Episode 8: Making an EMPAACT

Episode 11: Navigating Crisis: Autism Safety and Emergency Preparedness

It’s an incredibly meaningful month for us here at Brightway. July marks Disability Pride Month, and we are also celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the spirit of this important month, we are diving into emergency preparedness and crisis safety for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Supporting unique sensory sensitivities and elopement risks requires specialized, coordinated strategies. Joining us to discuss how we bridge the gap between specialized care and law enforcement is John Maher from Brightway and Deputy Sergeant Chris Anderson from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. We will explore how technology like Smart911, the Friend Responders group, Project Lifesaver and the Blue Envelope Program keep our staff and individuals safe. Guest Name & Title: John Maher, Coordinator of Workplace Safety and Residential Development, Brightway Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Chris Anderson, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

Episode 10: The Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) at Letchworth State Park

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of the Eye on Autism podcast, brought to you by Brightway Living & Learning – formerly Developmental Disabilities Institute. I’m your host, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michael Romas. Summer is right around the corner, and if you are looking for something autism-friendly to do with your family, you won’t want to miss today’s conversation. We are exploring a groundbreaking outdoor space designed specifically for the neurodivergent community. Joining us today is Loren Penman, the visionary co-founder of the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park. Located in upstate New York, this first-of-its-kind trail offers deep nature experiences with sensory-integrated stations, quiet zones, and accessible design. Loren is here to tell us to how this incredible trail came to life, how it supports families, and why inclusive outdoor recreation matters so much. Learn more here : https://autismnaturetrail.com/ [https://autismnaturetrail.com/]

Episode 9: Mental Health Awareness Month

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of the Eye on Autism podcast, brought to you by Brightway Living & Learning – formerly Developmental Disabilities Institute, proudly continuing a 65-year legacy of supporting children and adults on their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. I’m your host, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michael Romas. This new name reflects our continued commitment to innovation, inclusion and the people and families we support – while honoring the strong foundation we’ve built over the past six and a half decades. Now let’s get right into it. May is Mental Health Awareness Month – so today we’re taking time to focus on something that touches every one of us – mental health. Here at Brightway, we believe that mental health is essential to both the overall well-being of our employees and the people and families we support. Joining me today is Melissa Ortiz, the Psychology Coordinator in our Children’s Residential Program and Mary Ingargiola, our Employee Engagement Manager. Thank you both for joining us. Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical Psychologist Guest 1: Mary Ingargiola, Employee Engagement Manager Guest 2: Melissa Ortiz, Children’s Residential Program, Psychology Coordinator

Episode 8: Making an EMPAACT

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and what better time to unveil a cutting-edge project in the Autism field. This project is designed to create the first-ever Enhancing Mental Health Practice for Autistic Adults Collaborative Team (EMPAACT). EMPAACT is meant to be a collaborative, multi-stakeholder team of autistic adults with high mental health needs, researchers, family members, and professionals. Together, EMPAACT aims to create resources and identify community priorities to increase capacity for autistic mental health research and practice.

Episode 7: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, host Dr. Michael Romas speaks with DDI Board Chairman Joseph W. Schmidt, ESQ. and DDI Assistant Residential Manager Bankole Olaofe on the importance of raising awareness for those living with autism and other developmental disabilities.