Ability Radio

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)

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)

John Abramson Jr. and Amelia LaMont discuss the importance of voting and how when you vote, you are a member of the jury that decides who is in charge of improving the territory and supporting our rights. They explain how citizens can fulfill their civic duties to enhance and uphold the US Virgin Islands Territory by volunteering and participating in civic-minded organizations. 2024 is an election year, register to vote today!

Guest DeJongh "Dee" Wells and Kishma Francis talk about turning your passion into a career and how to create your own story as your journey continues. 

He tells his story, starting in St. John, USVI, about developing your space in a niche you already know and loves. Dee successfully created several businesses and organizations from the feet up as a "kiskstorian" or "sneaker historian," who uses his knowledge of athletic footwear in a series of organizations and businesses that, among many other lessons, teach others how to gain and utilize STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Skills.

Check out SOLEcial Studies Community Academy at https://solecialstudies.com/  and follow his social media @DeeWellsOSD on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Tik Tok. 

Learn more about the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (DRCVI) and find parent resources at www.DRCVI.org or (340) 772-1200 or (340) 776-4303. DRCVI's Youth Empowerment Leadership Program is a class that is currently on the schedule at US Virgin Islands Department of Education High Schools and expansion plans are underway for the 2024-2025 school year. 

 

Errol Chichester, plant enthusiast, joins Amelia to talk about tropical fruits and other plants that grow well here in the U.S. Virgin Islands to encourage our people to start and maintain a garden to supplement their intake of imported food. He shares valuable tips and tricks - from which plants thrive here, where to plant them, and how to water and feed them. 

We discuss what plants do well in the USVI, the steps to start a farm or garden, and educational programs. He also updates us about the citrus situation in the territory and beyond. 

In this episode, the DRCVI staff talk about what we do as a protection and advocacy organization as they highlight our 2023 initiatives and successes. They also talk about what you can expect in 2024. 

"Magali De Jesús Cordero of The AMSI Employment Network talks about the SSA "Ticket to Work Program" for people who are on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). She outlines how you can work part-time and stay on SSDI or transition to self-sufficiency, if it's right for your situation.

DRCVI Advocate, Shammi Carr, explains how DRCVI assists job seekers who are disabled by helping them navigate their rights and responsibilities, accommodations made available through ADA laws, job skills readiness and how to access assistive technology with the help of The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).

Resources referenced in the episode:

• DRCVI Community Resource Employment Guide
• A Guide to Onet Online; La Guía de ONET Online-Español
• DRCVI Voc Rehab Quick Guide
• The Vocational Rehabilitation Program Fact Sheet
• The Vocational Rehabilitation Program VR Time Line
  
  
• To schedule an initial appointment with a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Benefits Advisor in Puerto Rico (VI will be referenced), call the Beneficiary Hotline at 1-866-968-7842. 

• 787-784-5329 ext. 3009 Magadali De Jesus
  
  
• DRCVI (340) 772-1200

 

Dr. Rita Dudley-Grant introduces us to "Radical Acceptance" by giving us noteworthy tips on starting in the present moment, accepting where you are, and then moving forward from there to lead a happy, peaceful life - where you can "let it be" and recognize that health comes from within without blame and criticism. 

Mario Capriola discusses what happens during the first mental health intake interview appointments, how to get started with therapy, and where to get emergency help. He also explains how to incorporate SMART goals into your life - and how small steps can lead to big results. 

They explain how their doors are open to everyone and how they address behavioral health and developmental concerns to improve their patients' lives through therapies, medicines, and supports like Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Dr. Rita Dudley-Grant, Ph.D., MPH, ABPP, is the Clinical Community Outreach Coordinator for Island Therapy Solutions, a licensed clinical psychologist. She is also the past president and founding Association of Virgin Islands Psychologists (AVIP) member.

Mario Capriola is an ITS Masters Intern therapist currently studying in The Master of Arts in Psychology program at The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).