Ability Radio

Empowering Lives through Advocacy, Outreach, and Community Care: Episode 36 with Dawn O'Bryan

Welcome to Ability Radio, brought to you by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. Hosted by Kishma B. Francis, this episode features a special guest, Dawn O'Bryan, an advocate with the Disability Rights Center. Dawn shares her passion for community connection and the multifaceted role of an advocate.

Discover the impactful work being done through a public health grant, in collaboration with the Department of Health's Mobile Integrated Healthcare Community Paramedicine program. Learn how this initiative provides vital home care and social interaction to individuals who have disabilities and medical conditions, ensuring they receive the necessary medical and social support.

Dawn talks about the innovative texting program designed to inspire and inform parents, guardians, and educators with affirmations and valuable resources. She also discusses the importance of mental health advocacy and the challenges faced by individuals in the community.

Additionally, Kishma and Dawn introduce the Hygiene Project, aimed at addressing hygiene poverty among students. This initiative provides essential hygiene products to students, promoting health and well-being.

Tune in to hear Dawn's words of wisdom and learn how you can get involved in making a positive impact in the community. For more information, visit www.drcvi.org

Celebrating ADA: A Journey Through History and Advocacy - Episode 35 - Guest Shammi Carr, Advocate

In this episode, hosted by Kishma B. Francis, we dive into the significance of ADA Month with special guest Shammi Carr, a seasoned advocate at the Disability Rights Center.

Shammi takes us through the rich history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), highlighting its evolution from the early struggles of people with disabilities to the modern-day achievements and ongoing challenges. She also sheds light on the pivotal roles played by veterans and other key figures in advancing disability rights.

We explore the changes in ADA over the past five years, focusing on employment and hybrid work models - some that began as an ADA accommodation almost 20 years ago and catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shammi also shares insights into local efforts in the US Virgin Islands to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.

As we approach the 34th anniversary of the ADA, learn about the exciting events and initiatives planned for July, including the Emergency Preparedness ADA Expo and various training sessions. Shammi emphasizes the importance of continuous advocacy and community involvement in promoting disability rights.

Join us in celebrating the milestones achieved and the work still to be done to ensure a more inclusive society for all. For more information, visit the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands at www.drcvi.org.

 

Links:

Disability Rights Center Of the Virgin Islands - YouTube

VIADA - Government of the United States Virgin Islands

ADA Information, Guidance, and Training | The Northeast ADA Center

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

ADA Anniversary | ADA National Network (adata.org)

Crip Camp Film https://youtu.be/OFS8SpwioZ4?si=U3dG38sAwvSXNtcm

Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living - Nonprofit (independentlivingvi.org)

Understanding PTSD and Substance Use - Episode 34 - Guest Brandy Brooks of The Village, VI

Welcome to Ability Radio, brought to you by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. Today, host Angus Drago engages in a compelling discussion with Brandy Brooks, Prevention Coordinator at The Village, VI Partners in Recovery. The Village is the only residential treatment facility for substance use disorder in the Virgin Islands, offering crucial support for individuals from Water Island, St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.

Brandy shares insights into the prevention programs she coordinates, such as Project Horizon, which empowers youth aged 12 to 24 through life skills education to avoid substance use disorder. She also highlights the Strengthening Families program aimed at fostering healthy relationships between parents and children.

The episode delves deeply into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emphasizing its significance during PTSD Awareness Month. Brandy explains what PTSD is, its causes, and its impact on mental health. She also discusses the connection between trauma and substance use, particularly among youth who may turn to substances to cope with unresolved trauma.

Listeners will learn about the symptoms of PTSD, the importance of mental health checkups, and the various resources available for support, including Greater Changes, Island Therapy Solutions, and Beautiful Dreamers. Brandy also touches on the importance of community support and the need to destigmatize mental health and substance use disorders.

Join us for this enlightening conversation and learn how to support yourself and others in making healthier choices and seeking the care needed for a better quality of life.

