Ninety-Nine Percent Effective

CT Department of Developmental Services (DDS): Your Complete Guide

In this episode, Jen and Tesha were fortunate to have Barbara Poplawski, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Transition Advisor, and Brian Smith, Assistant Regional Director of Individual and Family Support DDS, join in for a very informative conversation about the overview of what DDS does, whom they serve, and their primary goals. This episode covers several topics, such as who is eligible, the case management process, various services they offer, and valuable resources for individuals and families needing or receiving support from DDS.

This is filled with incredible knowledge, guidance, and resources you do not want to miss!

Show Notes:

• DDS Portal Website
• DDS Case Management
• DDS Transition to Adulthood
• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Learn more about SARAH Inc.

Videos to review:

• DDS Video Resource Library

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Holiday Spotlight with Shayna B’s By The Sea

This holiday season, we are excited to share our recent podcast featuring a local business partner, Shayna B’s By The Sea located in Westbrook, CT.  Shayna B’s is a dedicated vegan and gluten-free bakery serving delicious meals to the shoreline area. This episode features Christine Reed, the owner of Shayna B’s and SARAH Inc. supported worker, Gianna Catalano. From a young age, Gianna discovered her passion for the culinary arts. In this episode, she discusses her journey of following her dreams and obtaining gainful employment with the help of SARAH Inc. and loyal community partners with our Employment Services Program. Be sure to check out their holiday menu posted on their social media.

Show Notes:

• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• Visit Shayna B’s By The Sea Website 
• Shayna B’s By The Sea Facebook 
• Call Shayna B’s By The Sea to order for the holidays, 860-339-3144
• Learn more about SARAH Inc.

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced by George Reid-Perry and edited by Chrissy Racho.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Gaining Independence: Tips for Stepping into the Workforce

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the success stories of employment and the disability community. We are excited to share our most recent podcast, featuring SARAH Inc.’s Jen Kostek, Intakes and Special Projects Coordinator. With over a decade of experience in our employment programs, Jen is just the right person to help us understand the immense value that people with differing abilities bring to businesses that employ them. In this episode, Gaining Independence: Tips for Stepping into the Workforce, she also gives a detailed look into how SARAH Inc. helps individuals identify their scope of capabilities, establish a career plan, and lead them toward gaining newfound independence.

Show Notes:

• Jen Kostek, 860-399-1888 ext. 311
• CT's Department of Labor: The Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
• U.S. Department of Labor: Workers with Disabilities
• Eliminating 14(c) & Subminimum Wage
• Learn more about NDEAM and SARAH Inc.

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Taking the Stress Out of Potty Training

In this episode we are introduced to Ashley Hickey, a Potty Training Specialist and Owner of Successful Potty Training. Ashley is a graduate of Northeastern University and was clinically trained in Applied Behavior Analysis at Emory Autism Center post-graduation. Ashley specializes in Potty Training autistic children but has also trained hundreds of kids with differing abilities. The goal of Ashley’s program is for the child to be able to wear underwear fulltime, utilize the potty, and independently self-initiate. Ninety eight percent of the children achieve these goals by the end of the program; most in as little as four days.

We hope you enjoy listening to Ashley and Tesha as much as we did.  Take a seat and get ready to learn some fool proof tips!

Show Notes:

• Successful Potty Training
• "Ashley's Guide for Potty Training" by Ashley Hickey
• "The Best Potty Chairs for Little Ones Who Are Ready to Ditch the Diaper" by Julie Evans and Katrina Cossey
• "9 Best Potty-Training Seats and Chairs for Toddlers Who Are Ready to Ditch the Diapers" by Kate Bayless
• "Top 10 Potty Training Step Stools for Kids" By Michele Tripple

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Weekend Tea with Gabby and Amanda - Bonus Short #3

Summer is sailing by and we at 99 Percent Effective hope you have been able to stop and enjoy some summer fun.

Speaking of fun, this week’s Weekend Tea with Gabby and Amanda is all that and more!  Gabby will put a smile on your face and give you a good chuckle as she shares the details of her for her 40^th birthday celebration.  You don’t want to miss this episode!

So take a break, relax and listen to how Gabby enjoys a good time with family and friends.

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Driven to Succeed

Obtaining a drivers license is an exciting time in a person’s life that can contribute to greater independence. Persons who are on the Autism Spectrum or other delays oftentimes face different and increased challenges when they are trying to obtain their drivers license.

