Ability Radio

Join host Amelia Hedley-Lemont in this episode about the integral roles of the University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) and the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. Guests Shamika Thomas, MPH, CCHW, Executive Director of VIUCEDD, and Shammi Carr, DRCVI Advocate, discuss how these organizations serve the broader community by providing essential services and advocacy for people with disabilities. 

Explore the free services the UCEDD offers the entire community, ranging from early intervention to assistive technology and a lending closet for durable medical supplies. Shamika Thomas explains how these resources are made accessible to the community through grants and partnerships, while Shammi Carr highlights the collective efforts to drive systemic change for individuals with disabilities across the territory.

Learn about the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering leaders in the disability advocacy field. Discover how this program, in collaboration with the Westchester Institute for Human Development, equips Virgin Islanders with the skills needed to advance disability services.

Finally, the episode touches on the various training sessions and events like Voices That Count, illustrating how these initiatives offer platforms for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. 

Welcome to Ability Radio, hosted by Amelia Headley-Lamont from the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sonia Taylor-Griffith, a dedicated pediatric dentist serving the communities of St. Thomas and St. Croix. Dr. Griffith sheds light on the prevalent issue of dental decay among children in the territory and discusses how dietary habits, especially the intake of processed foods rich in sugar, significantly contribute to this concerning trend.

Dr. Griffith emphasizes the importance of early and consistent dental care, recommending that children visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears to combat early decay. She shares practical advice for parents, such as substituting sugary juices with water and promoting healthy eating habits to prevent dental issues.

The conversation also explores adaptive dental care strategies for children with special needs, addressing challenges in improving oral hygiene and the importance of consistent therapy support from professionals such as occupational and speech therapists. Dr. Griffith highlights the need for community awareness and addressing barriers to access, ensuring every child receives the dental care they deserve. Join us for an insightful discussion on ensuring healthier, brighter smiles for our children.

In this captivating episode of Ability Radio, host Amelia Headley-Lamont from the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands welcomes a special guest, Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs. Dr. Gumbs, a renowned author and self-proclaimed queer black feminist love evangelist, discusses her latest work, "Survival is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde."

The conversation delves into Dr. Gumbs' unique perspective as an "aspirational cousin to all life," emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. She shares insights into her writing process, inspired by the multifaceted life of Audre Lorde, a literary icon known for her profound exploration of diverse life forms, from marine life to outer space.

Listeners will be intrigued by stories of Audre Lorde's life, her influence on Dr. Gumbs, and her enduring legacy. The episode highlights Lorde's journey of self-preservation, activism, and her vibrant life in St. Croix, where she became an integral part of the community.

Join us for an enlightening discussion that celebrates the profound impact of Audre Lorde's work and the ways in which Dr. Gumbs continues to honor her legacy through her writings and advocacy.

As the upcoming election day on November 5th approaches, we are pleased to have Caroline Fawkes, the Supervisor of Elections, as our guest to discuss essential voting information. Caroline shares updates on voting centers across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, emphasizing the new accessibility features and the importance of early voting.

In this previously recorded episode, we discuss the absentee ballot process, early voting opportunities, and accessibility measures to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate seamlessly. Caroline highlights the voting equipment designed to assist disabled voters, underscoring the significance of ADA compliance in voting centers.

We also explore the importance of engaging younger voters and the roles of different elected positions, such as the Board of Education and the Constitutional Convention. Caroline emphasizes the power of every vote and encourages listeners to participate actively in shaping the future of the Virgin Islands.

Join us as we discuss the qualifications for voting, the significance of various elected roles, and the resources available for voters to stay informed. Don't miss this informative episode as we encourage everyone, especially individuals with disabilities, to exercise their right to vote.

In this episode, host Kishma B. Francis dives into the topic of healthy gaming with special guest Dr. Alok Kanojia, a psychiatrist and founder of Healthy Gamer.

Dr. Kanojia, a recovering video game addict, shares his insights on how gaming can become an addiction and offers valuable advice on how parents and teachers can help children develop a balanced relationship with video games. He discusses the impact of gaming on individuals with ADHD and autism and highlights the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind excessive gaming.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kanojia emphasizes the significance of communication between parents and children, the benefits of gaming, and how to foster self-regulation in kids. He also provides a glimpse into his book, "How to Raise a Healthy Gamer," which offers practical steps for parents to manage their child's gaming habits effectively.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on creating a healthy gaming environment and nurturing a positive relationship with technology.

Welcome to "Ability Radio," hosted by Angus Drigo and brought to you by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. In this episode, we sit down with Ms. Caribel Leyva-Romero, Community Engagement Program Coordinator for the Veterans Health Administration. Together, they discuss the importance of suicide prevention and the broader healthcare needs of veterans in the Virgin Islands.

Ms. Romero shares insights into the structure of the Veterans Administration and her role in creating community coalitions aimed at improving veterans' access to services. She highlights the collaborative efforts between local organizations, families, and the VA to address gaps in care and support systems for veterans.

Tune in to learn more about how you can get involved in these crucial initiatives and help make a difference in the lives of veterans in your community.

Join host Kishma B. Francis on Ability Radio, presented by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, as she delves into part two of an insightful conversation about the Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) community program. This episode features Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, the 2024 Vanguard Award recipient and Director for the State Office of Emergency Medical Services, nurse practitioner Kami Mead, and advocate Dawn O'Brien.

Discover the incredible work of the MIH team, a dedicated group of four professionals who go above and beyond to provide essential healthcare services to those in need. Hear heartwarming success stories, learn about their challenges, and find out how to get involved as a volunteer or donor to support their mission.

Please tune in to understand how this program is making a difference in the lives of patients and their families and why community support and awareness are crucial for its continued success.

Welcome to a special episode of Ability Radio, brought to you by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands. Join host Kishma B. Francis as she sits down with three extraordinary women: Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, Kami Mead, and Dawn O'Bryan, to discuss the impactful Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program.

Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne, the Director of the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and a Vanguard Award recipient, shares her inspiring journey from a nurse to a paramedic, highlighting her exceptional 35 years of service. Kami Mead, a dedicated nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience, and Dawn O'Brien, an advocate with the Disability Rights Center, also share their experiences and roles within the MIH program.

The conversation delves into the inception of MIH post-Hurricane Maria in 2017, its mission to provide holistic healthcare services to the community, and the extraordinary lengths the team goes to ensure the well-being of their patients. From medical care to home safety and even yard maintenance, the MIH team truly exemplifies community care.

Learn about the critical support from organizations like Pafford EMS and the community health clinic and discover the future aspirations for expanding this state-of-the-art program. Don't miss out on this heartwarming and informative discussion!

For more information, visit the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands on their YouTube channel or at www.drcvi.org.