Disability News You Can Use

Disability News You Can Use
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Join Deanne Gagne and Andrew McQuaide as they discuss topics impacting Rhode Island's Disability Community and share practical ways you can use information from each episode in your life. Disability News You Can Use is sponsored by Advocates in Action Rhode Island - Rhode Island's statewide self-advocacy organization.

  1. FEB 28

    Episode 17 - Interview with Dr. AIdiaha Spinks-Franklin

    Join us for a conversation with Dr. Adiaha (pronounced /ah dee YAH/) I. A. Spinks-Franklin, MD, MPH, FAAP.  Dr. Spinks-Franklin is a Board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, lifelong anti-oppression/pro-liberation social justice warrior, and Black/African American woman. She is the owner of DBP Doc, PLLC, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Consultation, Education, and Training practice. She is the immediate past president of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP). She is from the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, Wichita, and Comanche Nations.  We discussed engaging topics, including the intersectionality of disability, race, and gender. We spoke about ableism, implicit bias, and the healthcare system. Hear Dr. Spink-Franklin's unique perspective on these topics and more.   Resources from the episode: Take care of your mind, body, and spirit: National Suicide Lifeline 988 WebMD for scientifically accurate health information  HealthyChildren.org for scientifically accurate child health information  February is Black History Month https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/ https://www.history.com/topics/black-history https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/african-american-history Unbirthday - the date of your birthday on each month that is not your birthday month.

    54 min

  2. 12/19/2025

    Episode 16 - Interview with Kevin Savage

    Join us as we interview Kevin Savage, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities. We talk about what the Division has focused on, what has gone well, and what still needs some work from this year. We also touch on what the Division's plans are for 2026 and some goals Kevin has for himself in the New Year.    Contact Information: For the Division: Phone: 401-462-3421 (main line) Email: BHDDH.AskDD@bhddh.ri.gov Kevin Savage contact: Phone: 401-462-0581 Email: Kevin.Savage@bhddh.ri.gov   Resources from the episode: Conflict Free Case Management Division Events and Forums  Employment Consent Decree Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative RI Cross Disability Coalition Advocates in Action Leadership Series Enrollment for the 2026 Leadership Series has already begun. Deadline is Friday, January 16.

    40 min

  3. 10/10/2025

    Episode 15 - Interview with Sue Babin

    Join us as we interview Sue Babin, Special Projects Coordinator at The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council. She has been the founder and Project Director for Rhode Island's Self-Employment Business Incubator since 2018. We discuss the details about the Self-Employment Business classes, support, and opportunities provided to entrepreneurs.   Contact for Sue Babin: Phone: 401-523-2300 Email: suebabin@riddc.org   Resources from the episode: https://riddc.org/ https://riddc.org/self-employment-project/ https://sbsshopri.com/ https://www.ricrossdisability.org/ The Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition Phone: (401) 737-1238 Email: tanja@riddc.org

    51 min

  4. 09/26/2025

    Episode 14 - Interview with Amy Stone on RI Sibs

    Join us as we talk with Amy Stone about the RI Sibs. Rhode Island's Sibling Chapter is part of the national Sibling Leadership Network.  RI Sibs' mission is to empower siblings of individuals with disabilities with the support, tools, and opportunities to advocate, collaborate, and engage with their brothers and sisters. They aim to promote the issues that matter most to families. Sibling chapters provide the state and local connections for siblings to get peer support and information. Each chapter has its own feel and flavor. One primary purpose of sibling chapters is to create a judgment-free environment where siblings can meet and share their sibling experiences.    Resources from this episode: Check out the national Sibling Leadership Network at this link: https://siblingleadership.org/ Contact RI Sibs, Rhode Island's sibling chaper at: rhodeislandsibs@gmail.com Contact for Taylor Dorsey, Individual and Family Support Specialist at the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities: (tdorsey@ric.edu)

    34 min

  5. 07/22/2025

    Episode 13 - Interview with Barbara and Charles about Fragile X

    July is Fragile X Awareness Month, and July 22nd is National Fragile X Awareness Day as designated by the 106th US Congress. Join us as we speak with Barbara and Charles as they raise awareness about Fragile X, build community, and share how you can support someone living with Fragile X.   Resources mentioned during the episode: Foundation - Fragilex.org RIPIN Community Guide Advocates in Action RI Leadership Series Institute on Community Integration – Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members (Author: Angela N Amado) Starfire Barbara's contact: Email: barichardsonfx@gmail.com Phone: 401-432-4690

    41 min

  6. 06/13/2025

    Episode 12 - Interview with Donna Martin

    Join us as we interview Donna Martin, Vice President of State Partnerships and Innovation, with the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). We discuss changes in federal policy, the potential impacts of budget changes, and what individuals can do to have a voice in the conversation.    Resources mentioned during the episode: Ancor Website Ancor Amplifier     Enjoy!

    26 min

  7. 05/30/2025

    Episode 11 - From Ladd to Leaders - A Conversation with Joanne Malise, Judy Niedbala, and David Reiss

    Join us as we have a candid conversation with Joanne Malise, Director of Living Innovations, Judy Niedbala, the recently retired Chief Executive Officer of Perspectives Corporation, and David Reiss, the Chief Executive Officer of The Fogarty Center. We discuss their days at the Ladd School, the impact they have had on the Developmental Disability (DD) system since then, how to build a good life, and their thoughts for the future.    Enjoy!

    46 min

  8. 04/04/2025

    Episode 10, part 2 - Interview with Maggie and Joanne on the Ladd film

    Join us as we interview Maggie Sebastian, a resident at Ladd School, and Joanne Malise, a former employee. We will discuss their experiences at Ladd and their lives since it closed.  Best Judgement: Ladd School Lessons will air on Rhode Island PBS on May 8th at 8:00 pm.    You can learn more about Ladd and upcoming opportunities to see the Ladd film at  Facebook - Best Judgement - Ladd School Lessons Laddfilm.com   Enjoy!

    26 min
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About

Join Deanne Gagne and Andrew McQuaide as they discuss topics impacting Rhode Island's Disability Community and share practical ways you can use information from each episode in your life. Disability News You Can Use is sponsored by Advocates in Action Rhode Island - Rhode Island's statewide self-advocacy organization.

Information

  • Creator
    Disability News You Can Use
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2025 Disability News You Can Use
  • Show Website
    Disability News You Can Use