Katrina Hazel is a dynamic motivational speaker, life coach, and author, known for her inspiring book "Special Education to College the Katrina Story, Breaking Those Glass Ceilings". As the founder and Executive Director of Disability Champion Mentoring Network Incorporated, Katrina is dedicated to empowerment, self-direction, and disability advocacy. She holds the position of Vice Chair of the Council on Developmental Disabilities and serves as an advocate lead for the Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation. Katrina is also a graduate of Kingsborough Community College, where she earned her Associate's degree.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Katrina Hazel, a prominent motivational speaker and life coach, to discuss self-direction for people with disabilities. As individuals set new goals for the year, Katrina delves into the significance of self-directing one’s life, focusing on using one's unique gifts and strengths rather than conforming to external expectations. Katrina shares how she navigates the systems designed for individuals with disabilities and underlines the importance of supportive relationships with Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to foster true independence.

Throughout the episode, Asheley and Katrina explore how being in control of one's own goals translates into daily life, highlighting the need for a balance between independence and support. Katrina shares her experiences advocating for herself, such as her journey with supported decision-making, and the impact it has had on bolstering her confidence. By underscoring the importance of emotional support and positive reinforcement, Katrina emphasizes building empowering partnerships rooted in trust and accountability. As Katrina shares her vision for a life that transcends societal limitations, Asheley encourages listeners to focus on the bigger picture, creating a life guided by one's own aspirations.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Direction Empowerment: Katrina emphasizes that effective self-direction begins internally and is strengthened by supportive networks that truly recognize and believe in one's goals.
• Daily Goal Control: Effective DSP relationships enable individuals to retain control over their goals by offering accountability and positive support, ensuring alignment within provided systems.
• Partnership Dynamics: Empowering DSP partnerships involve sharing goals, fostering trust, and providing accountability support, ensuring that individuals can achieve their aspirations.
• Bigger Picture Perspective: Katrina advises that both individuals and DSPs should focus on creating and pursuing a holistic vision for life, transcending system-imposed limitations.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I do not allow myself to feel limited or dwell on my disability. Instead, I focus within my gifts, abilities, and superpowers." - Katrina Hazel
2. "I knew I didn't want guardianship, but a village to support me along the way." - Katrina Hazel
3. "A truly empowering partnership with a DSP is having accountability support where you can see yourself thrive." - Katrina Hazel
4. "Create the bigger picture of the life that you want to see within yourself, not what the system sees for you." - Katrina Hazel

Resources:

• Episode Transcript
• Special Education to College The Ketrina Story: Breaking Those Glass Ceilings
• Disability Champion Mentoring Network
• The Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation

For more inspiring discussions and insights into disability advocacy and self-direction, tune into the full episode and stay engaged with DSP Talk for future episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Filarelli is the Executive Director at Core Services of Northeast Tennessee. With nearly two decades of experience, Nick has been transformative in the field of disability services, particularly in integrating technology to promote independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He began his career as a direct support professional and became an advocate for enabling technology, sharing his expertise widely across the United States and Canada. In 2022, Nick testified before the Arkansas state legislature, successfully advocating for the inclusion of enabling technology in the state's waiver program.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages with Nick Filarelli, an eminent figure in the realm of disability services. Nick elaborates on the pivotal role of enabling technology in enhancing the independence of individuals with disabilities, explaining its profound impact on both the people served and the workforce supporting them. As a seasoned leader and advocate, Nick shares insightful anecdotes and innovative strategies that Core Services of Northeast Tennessee has integrated to become a tech-first organization.

Throughout the conversation, Nick addresses the nuances of employing enabling technology as a solution to the staffing crisis that plagues the disability service field. He discusses common barriers and how technology can overcome them, ensuring a better quality of life for individuals with disabilities. He also highlights the importance of addressing potential risks and ethical concerns, emphasizing the essential role of intentional and thoughtful integration of technology in daily routines. Nick's insights illuminate a path toward a future-shaped by independence and empowerment for everyone involved in this vital field.

Key Takeaways:

• Enabling technology is redefined as a crucial tool for promoting the independence of individuals with disabilities, minimizing reliance on paid staff, and addressing the staffing crisis.
• The integration of technology should focus on overcoming barriers to independence, such as medication administration, emergency response, and daily living tasks.
• Risk management involves ensuring technology is used ethically and for the right reasons, not for inappropriate monitoring or control.
• The introduction of new technology-centric positions creates promotional avenues and flexibility for staff, improving their work-life harmony.

Notable Quotes:

• "Technology is probably by far the best tool we have in our toolbox right now to try to do things differently and plan for a changing future."
• "I find that the larger concern is not the technology not working, but it's people using it for the wrong reason."
• "We're always going to need people with big hearts and no interest in a computer. And we're going to put those with folks that need that type of support."

Resources:

• Core Services of Northeast Tennessee
• OPWDD Home-Enabling Supports

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode for a deeper understanding of how technology is revolutionizing the field of disability services. Stay tuned for more inspiring and informative episodes from DSP Talk!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Veny is a renowned mental health advocate and certified corporate wellness specialist who has profoundly influenced conversations on emotional wellness in both professional and personal spheres. He is celebrated for his transformative journey from a professional drummer dealing with his own mental health challenges to becoming an esteemed leader in mental health advocacy. Mike is the recipient of several accolades, including Corporate Livewire's 2022-2024 Innovation and Excellence Award, Acquisition International Magazine's 2025 Global Excellence Award, and the 2023 Leader of Mental Health Awareness Award from NAMI New York State. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the PM360 Elite 100 Most Influential People in the healthcare industry for his outstanding contributions to patient advocacy.

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaze welcomes mental health advocate Mike Veny to discuss the complexities of emotional wellness during the holiday season. This episode dives deeply into why the holiday season can be emotionally challenging, with Mike offering insights into preparing for family gatherings, setting boundaries, and dealing with potential stressors.

During this conversation, Asheley and Mike explore the often-stressful dynamics of family interactions and how societal expectations can exacerbate personal pressure. Mike provides actionable strategies for managing mental health during the holiday season, emphasizing the power of saying no, setting realistic expectations, and preparing emotionally for challenging interactions. Listeners are encouraged to redefine holiday traditions and focus on personal well-being, supported by Mike's profound insights into grief and loneliness for those facing a tough holiday season.

Key Takeaways:

• The holiday season often carries emotional complexities due to societal pressures and family dynamics; setting realistic expectations can help manage these challenges.
• Preparing emotionally for family gatherings includes learning to say no confidently and practicing self-care through personal coping mechanisms.
• Mike suggests cultivating silence and stillness and addressing feelings through methods like scheduling time for grief.
• Redefining holiday traditions based on personal authentic needs can help individuals manage stress and enhance emotional wellness.

Notable Quotes:

• "The holidays are very stimulating… it's important to cultivate silence and stillness, making time to just pause and be still." - Mike Veny
• "We all carry stories with us… It's important to ask, how do I know this story to be true, or is this story authentic to me?" - Mike Veny
• "Boundaries don't push people away… but they protect the relationship." - Ashley Blaze

Resources:

• Mike Veny's Official Website
• Mike Veny Videos
• The Power of a Positive No by William Ury

Listeners are invited to explore the full episode to gain deeper insights into mastering emotional wellness during the holidays. Follow DSP Talk for more engaging discussions that tackle the heart of the human experience and personal growth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.