Unstoppable Futures: Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities

About Unstoppable Futures: Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities

Unstoppable Futures empowers young adults with disabilities through discussions on employment, self-advocacy, education, and personal development. Whether you're a young adult with a disability, a caregiver, or an advocate, tune in for insights, strategies, and inspiring stories to pave your path to success!

Publisher

RIPIN

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Apr 2024

Latest episode

30 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jun 2026

   What Is Self-Direction? A Conversation with RIPIN's SDSP Team | S1 Finale

   In this Season 1 finale of Unstoppable Futures, Nathan sit's down with the Self-Directed Support Program (SDSP) team at RIPIN — Sharon (Program Manager), Jane and Laura (Support Navigators) — to break down everything families need to know about self-directed services for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. We cover how self-direction works, who's eligible and when to apply, how funding tiers and fiscal intermediaries function, what a person-centered plan looks like, the technology grant, blending self-direction with agency services, and how to find and hire the right direct support professionals (DSPs). The team also shares practical tools like the Google My Maps project and RIPIN's Link with Your Community guide, common misconceptions, and where to turn when you need support. Whether you're just starting to explore self-direction or looking to fine-tune your current plan, this conversation is full of real, practical guidance from people who do this work every day. Thanks for tuning in to Season 1! Season 2 of Unstoppable Futures is coming soon. 🔗 Resources mentioned: RIPIN Self-Directed Support: https://ripin.org/selfdirectedsupport/ Email: selfdirectedsupport@ripin.org Self-directed support toolkit: https://ripin.org/selfdirectedtoolkit/ Link With Your Community Guide: https://ripin.org/resources/linkwithcommunityguide/ Ask BHDDH: BHDDH.AskDD@BHDDH.RI.gov Chapters: 00:00 – Meet the Team: Sharon, Jane & Laura 02:17 – What Is Self-Directed Support? 03:12 – Eligibility & How to Apply 04:08 – A Day in the Life of Self-Direction 05:06 – Fiscal Intermediaries & Hiring Staff 07:33 – How Funding & Tiers Work 09:23 – Why Choose Self-Direction & Blended Services 13:52 – The Technology Grant Explained 18:50 – Common Barriers: Getting Started & Finding DSPs 29:28 – How RIPIN's SDSP Team Helps 33:55 – Google My Maps & Community Planning Tools 44:42 – Key Takeaways & What's Next for RIPIN --- 🎧 Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075 RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss 📩 Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email: unstoppablefutures@ripin.org #UnstoppableFutures #RIPIN #SelfDirectedServices #DisabilityServices #RhodeIsland #SeasonFinale

2. 

   12 May 2026

   Embracing Smart Tech for Independence with Siera

   In this episode, Nathan sits down with Siera, a board member of AMCSI (Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc.) and colleague at RIPIN, for a candid conversation about living with arthrogryposis and how smart home technology is transforming daily independence for people with disabilities. Siera shares how voice-activated shades, smart light bulbs, AI meeting tools, and a walker/electric wheelchair hybrid help her navigate everyday life — and what she learned the hard way about smart tech pitfalls like company shutdowns and app compatibility. They also dive into the future of assistive technology, from eye-controlled wheelchairs to self-driving cars. Whether you’re living with a disability, a caregiver, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about accessibility — this episode has something for you. 🔗 Learn more about AMCSI: https://amcsupport.org Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Introducing Siera 0:20 Siera's background & AMCSI overview 1:13 What is Arthrogryposis? 2:21 Smart home tech: Voice-activated shades 4:42 Smart light bulbs & Alexa integration 5:55 Using AI tools for meeting notes 7:25 Walker/electric wheelchair hybrid (found on Walmart!) 8:30 Discovering the walker at an AMCSI conference 9:54 How AMCSI started & what the organization does 11:33 How smartphones enable independence 12:49 Robotic arms & eye-controlled wheelchairs 19:44 Augmented reality & sensor technology 21:05 Challenges setting up smart tech (app bugs & compatibility) 26:14 How disability shaped Siera's board leadership 26:35 How Siera discovered AMCSI during the pandemic 28:52 Advice for adopting smart home technology 29:50 The future of smart tech & accessibility 31:05 Funding devices through self-directed services & ORS 32:36 Final message & closing thoughts 33:54 Where to find AMCSI online 34:24 Rhode Island question: Favorite restaurant 36:01 Outro #UnstoppableFutures --- 🎧 Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075 RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss 📩 Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email: unstoppablefutures@ripin.org --- 🔗 Follow RIPIN on Social Media Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri 📧 To contact RIPIN for any reason: Email: info@ripin.org --- ℹ️ About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander—from infants to seniors—access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. Services include: • A live‑answer call center • Peer‑to‑peer care management • Early Intervention parent consultants • Workshops on healthcare and special education • Leadership training for parents and youth RIPIN is: • The federally designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for Rhode Island • The official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid • A Cedar Family Center • The Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, supporting children with special healthcare needs and their families

