Host Archie Jennings, the Director of Advocacy, covers the Americans with Disabilities Act 35th Anniversary in a conversation with the Honorable Julien Henley, the Territorial ADA Coordinator, discussing key initiatives and challenges in making the Virgin Islands more accessible for persons with disabilities.

Julien highlights significant legislative efforts, such as the Visitability Law, which incentivizes homeowners to ensure accessibility, and the ABLE Act, aimed at providing financial security for individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing federal benefits. The episode underscores the importance of these legislative measures in achieving a more inclusive society.

Furthermore, the episode explores the transition towards digitized government documents to enhance accessibility for visually challenged individuals, ongoing projects with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to support hand control car modifications, and the crucial role of the State Rehabilitation Council in enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Julien concludes by encouraging community involvement and awareness in supporting disability rights and access.

Join hosts Dawn Dyer and Attorney Archie Jennings from the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands as they welcome Dr. Ramona Moss, Chair of the U.S. Virgin Islands Board of Psychology Examiners, for an insightful discussion on mental health.

Explore the vital importance of ensuring mental health professionals are licensed, the role of the Board of Psychology Examiners, and the challenges of accessing psychiatric care in the Virgin Islands. Understand the impact of legislation on mental health treatment and learn about the initiatives aimed at improving services for individuals with severe mental illness.

Discover practical advice for maintaining good mental health, supporting children with behavioral challenges, and the effects of social media on well-being. This episode provides valuable information for those seeking mental health support and insights into the ongoing efforts to enhance mental health care in the Virgin Islands.

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.

Amelia Headly-LaMont is joined by Archie Jennings, the Director of Advocacy at the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, to discuss information relevant to the disability community, including the proposed ABLE Act, which aims to ease the financial burdens of individuals with disabilities by establishing tax-advantaged savings accounts. The episode also highlights the formation of the Virgin Islands Psychological Board, ensuring quality mental health services for the community. And, revisits the ongoing advocacy for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) implementation and access at airports, as well as the challenges related to service animals.

Amelia Headley-Lamont from the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands and two pioneering artists, Elisa McKay and Pedra Chaffers, who showcased their two-woman art exhibition "Fabric and Silhouettes: Generational Synergy". The discussion highlights their artistic evolution, the inspiration they draw from the Virgin Islands, and their journey from educators to celebrated artists.

Elisa McKay narrates her journey from New York to the Caribbean, where the island's vibrant colors reignited her passion for art, leading to a retrospective of her multi-decade career. Pedra Chaffers shares her path from Michigan to the islands, balancing her talents as an art educator with her beadwork art inspired by the local culture and traditions.

Explore how their diverse backgrounds converge in a harmonious exhibition, where viewers are invited to experience the emotional depth and cultural richness that these artists bring to life through mixed media, beads, and found objects.

(Part 1 of 2) Join Amelia Headley LaMont on Ability Radio as she engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Paula Whatley Matabane, exploring the compelling life story of her grandmother, Ione Davis, and the memoir she penned in 1948 detailing the resilience and struggles from the sharecropping farms of South Georgia. As the granddaughter of formerly enslaved people, Davis’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of socio-political turmoil and racial injustice.

Dr. Matabane delves into her personal journey, weaving through the intricate tapestry of familial ties, societal shifts, and cultural metamorphosis profoundly impacted by landmark moments in history, including the Civil Rights Movement and the rise of Black Power. This episode reflects on identity, heritage, and the quest for dignity, tracing the echoes of ancestry through personal and collective history.