Episode 8: Making an EMPAACT

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.

Episode 6: At The Heart of It

Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical Psychologist Guest Name & Title: Consuelo Senior, LMSW, CSE, MACM, Director of YAI Knowledge Description / Links to Further Info:  https://www.yai.org/people/consuelo-senior [https://www.yai.org/people/consuelo-senior] Mental Health Clinician, Adjunct Professor, International Consultant, Sexuality and Disability Expert, Transformational Speaker Consuelo Senior has over 27 years of experience working in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health. She has trained and developed curricula for a wide range of topics of importance to the disability field and is certified in areas of Sexuality, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Grief and Loss. She has trained extensively on Dual Diagnosis (MH & I/DD), Aging, Dementia/Alzheimer, Professional Development, Leadership, Effective Teaching, Supporting People with Profound Disabilities and Complex Needs, Diversity and Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, and Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset. Consuelo is published in The Autism Spectrum News and is also a contributor to the UNFPA published International Technical and Programmatic Guidance on Out of School Comprehensive Sexuality Education. She also has been cited/featured in training materials for the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities-Workforce Transformation, the New York University Review of Law & Social Change, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Broadly VICE Magazine, The Atlantic Magazine, and other publications.