Unstoppable Futures

In this Season 1 finale of Unstoppable Futures, Nathan sit's down with the Self-Directed Support Program (SDSP) team at RIPIN — Sharon (Program Manager), Jane and Laura (Support Navigators) — to break down everything families need to know about self-directed services for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

We cover how self-direction works, who's eligible and when to apply, how funding tiers and fiscal intermediaries function, what a person-centered plan looks like, the technology grant, blending self-direction with agency services, and how to find and hire the right direct support professionals (DSPs). The team also shares practical tools like the Google My Maps project and RIPIN's Link with Your Community guide, common misconceptions, and where to turn when you need support.

Whether you're just starting to explore self-direction or looking to fine-tune your current plan, this conversation is full of real, practical guidance from people who do this work every day.

Thanks for tuning in to Season 1! Season 2 of Unstoppable Futures is coming soon.

🔗 Resources mentioned:

RIPIN Self-Directed Support: https://ripin.org/selfdirectedsupport/

Email: [email protected]

Self-directed support toolkit: https://ripin.org/selfdirectedtoolkit/

Link With Your Community Guide: https://ripin.org/resources/linkwithcommunityguide/

Ask BHDDH: [email protected]

Chapters:

00:00 – Meet the Team: Sharon, Jane & Laura

02:17 – What Is Self-Directed Support?

03:12 – Eligibility & How to Apply

04:08 – A Day in the Life of Self-Direction

05:06 – Fiscal Intermediaries & Hiring Staff

07:33 – How Funding & Tiers Work

09:23 – Why Choose Self-Direction & Blended Services

13:52 – The Technology Grant Explained

18:50 – Common Barriers: Getting Started & Finding DSPs

29:28 – How RIPIN's SDSP Team Helps

33:55 – Google My Maps & Community Planning Tools

44:42 – Key Takeaways & What's Next for RIPIN

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🎧 Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss

📩 Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email: [email protected]

#UnstoppableFutures #RIPIN #SelfDirectedServices #DisabilityServices #RhodeIsland #SeasonFinale

In this episode, Nathan sits down with Siera, a board member of AMCSI (Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc.) and colleague at RIPIN, for a candid conversation about living with arthrogryposis and how smart home technology is transforming daily independence for people with disabilities.

Siera shares how voice-activated shades, smart light bulbs, AI meeting tools, and a walker/electric wheelchair hybrid help her navigate everyday life — and what she learned the hard way about smart tech pitfalls like company shutdowns and app compatibility. They also dive into the future of assistive technology, from eye-controlled wheelchairs to self-driving cars.

Whether you’re living with a disability, a caregiver, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about accessibility — this episode has something for you.

🔗 Learn more about AMCSI: https://amcsupport.org

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome & Introducing Siera

0:20 Siera's background & AMCSI overview

1:13 What is Arthrogryposis?

2:21 Smart home tech: Voice-activated shades

4:42 Smart light bulbs & Alexa integration

5:55 Using AI tools for meeting notes

7:25 Walker/electric wheelchair hybrid (found on Walmart!)

8:30 Discovering the walker at an AMCSI conference

9:54 How AMCSI started & what the organization does

11:33 How smartphones enable independence

12:49 Robotic arms & eye-controlled wheelchairs

19:44 Augmented reality & sensor technology

21:05 Challenges setting up smart tech (app bugs & compatibility)

26:14 How disability shaped Siera's board leadership

26:35 How Siera discovered AMCSI during the pandemic

28:52 Advice for adopting smart home technology

29:50 The future of smart tech & accessibility

31:05 Funding devices through self-directed services & ORS

32:36 Final message & closing thoughts

33:54 Where to find AMCSI online

34:24 Rhode Island question: Favorite restaurant

36:01 Outro

#UnstoppableFutures

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🎧 Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss

📩 Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email: [email protected]

Rachel Shandler of SPAN Parent Advocacy Network joins Unstoppable Futures to discuss disability advocacy, healthcare transition, and self‑advocacy. Rachel shares her journey with cerebral palsy and offers real‑world insight on navigating systems, employment, community resources, and never giving up on adulthood goals.

