Join us for a conversation with Dr. Adiaha (pronounced /ah dee YAH/) I. A. Spinks-Franklin, MD, MPH, FAAP.

Dr. Spinks-Franklin is a Board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, lifelong anti-oppression/pro-liberation social justice warrior, and Black/African American woman. She is the owner of DBP Doc, PLLC, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Consultation, Education, and Training practice. She is the immediate past president of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP). She is from the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, Wichita, and Comanche Nations.

We discussed engaging topics, including the intersectionality of disability, race, and gender. We spoke about ableism, implicit bias, and the healthcare system. Hear Dr. Spink-Franklin's unique perspective on these topics and more.

Resources from the episode:

• Take care of your mind, body, and spirit:
  • National Suicide Lifeline 988
  • WebMD for scientifically accurate health information
  • HealthyChildren.org for scientifically accurate child health information
• February is Black History Month
  • https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/
  • https://www.history.com/topics/black-history
  • https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/african-american-history
  • Unbirthday - the date of your birthday on each month that is not your birthday month.

Join us as we interview Kevin Savage, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities. We talk about what the Division has focused on, what has gone well, and what still needs some work from this year. We also touch on what the Division's plans are for 2026 and some goals Kevin has for himself in the New Year.

Contact Information:

• For the Division:
  • Phone: 401-462-3421 (main line)
  • Email: BHDDH.AskDD@bhddh.ri.gov
• Kevin Savage contact:
  • Phone: 401-462-0581
  • Email: Kevin.Savage@bhddh.ri.gov

Resources from the episode:

• Conflict Free Case Management
• Division Events and Forums
• Employment
• Consent Decree
• Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative
• RI Cross Disability Coalition
• Advocates in Action Leadership Series
  • Enrollment for the 2026 Leadership Series has already begun. Deadline is Friday, January 16.

Join us as we interview RI General Assembly members Representative Tina Spears and Senator Louis DiPalma, take a glimpse into their tireless disability inclusion work, and learn how you can get involved in their efforts. Links to resources referenced in the episode: RI Legislature (https://www.rilegislature.gov/Pages/Default.aspx), Secretary of State (https://www.sos.ri.gov/), Open States (https://openstates.org/)

Join us as we interview Sue Babin, Special Projects Coordinator at The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council. She has been the founder and Project Director for Rhode Island's Self-Employment Business Incubator since 2018. We discuss the details about the Self-Employment Business classes, support, and opportunities provided to entrepreneurs.

Contact for Sue Babin:

• Phone: 401-523-2300
• Email: suebabin@riddc.org

Resources from the episode:

• https://riddc.org/
• https://riddc.org/self-employment-project/
• https://sbsshopri.com/
• https://www.ricrossdisability.org/
• The Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition Phone: (401) 737-1238 Email: tanja@riddc.org