This month George and Tesha are pleased to introduce you to Andrew Arboe, founder of Driving With Autism, a company that prepares individuals on the Autism Spectrum to get their driver’s license. Andrew used his personal experiences as an adult with Autism to develop driver readiness content. This content reviews the expectations that come along with obtaining a driver’s license as well as how to overcome the challenges adults with Autism face when trying to do so. A few of the beneficial topics Andrew covers in his webinars are sensory needs, police interactions, and parent perspectives. 

So buckle up and listen to how Andrew is helping individuals on the Autism Spectrum obtain their driver’s license and gain their independence.

Show Notes:

• Contact Andrew Arboe: andrew.arboe@autismdriving.com
• https://autismdriving.com/
• Driving with Autism Facebook
• "What Sensory Tools You May Need As An Autistic Driver"
• CT DMV - The Blue Envelope
• CT Department of Aging and Disability Services - Driver Training Program

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

How Food Impacts Your Mood: Nutrition’s Role in Health and Development

Join George and Tesha this month to discuss nutrition with none other than Kara from Nourish + Nosh Nutrition. In this episode Kara discusses where you can start in terms of eating healthy, adjusting your lifestyle, and answering the "why's" behind the connection between what we eat and how we feel. A great place to start is knowing that everyone is different and everyone needs something different when it comes to their diet. Take the first step in redefining your relationship with food and listen to this great episode. 

Show Notes:

• Contact Kara: kara@nourishandnoshct.com
• Nourish + Nosh Nutrition
• Serve It With SARAH Cookbook
• "Differences Between a Dietitian and Nutritionist"

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

A Parent’s Prep Guide for PPT Meetings

We are excited to introduce Vicki DeVeau onto this month's episode of Ninety-Nine Percent Effective. Vicki is a licensed clinical social worker, a part-time instructor for the University of Kentucky, an outpatient therapist, and a Doctoral candidate! 

She is joining us to discuss Connecticut's Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings. Do you how to prepare for your child's PPT? Are there forms and documents you should bring? How often should this group meet? These are just a few of the questions answered in this month's episode - listen here for the rest.

Show Notes:

• A Parent's Guide to Special Education in Connecticut 2021
• A Guide to Supporting Peer Interaction for Students who Use AAC
• Connecticut's Individualized Education Program (IEP) - Planning and Placement Team (PPT)
• Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)
• Connecticut's Planning and Placement Team (PPT) Processes and Individualized Education Program (IEP) Forms

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

Let’s Tech About It: Assistive Technology in CT

This month George and Tesha sit down with Shannon Taber, the Director of Inclusion and Accessibility at United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut. Assistive Technology has been around for years, but has recently become more prevalent in our communities. Listen to this episode to find out the key AT takeaways are in Connecticut including: what is AT, what are the costs involved, and what are your options.

Show Notes:

• Shannon Taber Contact Information: staber@ucpect.org
• UCP's Assistive Technology Center
• Oak Hill Assistive Technology
• Connecticut Tech Act Project (CTTAP)
• ATECH, Assistive Technology in Action
• CT Assistive Technology = https://portal.ct.gov/DDS/General/AssistiveTechnology/Assistive-Technology
• The Life-changing Power of Assistive Technologies

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced and edited by Stephanie Cona

Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to hosts and speakers do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.’s.

A Legislative Re-release: Legislative Sessions and Personal Expressions - Why Your Voice Matters

Connecticut is right in the middle of its legislative session and SARAH Solutions is using this opportunity to re-release our legislative episode featuring Quentin "Q" Williams, previously known as Q Phipps.

Q is a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 100th district in Middlesex County. Representative Williams discusses the importance of being involved in the legislative sessions and how best to have your voice heard. In this episode you will learn how you can truly make a positive impact in your community.

Show Notes:

• Serve It with SARAH Cook Book
• Q William's Phone Number - 860-830-5407
• Equity CT
• Connecticut Voices for Children
• How to find your Connecticut Legislators
• National Disability Rights Network - Information on voting
• The ARC CT
• Connecticut Secretary of the State - "Voters with Disabilities Fact Sheet"
• "Tips for Communicating with Legislators" - American Battlefield Trust

Have a question or want to leave us feedback? Email us at sarahsolutions@sarah-inc.org or call us at 860-399-1888 ext 200.

Intro music composed by James F. Hodgdon. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Effective is produced by Stephanie Cona 

*At the time of the recording Q Williams went by Q Phipps. We rerecorded the beginning of the episode but there may still be references to his previous name.*

Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this episode belonging to Quentin Williams do not necessarily reflect SARAH Inc.'s.