💬 What’s one takeaway from Rachel’s story that inspired you?

🔗 Resources

Healthcare Transition to Adult Care for Youth with Disabilities: https://movingtoadulthealthcare.org

Contact Rachel Shandler: [email protected]

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network: https://spanadvocacy.org

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & welcome

00:09 – Meet Rachel Shandler

00:42 – What is healthcare transition?

01:39 – Youth advisory groups & creating resources

02:17 – Why healthcare transition is often overlooked

03:06 – Growing up with strong family support

04:46 – School, expectations & inclusion

07:23 – Job searching with a disability

09:06 – Career goals & graduate school reflections

10:19 – Volunteering as a pathway to employment

11:48 – Vocational rehabilitation: tips & lessons

14:28 – Disability services in college

15:06 – Turning volunteering into a job

16:49 – Treating volunteering like a real job

17:44 – From Center for Independent Living to SPAN

18:52 – Advocacy, leadership & legislative work

20:06 – Discovering parent centers & SPAN

22:07 – Learning through lived experience

23:06 – Finding resources & self‑advocacy

26:12 – Wishing for earlier access to supports

27:01 – Youth engagement & peer support work

28:42 – Advice for overwhelmed youth & families

30:53 – Advice to her younger self

33:20 – Key takeaway message

35:05 – Where to find SPAN & healthcare transition resources

35:55 – Final thoughts & sign‑off

🎧 Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss

📩 Have a suggestion or comment? Email: [email protected]

🔗 Follow RIPIN

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

📧 Contact RIPIN: [email protected]

[Video available on YouTube] In this enlightening episode, Nathan welcomes Michael Scanlon, the Director of Community and Partnerships at Street Smart Ventures (SSV). Michael shares his journey of overcoming personal challenges, including being a brain injury survivor and dealing with mental health issues, to become an advocate for positive change. They discuss the importance of discovery and life design in empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives.

✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- Michael’s personal story of resilience and advocacy

- How Street Smart Ventures empowers young adults through entrepreneurship

- The importance of purpose, relationships, and life design

- Practical tips for discovering your passion and building a fulfilling life

- Why hands-on learning beats theory—and how SSV is changing the game

💡 Whether you’re a young adult navigating career choices, an advocate for mental health, or someone seeking inspiration to design a life you love, this conversation is packed with insights and hope.

📌 Connect with Street Smart Ventures

Website: https://www.streetsmartventures.com/

Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkK8WNPrYLS2DrDnWGmO-tzcdt4_vhEmU&si=dVNeMPMY7lY3wgUf

👍 Like, share, and comment below: What’s one takeaway from Michael’s story that inspired you?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:16 Journey into Advocacy and Community Work

09:12 Lessons from Past Experiences

16:35 The Importance of Mistakes and Learning

19:02 Street Smart Ventures and Its Mission

23:27 Redefining Learning Pathways

31:01 Innovative Learning Resources

37:07 Influences and Advocacy in Personal Growth

41:29 Messages of Hope and Purpose

45:12 Food and Culture in New England

48:22 Takeaway and Closing

Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075

RSS Feed - https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss

Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email [email protected]

#UnstoppableFutures #LifeDesign #StreetSmartVentures #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #Advocacy #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #leadership

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Follow RIPIN on Social Media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

To contact RIPIN for any reason, please email: [email protected]

About RIPIN

Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families.

[Video available on YouTube] In this episode of Unstoppable Futures, Nathan and Autumn Johnson discuss the nature of criticism, its impact on personal growth, and strategies for reframing negative feedback into constructive insights. They explore the importance of feedback in various contexts, including education and social media, and emphasize the need for self-advocacy and emotional intelligence when dealing with criticism. The conversation also touches on the balance between protecting one's mental health and remaining open to growth opportunities.

