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photo of podcast hosts Andrew McQuaid and Deanne Gagne with the title Disability News You Can Use. There are icons related to podcasts topics in the background, including: an eye, a car, the symbol for female, a globe, a computer, a graduation cap, a home, and a dog's foot print. There's also an infinity symbol, which represents that idea that the topics the Podcast will cover are endless!

Disability News You Can Use

Advocates in Action RI is pleased to sponsor the Disability News You Can Use podcast series!

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.

Special thanks to Technical Director, Crystal Cerullo for helping produce this podcast series!  

Episode 5 - RIPIN's New Self-Directed Supports Program

This month, join Deanne and Andrew for a very special co-produced episode of Disability News You Can Use with RIPIN's Susan Donovan and Sharon Kochan and learn more about their new Self-Directed Supports Program (SDSP).

We want to thank RIPIN, especially Nathan Markley, who produced this episode. Please check out Nathan's podcast at ⁠⁠https://thenathanmarkleyshow.com, and available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Use the links below to listen to this episode on the following Podcast platforms. Alternatively, open the Podcast App you prefer on your smart device, search for "Disability News You Can Use".

Enjoy!

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Use on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/2204HZsxvo4C7w7T9qkMQM  Listen to Disability News You can Use on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disability-news-you-can-use/id1659936468  Listen to Disability News You Can Use on iHeart Podcasts at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-disability-news-you-can-us-125564860/episode/episode-5-ripins-new-self-directed-125564861/   Listen to Disability News You Can Use on Amazon Music Podcasts at https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93dc82ba-5b03-4fcf-8bec-1130d7452474/disability-news-you-can-use?refMarker=null

Resource Mentioned in this Podcast:

Use the link below to learn more about RIPIN's Self-Directed Supports Program and their upcoming events:

visit RIPIN's Self-Directed Supports Program Page

Episode 6 - Interview with Anne LeClerc, Associate Director, the RI Division of Developmental Disabilities

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.

This month, join us as we interview Anne LeClerc, Associate Director of Program Performance at the Division of Developmental Disabilities and learn more about individual budgets, service changes, and more.

Use the links below to listen to this episode on the following Podcast platforms. Alternatively, open the Podcast App you prefer on your smart device, search for "Disability News You Can Use".

Enjoy!

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 6, e on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/2VBCtyV639Lppy7j84AmZQ?si=87e2003a4a264b56  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 6, on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-6-interview-with-anne-leclerc-from-ddd/id1659936468?i=1000634560704  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 6, on iHeart Podcasts at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-disability-news-you-can-us-125564860/episode/episode-6-interview-with-anne-128018548/   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 6, on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93dc82ba-5b03-4fcf-8bec-1130d7452474/episodes/265b2fcb-a5f4-4f67-ac2c-c48e3675fadf/disability-news-you-can-use-episode-6---interview-with-anne-leclerc-from-ddd

Resource Mentioned in this Podcast:

Use the links below to find out more about the resources mentioned in this epidsode:

DD News & Updates

Click on these words to sign-up for DD News on the BHDDH website at: www.bhddh.ri.gov/ developmental-disabilities/ newsletters-forums-and-events

Ask DD Email

email the division at bhddh.askDD@bhddh.ri.gov

Learn More About the Lastest Changes

click on these words to visit the Division's website for the lastest brochures and guides at: https://bhddh.ri.gov/developmental-disabilities/forms-policies-brochures-and-guides/brochures-guides

Contact your DD Social Caseworker

Find your DD Caseworker's contact information at: https://bhddh.ri.gov/developmental-disabilities/contact-us

Episode 7 - Interview with Jackie Camilloni from the RI Division of Developmental Disabilities

Join Disability News You Can Use for an insightful interview with Jackie Camilloni, Coordinator of Self-Direction at the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). In this episode, we delve into goods and services, the process for requesting them, and any changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of these crucial aspects.

Use the links below to listen to this episode on the following Podcast platforms. Alternatively, open the Podcast App you prefer on your smart device, search for "Disability News You Can Use".

Enjoy!

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 7, e on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yxLEVR9bqtrQsKnfCkWka  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 7, on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-7-interview-with-jackie-camilloni-from-ddd/id1659936468?i=1000654583936  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 7, on iHeart Podcasts at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-disability-news-you-can-us-125564860/episode/episode-7-interview-with-jackie-173621853   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 7, on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93dc82ba-5b03-4fcf-8bec-1130d7452474/episodes/2f59b264-a6cd-4d72-a34c-2ea2cb5ad295/disability-news-you-can-use-episode-7---interview-with-jackie-camilloni-from-ddd

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

This episode mentions DDD Self-Directed Supports, RIPIN Self-Directed Support Program, and The Sherlock Center on Disabilities Self-Directed Supports Network. Use the links below to find out more about these resources:

Visit DDD’s Self-Directed Supports Page at: www.bhddh.ri.gov/ developmental-disabilities/services-adults/self-directed-supports  visit RIPIN's Self-Directed Supports Program Page  Visit the Sherlock Center’s Self-Directed Supports Network https://sherlockcenter.ric.edu/ services-projects/ self-directed-supports-network

Episode 8 - Interview with Dr. Christopher Ottiano from Neighborhood Health

Join us for our interview with Dr. Christopher Ottiano, Medical Director for Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, to learn more about benefits and how your insurance can work with you to provide the best care.

Use the links below to listen to this episode on the following Podcast platforms. Alternatively, open the Podcast App you prefer on your smart device, search for "Disability News You Can Use".

Enjoy!

