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 technology, and explains how 3D printing can create affordable, customized solutions that improve everyday life. 

Resources from the episode:

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

           JAN Accommodations and Technology Search

         JAN Contact

• Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)

           ORS Assistive Technology

• Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)

           ATIA Upcoming Events

           ATIA Resources

• Contact for Arianna

            Email: [email protected]
            Phone: 401-294-3990

Enjoy!

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 leading international training programs.

Resources from the episode:

•  Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members. 

  https://ici.umn.edu/products/579

• The Arc of Massachusetts

  https://thearcofmass.org/friendship/

• ICI (Institute for Community Living)

  https://www.communityinclusion.org/

• UCEDDs (University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities)

  https://www.aucd.org/about-ucedds

• The Arc of Minnesoda 

  https://arcminnesota.org/

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 practice. She is the immediate past president of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP). She is from the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, Wichita, and Comanche Nations. 

We discussed engaging topics, including the intersectionality of disability, race, and gender. We spoke about ableism, implicit bias, and the healthcare system. Hear Dr. Spink-Franklin's unique perspective on these topics and more.

Resources from the episode:

• Take care of your mind, body, and spirit:
  • National Suicide Lifeline 988
  • WebMD for scientifically accurate health information 
  • HealthyChildren.org for scientifically accurate child health information 
• February is Black History Month
  • https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/
  • https://www.history.com/topics/black-history
  • https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/african-american-history
  • Unbirthday - the date of your birthday on each month that is not your birthday month. 

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: [email protected]
• Kevin Savage contact:
  • Phone: 401-462-0581
  • Email: [email protected]

Resources from the episode:

• Conflict Free Case Management
• Division Events and Forums 
• Employment
• Consent Decree
• Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative
• RI Cross Disability Coalition
• Advocates in Action Leadership Series
  • Enrollment for the 2026 Leadership Series has already begun. Deadline is Friday, January 16. 

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
• Email: [email protected]

Resources from the episode:

• https://riddc.org/
• https://riddc.org/self-employment-project/
• https://sbsshopri.com/
• https://www.ricrossdisability.org/
• The Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition Phone: (401) 737-1238 Email: [email protected]

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 provide the state and local connections for siblings to get peer support and information. Each chapter has its own feel and flavor. One primary purpose of sibling chapters is to create a judgment-free environment where siblings can meet and share their sibling experiences. 

Resources from this episode:

• Check out the national Sibling Leadership Network at this link: https://siblingleadership.org/
• Contact RI Sibs, Rhode Island's sibling chaper at: [email protected]
• Contact for Taylor Dorsey, Individual and Family Support Specialist at the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities: ([email protected])

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.

• Foundation - Fragilex.org
• RIPIN Community Guide
• Advocates in Action RI
• Leadership Series
• Institute on Community Integration – Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members (Author: Angela N Amado)
• Starfire

Barbara's contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 401-432-4690

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 life, and their thoughts for the future.