Follow Autumn on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/beautybyrain__/ 

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Criticism: An Introduction 

02:06 Understanding Feedback: The Good and the Bad 

05:59 Reframing Negative Feedback

09:59 Strategies for Handling Criticism

13:56 Balancing Personal Peace and Growth

18:09 Social Media and Public Feedback

21:05 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email [email protected].

To contact RIPIN for any reason, please email: [email protected]

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Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075

RSS Feed - https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss

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Follow RIPIN on Social Media:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families. 

[Video available on YouTube] In this episode of Unstoppable Futures, Nathan talks with Deanne and Tanja from the Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition, about the importance of healthy relationships, focusing on communication, respect, and choice. They explore red flags to watch for in relationships and emphasize the need for support and resources for individuals, especially within the disability community. The conversation highlights the significance of learning from mistakes and the value of building connections with others.

To contact Tanja and the RI Cross Disability Coalition visit their site at - https://www.ricrossdisability.org/

For more information on their speakers bureau check visit - https://www.ricrossdisability.org/speakers-bureau/

RIPIN's Website and Resources:  https://ripin.org/resources/category/youth/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

01:23 Understanding Relationships

03:16 Importance of Relationships

06:23 Defining Healthy Relationships

13:11 Identifying Unhealthy Relationships

16:09 Conclusion and Resources 

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Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email [email protected]. 

To contact RIPIN for any reason, please email: [email protected]

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Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on: 

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri 
• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc
• RSS  Feed - https://feeds.libsyn.com/523668/rss

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Follow RIPIN on Social Media:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families. 

Unstoppable Futures empowers young adults with disabilities through discussions on advocacy for oneself and others, education, and personal development. Whether you're a young adult with a disability, a caregiver, or an advocate, tune in for insights, strategies, and inspiring stories to pave your path to success! Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on:

YouTube - https://youtube.com/@ripin_ri 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc

[Video available on YouTube] In this episode of Unstoppable Futures, Nathan, Johan, and Jeremy discuss the importance of self advocacy, particularly for youth and young adults. They explore what self advocacy means, how to effectively advocate for oneself and others, and the resources available for learning these skills. The conversation emphasizes the significance of sharing personal stories, building a support network, and the challenges of misinformation in today's digital age and the importance of staying informed and curious. The hosts encourage listeners to practice advocacy in smaller settings and to always seek help when needed. 

Connect with SPAN:

Youth Hub: https://thespanyouthhub.blogspot.com/ 

Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGXju3IK5UOUBG3sB6nMkAQyLreaw7CRI&si=D1jW0_ImNLpUpq8A 

Website: https://spanadvocacy.org/programs/youth-in-the-know/ 

RIPIN's Resources on self advocacy:  https://ripin.org/resources/category/youth/self_advocacy/ 

Chapters
00:00 Introductions
01:14 What is self advocacy?
03:11 Advice for Learning Self Advocacy
10:35 Sharing Personal Stories
13:11 Self-Advocacy in Educational Settings
19:08 Navigating Advocacy from School to College
21:00 Advocacy in Everyday Life
21:14 Staying Informed and Curious
29:08 Advocacy Resources and Community Engagement
35:11 Closing

Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=cc631b07ac174255

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075

RSS Feed - https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss

Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠. 

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Follow RIPIN on Social Media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri 

To contact RIPIN for any reason, please email: [email protected]⁠ 

 About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families. 

On this first episode of Unstoppable Futures, we talked with Advocates in Action Rhode Island. Who are they? What do they do? We talk about their upcoming two-day 2024 Self-Advocacy Conference on May 9 and 10, 2024, what to expect, and more. Enjoy! 

Learn more about the conference and how to register on their website at: https://www.advocatesinaction.org/2024SAConf.php 

Advocates in Action Website: https://www.advocatesinaction.org/index.php 

Do you have a question or a future topic for the show? Email [email protected] 

To learn more about RIPIN and how they can help you visit https://ripin.org

About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families.