Wilfred Labiosa, CEO of Waves Ahead, discusses building community-based mental health and support services, including housing, for older adults and the LGBT community across Puerto Rico. He explains how Waves Ahead is working to solve problems through the organization’s hurricane relief work, reconstruction, the creation of regionally located centers, and ongoing research into anxiety, depression, and suicide among older Puerto Ricans.

The episode addresses practical challenges—such as technology barriers, food insecurity, limited mental health access, and housing loss—and Waves Ahead’s plans for elder housing, shelters, and restorative community programs. Labiosa also addresses advocacy, policy obstacles, funding losses, and simple interventions listeners can use to support neighbors and reduce isolation.

Host Amelia Headley-Lamont talks with Jim Harrington, founder of theTexas Civil Rights Project, about his new memoir and decades of organizing and litigation for farmworkers, students, people with disabilities, and communities. Harrington reflects on victories, setbacks, and lessons for activists and lawyers working to protect civil and disability rights. His new book, "The Texas Civil Rights Project: How We Built a Social Justice Movement," was recently released by the University of Texas Press.

The conversation covers harsh conditions, strategies like house meetings and community organizing, key legal battles on workers’ compensation, police brutality, accessible voting and public spaces, and the broader effort to build a lasting social justice movement.

In this episode, Archie Jennings, Esq., talks with Lawanda Cook, PhD, CRC, Senior Extension Associate at Cornell’s Yang Tan Institute and content specialist for the Northeast ADA Center. They explain the ADA Trainer Leadership Network (TLN), a free train‑the‑trainer program with 57 modules that builds local capacity to teach ADA rights and responsibilities across employment, public services, public accommodations, customer service, service animals, and accessible technology.

Lawanda shares examples of TLN impact — from company accommodation policies and county job fairs to inclusive outdoor dining during COVID — and provides resources for support (Northeast ADA toll‑free 1‑800‑949‑4232, northeastada@cornell.edu) and local Disability Rights of the Virgin Islands contacts. The next TLN train‑the‑trainer workshop is scheduled for October 2025.

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.