Ability Radio

Amelia Headly Lamont interviews Rudean Leinaeng, a chemist, college professor, and author, about her life in science, her teaching and research (including work on lead in Bronx Zoo animals), and a film her son is making, "My Mother, the Scientist," to inspire more people of color to enter STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

They also discuss Rudean’s writing, including the novella "Cousin’s Sister" about an enslaved healer and "Coal, War, and Love," which describes her grandfather’s experiences with the Harlem Hellfighters. She also speaks about her years living with her husband in South Africa and her perspective on science, healing, and history.

Host Amelia Headley LaMont interviews Yvonne Petersen, Executive Director of Beyond Visions Foundation, about her decades of nonprofit leadership, grant writing and training, and efforts to build local capacity across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

They discuss practical tips for aligning missions with funders, preparing competitive grant applications, the importance of collaboration, and special education approaches (including IEPs and lessons from Finland). Beyond Visions Foundation is located on both St. Thomas and Croix, and their phone number is (340)-714-2830. 

Archie Jennings and Shammi Carr discuss National Disability Employment Awareness Month, explaining employer-focused resources such as ODEP, JAN, EARN, and EEOC guidance on reasonable accommodation and return-to-work strategies.

They also outline services for job seekers and beneficiaries — Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Labor, Ticket to Work, Island Therapy Solutions, and My Brother’s Workshop — and share how DRCVI supports employers and employees in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact DRCVI or visit drcvi.org.

This episode features Cancer Support VI's Barb Michaud (President/CEO), Anna Holley (Director of Operations), and patient advocate Anique Harrigan discussing Pinktober awareness events, community outreach, volunteer efforts, and how listeners can get help or get involved. For assistance, contact the patient advocate at 340-514-8647 or visit cancersupportvi.org.

Over 450 new cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. Virgin Islands each year, and more than 30% of residents lack medical insurance, creating heavy financial and emotional burdens. Cancer Support VI provides rapid financial grants and local resources to help patients access care—$2,500 for insured patients, $4,000 for Medicaid recipients, and $5,000 for uninsured individuals—with 100% of local donations used to support territory residents.

Attorney Kishma B. Francis speaks with Dr. Juan Christian about Tutu Park Mall’s “Community Connectivity” efforts, and the importance of community collaboration and creating a space for agencies to share resources. 

They discuss the power of partnerships—schools, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers—to provide resources, raise awareness, and create emotionally and culturally safe spaces for residents. The episode highlights community needs like compassion, unity, and support for youth. It explains how listeners can get involved or learn more via Tutu Park Mall’s Facebook page or by calling 340-775-4658.

Dr. Muria Nisbett and Destiny Samuels speak about intentional self-care, mental health awareness, and practical strategies to prevent burnout — from daily small practices and respite for caregivers to normalizing therapy and checking in with others during Suicide Prevention Month and hurricane season.

Listeners receive tips for parents, teachers, and community members, and are directed to the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands for more information (www.drcvi.org, 340-776-4303).

Wilfred Labiosa, CEO of Waves Ahead, discusses building community-based mental health and support services, including housing, for older adults and the LGBT community across Puerto Rico. He explains how Waves Ahead is working to solve problems through the organization’s hurricane relief work, reconstruction, the creation of regionally located centers, and ongoing research into anxiety, depression, and suicide among older Puerto Ricans.

The episode addresses practical challenges—such as technology barriers, food insecurity, limited mental health access, and housing loss—and Waves Ahead’s plans for elder housing, shelters, and restorative community programs. Labiosa also addresses advocacy, policy obstacles, funding losses, and simple interventions listeners can use to support neighbors and reduce isolation.

Host Amelia Headley-Lamont talks with Jim Harrington, founder of theTexas Civil Rights Project, about his new memoir and decades of organizing and litigation for farmworkers, students, people with disabilities, and communities. Harrington reflects on victories, setbacks, and lessons for activists and lawyers working to protect civil and disability rights. His new book, "The Texas Civil Rights Project: How We Built a Social Justice Movement," was recently released by the University of Texas Press.

The conversation covers harsh conditions, strategies like house meetings and community organizing, key legal battles on workers’ compensation, police brutality, accessible voting and public spaces, and the broader effort to build a lasting social justice movement.