Ability Radio

Host Angus Drigo speaks with Terrell Alexandre, Deputy Supervisor of Elections for St. Croix, about the primary and general 2026 elections. They cover early voting schedules and locations, registration options (online and in-person), absentee ballots, and contact information for election offices, including their website.

The episode emphasizes accessibility for voters with disabilities, explaining assistive voting machines, the option to bring a helper, transportation resources, how to report access issues, and how to access DRCVI's voting information page. It also mentions voter outreach events and dates for machine demonstrations and a 2026 Elections Expo.

This episode explains the differences between guardianship and self-determination, outlines the guardianship court process, and explores less restrictive options like supported decision‑making and powers of attorney.

Hosts Kishma B. Francis and Jasmine Barmer share practical guidance on when to begin planning, how families can advocate during the IEP transition process, and where to find local support from organizations such as:

The Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, 

The Family Resource Center,

The Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living

And national organizations: 

NEPACT

RAISE Center

This episode of Ability Radio explains special education services, IEP teams and timelines, and the difference between an IEP diploma and a general high school diploma. Hosts Kishma B. Francis, Esq., VIPTI Director, and Jasmine Barmer, J.D., advocate and former teacher, speak with advocate and author Rebecca Russell about eligibility, accommodations, transition planning, and how parents can advocate for appropriate, individualized education pathways for their children. IEP Made Easy! Understanding and Advocating for Your Child: Individualized Education Plan (IEP) - Hands-on Workbook for more information and a link to order Rebecca's book. Call DRCVI at (340) 772-1200 or learn more at the Virgin Islands Parent Information & Training Center (VIPTI) website.

Host Amelia Headley-Lamont speaks with Vanessa Hinds, Veteran, founder, and instructor of Bead on a Wire, about how jewelry making helped her manage chronic pain and grew into a thriving St. Croix studio.

Vanessa describes her classes and workshops—wire wrapping, chain mail, beading, polymer clay—along with free Wednesday classes for seniors and veterans, jewelry clinics for students, and social craft days that build community and improve focus and fine motor skills.

The episode highlights the shop’s local impact, tourist visits, remote shopping options, student entrepreneurship, and Vanessa’s plans to expand teaching opportunities and foster small-business skills among young people.

This episode features Genevieve Whitaker, president and co-founder of the Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition and executive director of the Virgin Islands Board for Career and Technical Education. She discusses the coalition’s work uniting youth ages 14–30, civic education, voter engagement, and intergenerational projects like the Digital Bridge Initiative.

The conversation also covers upcoming financial literacy programs, the Money Moves gaming app, opportunities for youth delegates to international forums, and how listeners can join or support the coalition.

Author and activist James Harrington discusses lessons from The Texan Civil Rights ProjectTexas Civil Rights Project, emphasizing the critical importance of local voting, organized house meetings, and creative grassroots tactics to win lasting change — from better judges to accessible public spaces.

He highlights community policing reforms, ways to engage young leaders, the supportive role lawyers should play in organizing, and practical aid for immigrant families (powers of attorney, grocery and medical delivery), closing with a call to persistent, community-led action.

Mixed-media artist Rebecca Robinson shares how a Creative Renewal residency at CMC Arts in St. Croix helped her heal after her father’s passing and reignited her creativity, inspired in part by learning to scuba dive and her love of the ocean.

Rebecca describes teaching children storytelling through eco-conscious sculpture projects, guiding teens in entrepreneurship and branding, and reflecting on art’s power for personal transformation, community connection, and environmental stewardship.

Amelia Headly-LaMont interviews James Harrington - lawyer, activist, adjunct professor, and author - bout his decades of community organizing, landmark litigation, and building the Texas Civil Rights Project. Harrington discusses organizing farm workers in Texas and Michigan, winning workers' compensation and unemployment coverage, advancing ADA access, and the enduring power of house meetings over social media for sustained social change.

The episode also highlights Harrington’s recent volunteer work helping immigrant families with powers of attorney and notes his book, The Texas Civil Rights Project: How We Built a Social Justice Movement. 

Host Kishma B. Francis interviews Diana Autin, Senior Program Director at SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, about the vital role parents play as advocates for children and youth with disabilities. They discuss practical advocacy skills, the importance of support groups, and top resources like ParentCenterHub.org, disability-specific organizations, and local services through the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands.

The episode also covers training, peer support, preparing youth for self-advocacy, and how parents can access help via the DRCVI website (www.drcvi.org), phone (340-776-4303), and the DRCVI YouTube channel.

Host Kishma B. Francis interviews Tarik McMillan of Greater Changes about their Bright Path Wellness Center, community programs, and plans to expand mental health and wellness services across the Virgin Islands.

The episode highlights fitness and wellness classes, family events, the new DARRI Book Club literacy initiative, efforts to reduce stigma around mental health, and how residents can access free consultations and services.

Listeners are invited to connect with Greater Changes at greaterchangesllc.com or 833-409-3474 and with the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands at drcvi.org or 340-776-4303 for partnerships and resources.