Ability Radio

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 his knowledge of athletic footwear in a series of organizations and businesses that, among many other lessons, teach others how to gain and utilize STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Skills.

Check out SOLEcial Studies Community Academy at https://solecialstudies.com/  and follow his social media @DeeWellsOSD on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Tik Tok. 

Learn more about the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (DRCVI) and find parent resources at www.DRCVI.org or (340) 772-1200 or (340) 776-4303. DRCVI's Youth Empowerment Leadership Program is a class that is currently on the schedule at US Virgin Islands Department of Education High Schools and expansion plans are underway for the 2024-2025 school year. 

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 the USVI, the steps to start a farm or garden, and educational programs. He also updates us about the citrus situation in the territory and beyond. 

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 navigate their rights and responsibilities, accommodations made available through ADA laws, job skills readiness and how to access assistive technology with the help of The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).

Resources referenced in the episode:

• DRCVI Community Resource Employment Guide

• 787-784-5329 ext. 3009 Magadali De Jesus
  

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 interview appointments, how to get started with therapy, and where to get emergency help. He also explains how to incorporate SMART goals into your life - and how small steps can lead to big results. 

They explain how their doors are open to everyone and how they address behavioral health and developmental concerns to improve their patients' lives through therapies, medicines, and supports like Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Dr. Rita Dudley-Grant, Ph.D., MPH, ABPP, is the Clinical Community Outreach Coordinator for Island Therapy Solutions, a licensed clinical psychologist. She is also the past president and founding Association of Virgin Islands Psychologists (AVIP) member.

Mario Capriola is an ITS Masters Intern therapist currently studying in The Master of Arts in Psychology program at The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). 

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 military personnel.

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.