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.

Michael Hollis is an expert in food systems and urban agriculture, with over two decades of experience at the intersection of food, community, and resilience. He currently holds the position of Vice President for Community Food Security at Services for the Underserved in New York City. Michael has previously managed feeding operations in disaster zones and has a background in environmental compliance and greenhouse design. His work emphasizes empowering communities to reclaim creativity and agency in building sustainable and equitable food systems.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages with Michael Hollis, a leading figure in New York City's food security and urban farming movements. Michael addresses the multi-layered issue of food insecurity in New York, highlighting the quiet yet widespread struggles experienced by families across the city. He discusses how food insecurity transcends the absence of food, affecting physical health, social structures, and mental well-being.

Michael outlines the deep connections between food insecurity and broader issues like housing instability, employment challenges, and healthcare disparities. He describes how these problems interlock in feedback loops, exacerbating each other's impacts. The conversation shifts toward the impressive resilience and innovation of New Yorkers, with Michael sharing inspiring stories of community initiatives and discussing actionable steps for achieving a hunger-free city. By emphasizing justice and community-led efforts, he makes a compelling argument for redesigning systems to treat food as a human right.

Key Takeaways:

• Invisible Struggles and Trade-offs: Food insecurity in NYC is marked by unseen sacrifices families make, such as skipping meals or traveling long distances for groceries.
• Wider Impacts of Insecurity: Beyond hunger, food insecurity erodes mental health, undermines community cohesion, and adds to chronic health issues.
• Systemic Roots of Inequity: Historical planning decisions and structural racism sustain access disparities, disconnecting many New Yorkers from abundant food supplies.
• Community Ingenuity: Local initiatives like community fridges and urban farms are innovative responses, exemplifying neighborly support and creativity in addressing food access.
• Path to Transformation: Achieving food security in NYC requires systemic justice, community empowerment, and policies that treat food as an intrinsic right.

Notable Quotes:

• "The real face of food insecurity isn't just hunger; it's that stress, it's the limited choices." – Michael Hollis
• "A hunger free city isn't just one with more food, it's one with more justice." – Michael Hollis
• "Solutions don't just come from large systems or programs but from communities themselves." – Ashley Blaise
• "Food is not just a privilege, but a human right." – Michael Hollis

Resources:

• Services for the Underserved
• Friendly Fridge BX (Community Fridge Network)
• City Harvest (Rescuing Food For NYC)
• Rescuing Leftover Cuisine

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