New Jersey Black Disability (ID/D) Initiative Podcast

Interview With Robert Jackson

In this episode, Robert Jackson, a Black man with multiple disabilities who works for the NJ Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities. Robert shares advice on advocacy, employment supports, and programs like SAME and Schedule A, which promote inclusive hiring for people with disabilities. Contact Robert at rtjakson@yahoo.com. For more resources, contact Robert at rtjakson@yahoo.com

Interview With Octavia Nash

In this episode, Octavia Nash is a NJ Black I/DD Consortium member and an Instructional Designer at Rowan University. As a mother of a son with a disability, she shares her journey from seeking resources as a young mother to advocating for other families. Show notes include the Apgar score, Early Intervention services, and the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network. For more, visit the NJ Black Disability Consortium website. The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities supports this funding notice.

Interview With Keena Fitzhugh

In this episode, Keena Fitzhugh, cultural liaison for the NJ Council for Developmental Disabilities and mother of a daughter with a disability, shares her journey. She discusses early intervention, family support services, guardianship alternatives, and advocacy resources. Keena advises parents to stay connected, document everything, seek community help, and prioritize self-care to effectively support their child while navigating the healthcare system.

Interview With Atonia Green Worley

In this episode, Atonia Green Worley, mother of an adult son with a disability, shares her experiences and resources for families navigating disability services. She highlights the importance of early intervention, IEPs, advocacy through organizations like Autism NJ, and programs such as Mom2Mom for emotional support. Atonia emphasizes the need for strong advocacy, community connection, and being informed about resources like DDD, PerformCare, and guardianship options for lifelong support.