The Eye on Autism Podcast

Brightway Living and Learning

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Non-Profit
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Hosted by Brightway’s Dr. Michael Romas, clinical psychologist and former radio host of DDI on Autism, this monthly podcast provides a dynamic platform to explore issues and perspectives that matter to the families, professionals, and communities Brightway serves. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts, practitioners, and thought leaders in the field of developmental disabilities.

Sep 18

Episode 13: DSP Recognition Week: It Takes a Village

Episode 13: DSP Recognition Week: It Takes a Village Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical Psychologist, Brightway Guests: Jean Colin, Employment Specialist, Brightway Maritza Archer, Vocational Program Manager, Brightway Hello and welcome to another episode of the eye on autism Podcast brought to you by Brightway Living & Learning formally Developmental Disabilities Institute! I'm your host, Dr. Michael Romas, the Clinical Psychologist for Brightway Living & Learning. Today is a very exciting episode as we are celebrating one year of the eye on autism podcast! Today, we are highlighting the incredible work of our Direct Support Professionals, also known as DSPs, and the important role they play in the lives of the people we support daily. Over the past year, we have had the opportunity to share meaningful conversations, helpful information, and many stories from across the Brightway community. We are also very grateful to everyone who has joined us, listened along, and helped make our first year so rewarding. And what better way to celebrate this milestone than by highlighting some of the incredible people who make a difference at Brightway every day – our Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs. Joining me today are Jean Colin, Employment Specialist, Brightway and Maritza Archer, Vocational Program Manager, also of Brightway. #EyeOnAutism #DSPRecognitionWeek #DirectSupportProfessionals #DSPs #BrightwayLivingAndLearning #AutismAwareness #AutismSupport #DevelopmentalDisabilities #DisabilityServices #Neurodiversity #CommunityInclusion #EmploymentServices #VocationalServices #DirectSupport #ItTakesAVillage
Aug 18

Episode 12: Protecting Benefits & Autonomy: A Guide to National Make a Will 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. I’m your host, Victoria Palacio, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Brightway Living & Learning in for Dr. Mike Romas. August is National Make a Will Month, a time when everyone is encouraged to secure their legacy and protect their loved ones’ financial future and personal autonomy. Join us today as we explore part one of our three-part specialized series designed to address these critical areas of life. Here to break down the legal complexities is Wendy Sheinberg, a partner at Rivkin Radler who specializes in Elder Law, Guardianship and Special Needs planning. And, to talk about practical financial implementation is Alan Berkowitz, the Revenue Support Coordinator at Brightway. If you found today’s content useful or inspiring, I invite you to subscribe and hit that like button. It’s a simple way to help us spread the word and make the world a more inclusive place for everyone. And – we’re proud to announce Part Two of our series where we will be hosting a live Webinar on October 22 – during Estate Planning Awareness Week with our Special Guest David Okorn from New York Community Trust. In the third and final part of this series we will be hosting a live webinar on November 12 – where we will take a deeper dive into guardianship and special needs planning. Be sure to join us. For more information head to our website BrightwayNY.org. Again, thank you to Rivkin Radler for your continued partnership. Thanks for listening to Eye on Autism, and we’ll see you next time!
Jul 15

Episode 11: Navigating Crisis: Autism Safety and Emergency Preparedness

It’s an incredibly meaningful month for us here at Brightway. July marks Disability Pride Month, and we are also celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the spirit of this important month, we are diving into emergency preparedness and crisis safety for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Supporting unique sensory sensitivities and elopement risks requires specialized, coordinated strategies. Joining us to discuss how we bridge the gap between specialized care and law enforcement is John Maher from Brightway and Deputy Sergeant Chris Anderson from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. We will explore how technology like Smart911, the Friend Responders group, Project Lifesaver and the Blue Envelope Program keep our staff and individuals safe. Guest Name & Title: John Maher, Coordinator of Workplace Safety and Residential Development, Brightway Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Chris Anderson, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office
Jun 16

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/
May 19

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
Apr 7

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.
Mar 3

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.
Feb 3

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 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.

Hosted by Brightway’s Dr. Michael Romas, clinical psychologist and former radio host of DDI on Autism, this monthly podcast provides a dynamic platform to explore issues and perspectives that matter to the families, professionals, and communities Brightway serves. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts, practitioners, and thought leaders in the field of developmental disabilities.

Creator

Brightway Living and Learning
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

13
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Brightway Living and Learning
Show Website

The Eye on Autism Podcast