Welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas, and innovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond.

On this episode, titled "Leveling the Playing Field: Gaming, Accessibility, and Inclusion with SpecialEffect," CP State Communications & Operations Specialist, Kelsey Massyk, sits down with Jacob Holden, an Occupational Therapist from SpecialEffect, a UK-based organization that uses innovative technology to help people with physical challenges control video games, aiming for greater inclusion and quality of life. We discuss how SpecialEffect provides individualized setups, using tools like the Xbox Adaptive Controller, to help players with physical disabilities access video games for leisure and fun, advocating for accessible design in the gaming industry.

SpecialEffect is 100% reliant on donations and runs events like Game Blast every February. They also offer support worldwide, even if they don't send equipment outside the UK. You can learn more by visiting their website, specialeffect.org.uk , and check out their resources on accessible equipment and games at their other website, Game Access, at gameaccess.info

Don't forget to catch all the CP State(d) and CP Short State(d) episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and most other major podcast platforms. New and exciting topics will be shared in both audio and video formats as we continue to explore the disability service field.

Happy Holidays and welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas andinnovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond. In this episode, Laura Beth Malkowski from Aspire of Western New York and Nichole Belonge from CP North Country sit down with Kathleen Dowd, MSW Professor of Human Services, Human Services Department Chair at North Country Community College. NCCC offers several micro-credentialing programs, notably inDirect Support Professional (DSP) fields (Levels I, II, III) for working with individuals with developmental disabilities, funded by SUNY/OPWDD, offering stipends and pathways to national certification and degrees.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of CP State(d). We hope you enjoyed learning about the value of micro-credentialing programs for career advancement of Direct Support Professionals. Don’t forget to catch all the CP State(d) and CP Short State(d) episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and several other noted platforms. New and exciting topics will be shared in both audio and video formats as we continue to explore the disability service field. From all of us at CP State(d), we wish you a healthy and successful New Year!

Welcome back to CP State(d), the podcast where we explore the people, ideas and innovations powering progress for individuals with disabilities in New York State and beyond. We are happy to have you joining us for Part 2 of our interview with Kathy O’Connell. Brianne and Laura Beth will continue to explore The Confidence Gap in Dating, Disclosure & Dating Visibility, Debunking Sexual Ableism & Media Myths and Empowering self- Advocacy in Individuals. The team will also touch on ways to connect with Kathy at Radiant Abilities.

Thank you for tuning into Part 2 of our conversation with Kathy O’Connell. Don’t forget to catch all the CP State(d) and CP Short State(d) episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. New and exciting topics will be shared in both audio and video formats as we continue to explore the disability service field.