Dawn Dyer hosts Casey Payton, Executive Director of the VI Justice Initiative, to discuss how this innovative nonprofit is providing crucial legal support across the territory, from the successful "Clean Slate" expungement program to the "Know Your Rights" campaign, which helps youth understand their legal rights and consequences. Attorney Payton shares inspiring stories of outreach and education, explaining how the Initiative aims to foster a safer, more informed community.

Explore the challenges and successes of reaching at-risk youth and the importance of collaboration among community organizations. Whether it's clearing records or imparting essential legal knowledge, the VI Justice Initiative is making a meaningful difference in the lives of Virgin Islanders.

(Part 2 of 2) In this engaging episode of Ability Radio, host Amelia Headley-LaMont welcomes Paula Whatley Matabane, a retired professor from Howard University and an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Together, they delve into Matabane's profound family legacy, exploring her grandparents' journey from slavery to higher education and their influence on her spiritual and personal path. Discover how Matabane's investigation into her grandmother's memoir and her own spiritual journey sheds light on resilience, spirituality, and the power of ancestral ties.

Matabane discusses her transition from political activism to spiritual ministry, illustrating how her family's story and the teachings of figures like Howard Thurman shaped her understanding of faith and social justice. Her upcoming memoir highlights her family's remarkable achievements, emerging from humble beginnings to prominence, and offers insight into the divine guidance she believes shaped their paths. Join this compelling narrative of perseverance, faith, and the enduring impact of familial and spiritual heritage.

Amelia Hedley-Lamont introduces Gerad Evelyn, an assistive technology specialist at the Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD), which serves a broader range of individuals beyond students. This episode explores the world of assistive technology, showcasing its diverse applications beyond electronic devices, ranging from wheelchairs to voice-over-equipped smartphones.

Discover how Gerard, dubbed the 'accessibility guru,' turned a personal challenge into a pathway to help others achieve independence. He talks about the iCanConnect program at VIUCEDD. It provides free communication tools for those with considerable hearing and vision loss. Tune in for an insightful discussion on empowering individuals with disabilities through technology, training, and accessible resources.