Staten Island is a unique place where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a range of supports and providers to evaluate when selecting services for their family and those under their care. Staten Island Disability News, a monthly program on Community Media of Staten Island (Spectrum Channel 34), seeks to demystify these options and bring to light new developments from the field.
Created in partnership with Constructive Partnerships (CP) Unlimited, a leading provider of supports for people with I/DD since 1946, Staten Island Disability News features a range of prominent guests and experts from throughout Staten Island and the greater New York City area who can contextualize and inform a diverse audience about innovative programs for the I/DD community and beyond. Additionally, the monthly program serves as a platform for cultural institutions to share educational opportunities for people with disabilities.
Suggest a topic or submit a guest for consideration by emailing us!
Episode 2: Maintaining Mobility and Movement [aired: November 2023]
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Summary:
This second episode explores the topics of Mobility and Movement, as it connects to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities- specifically, how do you get people who in many ways have limited movement, to perform everyday tasks? What are innovative approaches to empowering and strengthening both the body and spirit? What we hope is that by the end of this episode, you will come away more confident to grow both perspectives and muscles.
Guests:
Melissa D’Accordo, Ph.D., Curriculum & Training Specialist, CP Unlimited
Zach Huleatt, Director of Research and Development, Rifton Equipment
Maryann Virga,Parent Advocate
Nicolina Dante, Kindful Movement Instructor
Episode 1: I/DD Resources on the Island [aired: October 2023]
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Summary:
This initial episode is intended to provide an uncomplicated picture from above: What is offered on Staten Island within the CP Unlimited lattice and beyond, and how can viewers can get involved?
Guests:
Diane Peruggia, Chair of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council
Sebastian Chittilappilly, Chief of Programs at CP Unlimited
Marleen Whitman, Director of Day Services at the Cora Hoffman Center
“We are excited for this collaboration as it expands our scope of coverage and offers real resources for the disability community and beyond.” said Jennifer Sammartino, Executive Director of CMSI.
