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.

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. In Part 1 of this episode, Brianne Flewelling from Racker and Laura Beth Malkowski from Aspire of Western New York have a conversation with Kathy’ O’Connell, the leader of Radiant Abilities and organization based in Syracuse, N.Y. Radiant Abilities is devoted to increased self-esteem, confidence, and empowerment for people in dating, relationships, and sexuality, particularly folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, please visit radiantabilities.com

Please listen to Part 2 of our interview and 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.

Welcome to a special live edition of CP State(d) — recorded at the 2025 CP State Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs! This year’s theme, Powering Progress, is all about innovation, leadership, and the people driving the future of services for New Yorkers with disabilities.

In this episode, we’re spotlighting the Emerging Leaders Committee — a dynamic group of professionals from CP State Affiliates across the state who are shaping the next generation of leadership in our field.

Joining us for this conversation are:

• Nichole Belonge, Director of OPWDD Services at the Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country

• Brianne Flewelling, Senior Team Director at Racker

• Laura Beth Malkowski, Vice President of Day Services at Aspire of WNY

• Donovan R. McKenzie, Sr., MSA, Senior Coordinator of Operations at ADAPT Community Network

Together, they’ll share what inspired them to step into leadership, how they’re fostering growth and innovation across their agencies, and how emerging leaders can influence systems change statewide.

We’ll also explore the committee’s two major initiatives — a supervisor training series designed to strengthen the workforce and this very podcast, CP State(d) — which gives a platform to fresh voices in the disability field.

So, get ready to hear from four leaders who are not just imagining the future — they’re Powering Progress right now.

How can nonprofits build digital resiliency in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of CP State(d), CP State Technology Specialist Kelsey Massyk interviews Adam Eads, Senior Program Manager at TechSoup, about cybersecurity, technology literacy, and creating a culture that embraces innovation.

Together, they explore how nonprofits can protect themselves from emerging threats, overcome barriers to tech adoption, and build the confidence needed to integrate new tools effectively. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or looking to elevate your organization’s practices, this episode offers actionable insights to keep your mission secure and sustainable.

In this episode of CP State(d), we preview the keynote address from communication expert and author Tim David at the CP State Annual Conference on October 9.

Tim shares why strong human connection is a learned skill -not an innate gift - and how it can transform leadership, teamwork, and the quality of our lives.

From the science behind his bestselling books to practical takeaways for everyday interactions, this conversation offers a taste of what’s in store at the conference.

Learn more about Tim at https://www.timdavidspeaks.com/.

In this episode of CP State(d), we sit down with Sara Trowers from Jawonio to talk about Brick It Again, an innovative LEGO resale shop that provides job training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Sara shares the story behind the program, how it’s grown,and the impact it’s having on both the community and the individuals it supports. We’ll also look ahead to Brick-A-Palooza, an exciting event happening on September 20 that brings LEGO fans of all ages together to celebratecreativity, inclusion, and possibility.

Whether you’re passionate about employment opportunities, creative programming, or just love LEGOs, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical ideas.