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 8, e on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6nYDUMPgOkLle8brqo9ps5  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 8, on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-8-interview-with-dr-christopher-ottiano-from/id1659936468?i=1000659124811  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 8, on iHeart Podcasts at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-disability-news-you-can-us-125564860/episode/episode-8-interview-with-dr-186021971/   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 8, on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93dc82ba-5b03-4fcf-8bec-1130d7452474/episodes/5ec7b0fd-53b4-4570-9f77-ac44c2084459/disability-news-you-can-use-episode-8---interview-with-dr-christopher-ottiano-from-neighborhood-health

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

If you have INTEGRITY (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), you can call 1-844-812-6896, or for Medicaid Managed Care Plans, call 1-800-459-6019.

Episode 9 - Interview with Kate Sherlock & Tory Flis on Supported Decision-Making (SDM)

Join us as we interview Kate Sherlock, a lawyer and consultant for Sargent Rehabilitation Center's Regional Resource Center, and Torry Flis, an Inclusive Community Living Administrator at Looking Upwards, Inc., as we discuss Supported Decision-Making (SDM). You can learn more about SDM at ridecisionmaking.org.

To learn more about the Supported Decision Making Coalition or if you have a story about SDM you would like to share, please reach out to kates@sargentcenter.org.

Use the links below to listen to this episode on the following Podcast platforms. Alternatively, open the Podcast App you prefer on your smart device, search for "Disability News You Can Use".

Enjoy!

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 9, on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ljGudkHl7d4g5YVCadnsy  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 9, on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-9-interview-with-kate-sherlock-tory-flis-on-sdm/id1659936468?i=1000668110175  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 9, on iHeart Podcasts at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-disability-news-you-can-us-125564860/episode/episode-9-interview-with-kate-211887229/   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 9, on Amazon Music at: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93dc82ba-5b03-4fcf-8bec-1130d7452474/episodes/80989d03-3c62-4cd4-aa6b-1747a9ccdea9/disability-news-you-can-use-episode-9---interview-with-kate-sherlock-tory-flis-on-sdm

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

RI Resources:

Find out about SDM at https://drri.org/supported-decision-making/  Find out about SDM at https://riddc.org/guardianship-and-independence/  Find out more at: https://www.sargentcenter.org/regional_resource_center/ri_supported_decision_making

National Resources:

Find out more at: https://supporteddecisionmaking.org/  Find out more at: https://www.centerforpublicrep.org/initiative/supported-decision-making/  Learn about the Jenny Hatch Justice Project at: https://jennyhatchjusticeproject.org/

Episode 10, Part I- Interview with Jim Wolpaw and Scott Hopkins about Ladd School, RI's former state institution for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Join us as we interview Jim Wolpaw, Academy Award-nominated documentarian and co-director of Best Judgements: Ladd School Lessons and Scott Hopkins, Peer Mentor at Advocates in Action and one of the film's crew members, as we discuss the history of Ladd School and the making of the documentary.

Best Judment: Ladd School Lessons will air on Rhode Island PBS on May 8th at 8:00 pm.

Use the links below to listen to this episode on the following Podcast platforms. Alternatively, open the Podcast App you prefer on your smart device, search for "Disability News You Can Use".

Enjoy!

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 10, part 1, on Spotify  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 10, part 1, on Apple Podcasts  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 10, part 1, on iHeart Podcasts   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 10, part 1, on Amazon Music

Episode 10, Part II- Interview with Maggie Sebastian and Joanne Malise about their experiences living and working at Ladd School, RI's former state institution for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Join us as we interview Maggie Sebastian, a former resident at Ladd School, and Joanne Malise, a former employee. We will discuss their experiences at Ladd and their lives since it closed.

Maggie and Joanne both appear in the documentary Best Judgment: Ladd School Lessons, which airs on Rhode Island PBS on May 8th at 8:00 pm.

Use the links below to listen to this episode on the following Podcast platforms. Alternatively, open the Podcast App you prefer on your smart device, search for "Disability News You Can Use".

Enjoy!

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 10, part 2, on Spotify  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 10, on Apple Podcasts  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 10, on iHeart Podcasts   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode10, on Amazon Music

You can learn more about Best Judgment and upcoming opportunities to see the documentary on Facebook @Best Judgement and at Laddfilm.com

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.

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 11 on Spotify  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 11, on Apple Podcasts  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 11, on iHeart Podcasts   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode11, on Amazon Music

Episode 12- Interview with Donna Martin from ANCOR

Join us 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.

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 12 on Spotify  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 12, on Apple Podcasts  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 12, on iHeart Podcasts   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode12, on Amazon Music

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

ANCOR logo Visit the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) website

ANCOR Amplifier Visit the ANCOR Amplifier page

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.

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 13 on Spotify  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 13, on Apple Podcasts  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 13, on iHeart Podcasts   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode13, on Amazon Music

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

National Fragile X Foundation Visit the National Fragile X Foundation website

RIPIN's Community Link Guide Download RIPIN's Community Link Guide

Friends: Connecting People with Disabilites and Community Members Visit the Institute on Community Inclusion to Download Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members by Angela N. Amado

Starfire Visit the Starfire website

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 experiences as siblings.

Listen now on your favorite platform:

Listen to Disability News You can Us, Episode 14 on Spotify  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 14, on Apple Podcasts  Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode 14, on iHeart Podcasts   Listen to Disability News You Can Use, Episode14, on Amazon Music

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Sibling and Leadership Network

Email Rhode Island's Sibling Chapter rhodeislandsibs@gmail.com

Email Taylor Dorsey, from the Paul V. Sherlock Center, at tdorsey@ric.edu

 

Click here to send us an email: a. in a. @ advocates in action.org.

This page was updated on Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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