3. 

   21 Feb 2026

   The Rachel Shandler Interview

   Rachel Shandler of SPAN Parent Advocacy Network joins Unstoppable Futures to discuss disability advocacy, healthcare transition, and self‑advocacy. Rachel shares her journey with cerebral palsy and offers real‑world insight on navigating systems, employment, community resources, and never giving up on adulthood goals. 💬 What’s one takeaway from Rachel’s story that inspired you? 🔗 Resources Healthcare Transition to Adult Care for Youth with Disabilities: https://movingtoadulthealthcare.org Contact Rachel Shandler: rshandler@spanadvocacy.org SPAN Parent Advocacy Network: https://spanadvocacy.org Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & welcome 00:09 – Meet Rachel Shandler 00:42 – What is healthcare transition? 01:39 – Youth advisory groups & creating resources 02:17 – Why healthcare transition is often overlooked 03:06 – Growing up with strong family support 04:46 – School, expectations & inclusion 07:23 – Job searching with a disability 09:06 – Career goals & graduate school reflections 10:19 – Volunteering as a pathway to employment 11:48 – Vocational rehabilitation: tips & lessons 14:28 – Disability services in college 15:06 – Turning volunteering into a job 16:49 – Treating volunteering like a real job 17:44 – From Center for Independent Living to SPAN 18:52 – Advocacy, leadership & legislative work 20:06 – Discovering parent centers & SPAN 22:07 – Learning through lived experience 23:06 – Finding resources & self‑advocacy 26:12 – Wishing for earlier access to supports 27:01 – Youth engagement & peer support work 28:42 – Advice for overwhelmed youth & families 30:53 – Advice to her younger self 33:20 – Key takeaway message 35:05 – Where to find SPAN & healthcare transition resources 35:55 – Final thoughts & sign‑off 🎧 Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075 RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss 📩 Have a suggestion or comment? Email: unstoppablefutures@ripin.org 🔗 Follow RIPIN Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri 📧 Contact RIPIN: info@ripin.org

4. 

   8 Jan 2026

   The Michael Scanlon Interview

   [Video available on spotify] In this enlightening episode, Nathan welcomes Michael Scanlon, the Director of Community and Partnerships at Street Smart Ventures (SSV). Michael shares his journey of overcoming personal challenges, including being a brain injury survivor and dealing with mental health issues, to become an advocate for positive change. They discuss the importance of discovery and life design in empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives. Learn more about Street Smart Ventures - https://www.streetsmartventures.com/ Check out SSV's podcast that Micheal host - https://open.spotify.com/show/5fLKBmlkJ0lt2zDEVIFwKc?si=bcc72b9aab524990 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:16 Journey into Advocacy and Community Work 09:12 Lessons from Past Experiences 16:35 The Importance of Mistakes and Learning 19:02 Street Smart Ventures and Its Mission 23:27 Redefining Learning Pathways 31:01 Innovative Learning Resources 37:07 Influences and Advocacy in Personal Growth 41:29 Messages of Hope and Purpose 45:12 Food and Culture in New England 48:22 Takeaway and Closing ------------ Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email unstoppablefutures@ripin.org. To contact RIPIN for any reason, please email: info@ripin.org ------------ Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075 RSS Feed - https://anchor.fm/s/10d3602f0/podcast/rss ------------ Follow RIPIN on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families.

5. 

   27 Jun 2025

   Navigating Criticism: Turning Feedback into Fuel

   Hosts Nathan Markley and Autumn Johnson explore the nature of criticism and provide strategies for reframing negative feedback into constructive insights, emphasizing self-advocacy and emotional intelligence; this is an interview.

6. 

