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 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 7: Employment Opportunities and Professional Development on Staten Island [aired: April 2025]
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Summary:
Getting and holding a job is part of a fulfilling life for persons with disabilities and studies show that people with I/DD remain dedicated and active employees who enhance organizations in which they are employed. In this episode, we speak with leaders making a difference through vocational programs and job readiness training on Staten Island and beyond and learn how we can all do more to support people with disabilities in the workplace.
Guests:
Roosevelt Board, Franchise Operator, Chic-Fil-a, Staten Island Mall
Cathy Delpriore, CEO, GRACE Foundation
Joanne Gerenser, CEO, EDEN II
Meghan Thatcher and Michelle Shapiro, AHRC NYC
Episode 6: Legislative Leadership and Making a Real Difference on Staten Island [aired: October 2024]
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Summary:
In a series of conversations with a cross-section of local political leaders from diverse backgrounds, this special episode reveals what drives their individual and collective efforts to make Staten Island a leading location for people with disabilities. Far from campaign promises, our guests are motivated by an abiding commitment that comes from within, such that they can use the platform and power of their office to create lasting change through legislative action and support.
Guests:
Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, New York State Senator, District 23
Michaell Reilly, Assemblyperson, District 62
Sam Pirozzolo, Assemblyperson, District 63
Edwina F. Martin, Public Administrator for Richmond County
Episode 5: hIDDen Heroes on Staten Island [aired: June 2024]
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Summary:
This fifth episode is all about H’IDD’en Heroes in the disability world on Staten Island because you cannot spell hidden without I-D-D. Meet pioneers from across the borough who are thinking differently, bringing unique resources, and creating change- often out of the spotlight. Find out more about some of the quiet leaders bringing joy and impact to people with disabilities and others in need.
Guests:
Helen Timari, co-Founder, Foundation for Dignity
Diane Kramer, co-Founder, Foundation for Dignity
Carla Mohan, Near and Far Animal Foundation
Celia Iervasi, Verrazano Kiwanis Club
Joe “Preach”, Founder, South Shore Community Food Pantry
Episode 4: Astutely Advancing Advocacy [aired: April 2024]
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Summary:
Our fourth episode is all about change- and those who advance and inspire it. You’ll meet several people who are creating movement and motivation around issues impacting people with disabilities and those that provide services to them and learn different ways to join these efforts to create an impact in your community.
Guests:
Joseph M. Pancari, President & CEO, CP Unlimited
Jessica Francese, Director of Day Services and Vocational Initiatives, Staten Island, CP Unlimited
Ann Whitty, Advocate
Kwadwo Ofori, Vice President of Day Services, CP Unlimited
Episode 3: Growing Roots on Staten Island [aired: January 2024]
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Summary:
Our third episode explores different programs taking root on Staten Island. The borough is home to a number of exciting partnerships and projects that are growing opportunities for people with disabilities and we highlight two special initiatives in a dynamic half-hour program: Smile Farms, Inc. and Through the Lens: New Images from the Progressive Visions Photo Club at The National Lighthouse Museum.
Guests:
James Cuomo, Working in Greenhouses at Cora Hoffman
Linda Dianto, Executive Director, National Lighthouse Museum
Frank Ferebee, Photographer with Progressive Visions Photo Club
Jessica Francese, Associate Director of Day Services and Vocational Initiatives, CP Unlimited
Jim Interlicchio, Activity Director and Founder, Progressive Visions Photo Club
Diana Martin, Managing Director, Smile Farms, Inc.
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.
