Could This Happen in Your Program?: The Podcast

Making New York’s Services Accessible by Design

In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, this month we shift the conversation around accessibility from checklists to compliance deadlines to the heart of the matter: People.  When a person with a disability can access information via a website or a digital application, it’s one more step toward creating a more inclusive state for all. In this episode, we sit down with Michele Bruno from the New York State Office of Information Technology and Jeffrey Knaack from the New York State Digital Service to explore the human impact of accessible design, the shift from viewing accessibility as a "deadline" to seeing it as an "opportunity," and how New York is leading the charge by building accessibility into the very DNA of its digital infrastructure. Whether you are a provider agency with a small budget or a curious advocate, this conversation offers a roadmap for making services truly accessible by design. Featured Guests: * Michelle Bruno, NYS Office of Information Technology * Jeffrey Knaack, NYS Digital Service

Protecting Others Through Community

In recognition of April’s National Volunteer Month, we’re discussing the important role volunteers play in some of the Justice Center’s most critical programs.   Earlier on the “Could This Happen in Your Program?” podcast, we introduced you to the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee—a non-court alternative authorized to provide consent for non-emergency major medical treatment and end-of-life care in New York.   In this episode, we will go deeper, discussing the critical role volunteers play for programs like SDMC, how the Justice Center supports volunteers through the process, and the specific training and resources provided to ensure success.     We’ll also speak directly with two SDMC volunteers to learn what draws them to this work, the social and physical benefits they gain from service, and why they find this specific program so rewarding.   This conversation highlights how dedicated community members make a measurable difference in the lives of those we serve. Because ensuring the safety of others takes all of us.

Advocacy & Person-Centered Safety

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we explore how self-advocacy and family support help ensure that people with developmental disabilities live with dignity, choice, and security.    We begin with Dr. Lucina Clarke, Executive Director and Co-Founder of My Time Inc.   Dr. Clarke shares her mission to support the pillars of the disability community who are too often forgotten: the parents and caregivers. Dr. Clarke explains why caregiver wellness and education are important safeguards for a person with a developmental disability, and illustrates how an informed parent can become a powerful, lifelong advocate.  Then, we welcome Crystal Collins, Ombudsman Supervisor from the Justice Center. We discuss the role of oversight in person-centered care, how to navigate disputes within the service system, and the specific mechanisms that ensure every person remains safe and their rights are upheld.  This episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to create a "person-centered" safety net. Join us!

Understanding Trauma and the Trauma-Informed Approach

In investigations and human services, we often focus on the mechanics of a case. Yet, at the heart of every interaction is a person who has likely experienced a significant crisis.   In this episode, we explore why a trauma-informed approach is critical for anyone who works with people in vulnerable situations. It's a shift in perspective that moves us from simply "getting the facts" to understanding the human being behind the story. We'll start by breaking down what trauma actually is and how it "shows up" in the brain and body. We'll discuss how this understanding is being built into a new training initiative for our internal teams and beyond.   Finally, we'll explore the concept of secondary trauma, how it can affect human services professionals, and practical steps they can take to stay psychologically safe.   This conversation explores empathy, the science of safety, and how we can work together to create a more supportive environment for the people we serve and for ourselves.

How Body Checks Protect Those In Care

For those who may be unable to report pain or describe an injury, body checks provide an early warning sign to assess a person and help tell that story.    In this episode, we explore why body checks are far more than paperwork; they are a vital tool for protection, dignity, and early intervention. We're joined by Serena Sturman-Pupons, Deputy Counsel at the Justice Center and a former nurse, to discuss how a careful eye can ensure that every person receives the medical attention and protection they deserve.   Join us for a conversation on the importance of body checks, the best practices and sensitivities to consider, and why having a physical record is a powerful way to advocate for the people in care.  But first, to help us kick off the New Year, we sit down with the agency’s Acting Executive Director, Maria Lisi-Murray, to reflect on the progress made in 2025 and preview her plans for 2026.