Episode 33 - Guest Amber McCammon of The Virgin Islands Children's Museum

Kishma Francis delves into the wonderful world of the Virgin Islands Children's Museum with Amber McCammon, the Executive Director of Facilities and Programs.

Amber shares an insightful overview of the museum, highlighting its interactive play spaces that foster family engagement and the various programs that reach children and families throughout the territory. Discover the exciting Youth Art Month exhibition, the ongoing online auction for youth art, and the impactful Teen Time program that supports middle and high school students through engaging activities.

Learn about the museum's At Home Discovery Kit Program, which provides free educational kits to children, and their involvement in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, promoting early childhood literacy. Tune in to hear how these initiatives are making a difference in the community and supporting the youth of the Virgin Islands.

Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with valuable information and heartwarming stories of transformation and community support. The Virgin Islands Children's Museum (vichildrensmuseum.org)

Episode 32 - Guest Troy De Chabert-Schuster on AARP's Mission in the Virgin Islands

Troy De Chabert-Schuster, the State Director for AARP Virgin Islands, and our host, Amelia Headly Lamont, share the impactful work AARP is doing in the Virgin Islands. AARP focuses on advocacy and community outreach to empower individuals as they age.

We discuss AARP's nonpartisan stance and initiatives, including anti-ageism legislation, anti-elder abuse measures, and guardianship reform. Troy also highlights the importance of community involvement and how AARP encourages fun with purpose through various activities and events.

Troy emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive mental attitude, engaging with younger generations, and staying active. He also shares personal experiences and offers insights into the support available for caregivers, including workshops and emotional support.

Join us as we explore how AARP is making a difference in the lives of Virgin Islanders and learn how you can get involved in their mission to enhance the quality of life for all as we age. AARP Virgin Islands

Episode 31 - VIHA's Resident Wellness and Empowerment Program Director Emmanualla Perez-Cassius and Marketing Specialist Kurtice Lewis

Virgin Islands Housing Authority Resident Wellness and Empowerment Program Director Emmanuella Perez-Cassius and Marketing Specialist Kurtice Lewis discuss the programs that ensure VIHA residents experience wellness. They connect their residents to the programs and services available through VIHA and their partners and empower residents to advocate for themselves and their communities.

They discuss resident council training, education and career readiness workshops, self-advocacy and self-determination training sessions, facilitating access to essential disability services, anti-stigma campaigns, and promoting accessibility in community spaces. Home - Virgin Islands Housing Authority (vihousing.org)

Episode 30 - Guest Andrew Hairston, Adaptive Sports Clinic Organizer, Director of Salvage Life and Adapt VI

International competitive para-cyclist and para-Olympic hopeful, Andrew Hairston he is organizing Adaptive Sports Clinics for the third summer in St. Croix and St. Thomas. Hairston is a former U.S. Marine and St. Thomian, has a conversation with Amelia Headly Lamont about his experience as an adaptive athlete after his limb salvage. 

Andrew runs an organization called "Salvage Life," which aims to help people with disabilities and para-athletes to remain active and competitive. His program, "Adapt VI," helps to bring sports options to people who are physically disabled or unable to participate in able-bodied sports. Adaptive Sports | Salvage Life (salvagelifevi.org)

Episode 29 -Kishma Francis Talks About The Virgin Islands Parent & Training Information Center

Kishma Francis and Amelia Headly LaMont discuss the Virgin Islands Parent & Training Information Center (VIPTI), and the educational programs available in the US Virgin Islands - including DARRI's Book Club, "The Disability & Advocacy Rights Reading Initiative", "The Youth Empowerment and Leadership Program (YELP)", Art Therapy Sessions for students and school staff, "The Hygiene Project", and other Community Partnerships.

Find more information about VIPTI and find resources relating to The "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)" from the "Center for Parent Information & Resource (CPIR)". Parent Resources (drcvi.org)