   6 May 2025

   Navigating Healthy Relationships

   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0nFyKR6HV1o In this episode of Unstoppable Futures, Nathan talks with Deanne and Tanja from the Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition, about the importance of healthy relationships, focusing on communication, respect, and choice. They explore red flags to watch for in relationships and emphasize the need for support and resources for individuals, especially within the disability community. The conversation highlights the significance of learning from mistakes and the value of building connections with others. To contact Tanja and the RI Cross Disability Coalition visit their site at - https://www.ricrossdisability.org/ For more information on their speakers bureau check visit - https://www.ricrossdisability.org/speakers-bureau/ RIPIN's Website and Resources:  https://ripin.org/resources/category/youth/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Understanding Relationships 03:16 Importance of Relationships 06:23 Defining Healthy Relationships 13:11 Identifying Unhealthy Relationships 16:09 Conclusion and Resources ------------ Have a suggestion or comment about the podcast? Email unstoppablefutures@ripin.org. To contact RIPIN for any reason, please email: info@ripin.org ------------ Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on: YouTube - @ripin_ri Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc RSS  Feed - https://feeds.libsyn.com/523668/rss ------------ Follow RIPIN on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ripin_ri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIPIN.ORG/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripin_ri/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ripin_ri About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families.

7. 

   3 Apr 2025

   Unstoppable Futures Trailer

   Unstoppable Futures empowers young adults with disabilities through discussions on advocacy for oneself and others, education, and personal development. Whether you’re a young adult with a disability, a caregiver, or an advocate, tune in for insights, strategies, and inspiring stories to pave your path to success! Subscribe to Unstoppable Futures on: YouTube - https://youtube.com/@ripin_ri Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-futures/id1800815075 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2uXTyhLM4da4XankkJYaUY?si=4ab9a10a02be4bbc or wherever you get your podcasts - RSS Feed - https://feeds.libsyn.com/523668/rss

8. 

   2 Dec 2024

   Navigating the Journey of Self Advocacy

   Nathan, Johan, and Jeremy discuss the importance of self advocacy for youth and young adults, providing practical advice for navigating advocacy in various life stages.

9. 

   15 Apr 2024

   Who is Advocates in Action?

   On this first episode of Unstoppable Futures, we talked with Advocates in Action Rhode Island. Who are they? What do they do? We talk about their upcoming two-day 2024 Self-Advocacy Conference on May 9 and 10, 2024, what to expect, and more. Enjoy! Learn more about the conference and how to register on their website at: https://www.advocatesinaction.org/2024SAConf.php (https://www.advocatesinaction.org/2024SAConf.php) Advocates in Action Website: https://www.advocatesinaction.org/index.php (https://www.advocatesinaction.org/index.php) Do you have a question or a future topic for the show? Email unstoppablefutures@ripin.org (mailto:unstoppablefutures@ripin.org) To learn more about RIPIN and how they can help you visit https://ripin.org (https://ripin.org) About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families.

10. 

    15 Apr 2024

    Who is Advocates in Action? - Part 1

    On this first episode of Beyond Barriers, we talked with Advocates in Action Rhode Island. Who are they? What do they do? We talk about their upcoming two-day 2024 Self-Advocacy Conference on May 9 and 10, 2024, what to expect, and more. Enjoy! Learn more about the conference and how to register on their website at: https://www.advocatesinaction.org/2024SAConf.php Advocates in Action Website: https://www.advocatesinaction.org/index.php Do you have a question or a future topic for the show? Email unstoppablefutures@ripin.org To learn more about RIPIN and how they can help you visit https://ripin.org (https://ripin.org) About RIPIN Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a statewide, 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization that helps any Rhode Islander, from infants to seniors, access and navigate special education and healthcare systems. RIPIN uses a Peer Professional model—75% of our staff care for a loved one with a special health or education need. RIPIN offers support via a live answer call center, peer-to-peer care management services, Early Intervention parent consultants, a curriculum of workshops on healthcare and special education topics, leadership training for parents, and much more. RIPIN is the federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for the state of Rhode Island; the official ombudsman for people with Medicare and Medicaid; a Cedar Family Center and the Rhode Island state affiliate of Family Voices, providing support for children with special healthcare needs and their families.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

48,423

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

26

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

27

Contact Unstoppable Futures: Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.