touches on the various training sessions and events like Voices That Count, illustrating how these initiatives offer platforms for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
From Caregiving to Trailblazing: The Heart of Mobile Integrated Healthcare - Episode 39 with Guests Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, Kami Mead, and Dawn O'Bryan
15-09-2024
From Caregiving to Trailblazing: The Heart of Mobile Integrated Healthcare - Episode 39 with Guests Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, Kami Mead, and Dawn O'Bryan
Welcome to a special episode of Ability Radio, brought to you by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. Join host Kishma B. Francis as she sits down with three extraordinary women: Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, Kami Mead, and Dawn O'Bryan, to discuss the impactful Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program. Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, the Director of the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and a Vanguard Award recipient, shares her inspiring journey from a nurse to a paramedic, highlighting her exceptional 35 years of service. Kami Mead, a dedicated nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience, and Dawn O'Brien, an advocate with the Disability Rights Center, also share their experiences and roles within the MIH program. The conversation delves into the inception of MIH post-Hurricane Maria in 2017, its mission to provide holistic healthcare services to the community, and the extraordinary lengths the team goes to ensure the well-being of their patients. From medical care to home safety and even yard maintenance, the MIH team truly exemplifies community care. Learn about the critical support from organizations like Pafford EMS and the community health clinic and discover the future aspirations for expanding this state-of-the-art program. Don't miss out on this heartwarming and informative discussion! For more information, visit the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands on their YouTube channel or at www.drcvi.org.
Celebrating ADA: A Journey Through History and Advocacy - Episode 35 - Guest Shammi Carr, Advocate
12-07-2024
Celebrating ADA: A Journey Through History and Advocacy - Episode 35 - Guest Shammi Carr, Advocate
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 also sheds light on the pivotal roles played by veterans and other key figures in advancing disability rights. We explore the changes in ADA over the past five years, focusing on employment and hybrid work models - some that began as an ADA accommodation almost 20 years ago and catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shammi also shares insights into local efforts in the US Virgin Islands to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. As we approach the 34th anniversary of the ADA, learn about the exciting events and initiatives planned for July, including the Emergency Preparedness ADA Expo and various training sessions. Shammi emphasizes the importance of continuous advocacy and community involvement in promoting disability rights. Join us in celebrating the milestones achieved and the work still to be done to ensure a more inclusive society for all. For more information, visit the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands at www.drcvi.org.   Links: Disability Rights Center Of the Virgin Islands - YouTube VIADA - Government of the United States Virgin Islands ADA Information, Guidance, and Training | The Northeast ADA Center Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ADA Anniversary | ADA National Network (adata.org) Crip Camp Film https://youtu.be/OFS8SpwioZ4?si=U3dG38sAwvSXNtcm Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living - Nonprofit (independentlivingvi.org)
Understanding PTSD and Substance Use - Episode 34 - Guest Brandy Brooks of The Village, VI
20-06-2024
Understanding PTSD and Substance Use - Episode 34 - Guest Brandy Brooks of The Village, VI
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 Island, St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Brandy shares insights into the prevention programs she coordinates, such as Project Horizon, which empowers youth aged 12 to 24 through life skills education to avoid substance use disorder. She also highlights the Strengthening Families program aimed at fostering healthy relationships between parents and children. The episode delves deeply into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emphasizing its significance during PTSD Awareness Month. Brandy explains what PTSD is, its causes, and its impact on mental health. She also discusses the connection between trauma and substance use, particularly among youth who may turn to substances to cope with unresolved trauma. Listeners will learn about the symptoms of PTSD, the importance of mental health checkups, and the various resources available for support, including Greater Changes, Island Therapy Solutions, and Beautiful Dreamers. Brandy also touches on the importance of community support and the need to destigmatize mental health and substance use disorders. Join us for this enlightening conversation and learn how to support yourself and others in making healthier choices and seeking the care needed for a better quality of life.