Disability News You Can Use

Episode 18 - Interview with Dr. Angela Amado

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 [https://ici.umn.edu/products/579], 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 [https://ici.umn.edu/products/579] * The Arc of Massachusetts https://thearcofmass.org/friendship/ [https://thearcofmass.org/friendship/] * ICI (Institute for Community Living) https://www.communityinclusion.org/ [https://www.communityinclusion.org/] * UCEDDs (University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) https://www.aucd.org/about-ucedds [https://www.aucd.org/about-ucedds] * The Arc of Minnesoda  https://arcminnesota.org/ [https://arcminnesota.org/]

Episode 17 - Interview with Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin

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 [http://www.webmd.com/] for scientifically accurate health information  * HealthyChildren.org [http://HealthyChildren.org] for scientifically accurate child health information  * February is Black History Month * https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/ [https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/] * https://www.history.com/topics/black-history [https://www.history.com/topics/black-history] * https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/african-american-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.

Episode 16 - Interview with Kevin Savage

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: BHDDH.AskDD@bhddh.ri.gov [BHDDH.AskDD@bhddh.ri.gov] * Kevin Savage contact: * Phone: 401-462-0581 * Email: Kevin.Savage@bhddh.ri.gov [Kevin.Savage@bhddh.ri.gov]   Resources from the episode: * Conflict Free Case Management [https://bhddh.ri.gov/developmental-disabilities/services-adults/conflict-free-case-management-cfcm-services] * Division Events and Forums  [https://bhddh.ri.gov/developmental-disabilities/events-and-forums] * Employment [https://bhddh.ri.gov/developmental-disabilities/services-adults/employment] * Consent Decree [https://bhddh.ri.gov/developmental-disabilities/initiatives/consent-decree] * Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative [https://sherlockcenter.ric.edu/services-projects/direct-support-workforce] * RI Cross Disability Coalition [https://www.ricrossdisability.org/] * Advocates in Action Leadership Series [https://www.advocatesinaction.org/leaders26_apply.php] * Enrollment for the 2026 Leadership Series has already begun. Deadline is Friday, January 16.

Episode 15 - Interview with Sue Babin

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: suebabin@riddc.org [suebabin@riddc.org]   Resources from the episode: * https://riddc.org/ [https://riddc.org/] * https://riddc.org/self-employment-project/ [https://riddc.org/self-employment-project/] * https://sbsshopri.com/ [https://sbsshopri.com/] * https://www.ricrossdisability.org/ [https://www.ricrossdisability.org/] * The Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition Phone: (401) 737-1238 Email: tanja@riddc.org [tanja@riddc.org]

Episode 14 - Interview with Amy Stone on RI Sibs

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/ [https://siblingleadership.org/] * Contact RI Sibs, Rhode Island's sibling chaper at: rhodeislandsibs@gmail.com [rhodeislandsibs@gmail.com] * Contact for Taylor Dorsey, Individual and Family Support Specialist at the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities: (tdorsey@ric.edu [tdorsey@ric.edu])