Join us for a conversation with Arianna Bordeleau, Assistive Technology Specialist at Perspectives Corporation and the 2024 Rhode Island Assistive Technology Champion. Arianna shares how assistive technology can help people live, work, and participate more fully in their communities. She discusses the importance of focusing on a person's goals and needs, explores different types of assistive technology, and explains how 3D printing can create affordable, customized solutions that improve everyday life.

Resources from the episode:

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

JAN Accommodations and Technology Search

JAN Contact

• Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)

ORS Assistive Technology

• Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)

ATIA Upcoming Events

ATIA Resources

• Contact for Arianna

Email: ABordeleau@perspectivescorporation.com
Phone: 401-294-3990

Enjoy!

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Angela Amado. Former Research Associate at the University of Minnesota with 40 years of experience in looking at ways to foster friendships, belonging, and inclusive communities. We discuss her manual Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members, and her experience in the field, conducting research, developing government policy, and leading international training programs.

Resources from the episode:

• Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members.

  https://ici.umn.edu/products/579

• The Arc of Massachusetts

  https://thearcofmass.org/friendship/

• ICI (Institute for Community Living)

  https://www.communityinclusion.org/

• UCEDDs (University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities)

  https://www.aucd.org/about-ucedds

• The Arc of Minnesoda

  https://arcminnesota.org/

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.

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.

Join us as we interview RI General Assembly members Representative Tina Spears and Senator Louis DiPalma, take a glimpse into their tireless disability inclusion work, and learn how you can get involved in their efforts. Links to resources referenced in the episode: RI Legislature (https://www.rilegislature.gov/Pages/Default.aspx), Secretary of State (https://www.sos.ri.gov/), Open States (https://openstates.org/)