Positive Futures is a bi-monthly half hour discussion about employment issues for people with a disability. Experts come to talk about the effect of employment on benefits, accommodations and the law. People who are struggling to find work, or who have successfully found a career, come in to share their story.
Positive Futures is host by Steve Famiglietti, manager of Blind Vocational Services at NEAT Marketplace. Steve has had his own challenges in forging a career, but is now a revered leader of the blind community.
You can listen to all of the past shows of Positive Futures by clicking on the links below. If you have any questions about a show, or an idea for a show, you can call Chris @ (860) 527-8000 or email him at [email protected].
Positive Futures: Valerie Ellis, ADA Coordinator
Positive Futures: John Brubaker
John Brubaker of Professional Resume Plus joined the show today to share his expertise on resume writing. If you think your resume may be slowing you down, or you are just starting to put a resume together, this is the show for you.
For more information and resources to build your resume, follow the link below:
Positive Futures: Lisa Rivers (DOT) & David Lee (CTTransit)
Positive Futures: Sharon Denson, CTBLN
Sharon Denson, Executive Director of Connecticut Business Leadership Network, returns to Positive Futures to talk with Steve about perspectives of employers and their desires and concerns about diversifying.
The Connecticut Business Leadership Network is growing coalition of Connecticut employers that are working together to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
For more information about CTBLN, follow the link below:
Positive Futures: Kathyann Roche
Director of Human Resources
Ambulance Service of Manchester/Aetna Ambulance
KathyAnn Roche is the Director of Human Resources for Ambulance Service of Manchester. In a previous job, she gained experience employing interns from BESB and today shares her perspective. KathyAnn is also an officer of the Coccomo Foundation.
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Positive Futures: Andrea Giudice
Andrea Giudice, blind from birth, spoke to the Windsor Lions club on January 10th about her experiences with guide dogs. She was born and raised in CT, attended public schools and graduated from UConn. Her professional career has been varied, however, she has always worked for nonprofits. In addition to working at the Equipment Restoration Center at NEAT she is an active volunteer, serves on various boards, enjoys reading, spending time with friends, movies, TV, horseback riding and being with family.
Andrea is a frequent guest of the show. In this episode she talks about the importance of volunteering and tells us SHE GOT A JOB!
Positive Futures: Jonathon Slifka, Gov. Malloy’s Liaison to the Disability Community
Jonathan Slifka, Gov. Malloy's tireless liaison to the disability community, was in the house promoting positive futures on the CRIS show with the same name. Twice a month, host Stephen Famiglietti interviews experts in the arena of employment to help those with disabilities identify the countless resources in the state available to job seekers.
Jon was in to talk about the many activities around the state this month, Disability Employment Awareness Month, that will promote the abilities of people with disabilities, as well as connect people with helpful resources. You can read more about it here and listen to it, once we edit out the "hot mic" moments.
Jonathon Slifka will be in the house today
Jonathon Slifka, who serves as Gov. Dannel Malloy’s liaison to the disability community, will be recording a Positive Futures show with Steve Famiglietti later today. Mr. Slifka will be talking about Disability Employment Awareness Month and the aggressive schedule of events throughout … Continue Reading ››
Jonathon Slifka talks to CRIS
Jonathan Slifka, Gov. Malloy's tireless liaison to the disability community, was in the house promoting positive futures on the CRIS show with the same name. Twice a month, host Stephen Famiglietti interviews experts in the arena of employment to help those with disabilities identify the countless … Continue Reading ›› Positive Futures: Introducing the show and our host
Christine Pallotti, a Certified Business/Career Coach & Trainer and owner of Strategic Life Plans joined us for two shows. In this show, she helps us introduce the show and our host, Steve Familgetti.
Positive Futures: Bill Neagus, FAVARH
Bill Neagus, Business Developer from FAVARH, came in to talk about the services available through the Arc of the Farmington Valley and ARCs throughout Connecticut.
More information about FAVARH is available here: The Arc of the Farmington Valley
Positive Futures: Tracy Andrews (part 1)
Tracy Andrews is a Low Vision Specialist with more than 9 years of experience with both Vision Dynamics and New England Low Vision and Blindness. Tracy shows customers the latest in low vision equipment and shares strategies and tips for living a full and independent life with a vision impairment. Tracy is herself legally blind and can identify with the challenges and struggles our customers face. Tracy loves sharing her message of hope and inspiration to her customers and to groups around New England. Tracy loves to run and completed the New York Marathon. Her passions are spending time with her husband and two children, running with her friends, music and playing with her dogs.
Positive Futures: Tracy Andrews (part 2)
Tracy Andrews is a Low Vision Specialist with more than 9 years of experience with both Vision Dynamics and New England Low Vision and Blindness. Tracy shows customers the latest in low vision equipment and shares strategies and tips for living a full and independent life with a vision impairment. Tracy is herself legally blind and can identify with the challenges and struggles our customers face. Tracy loves sharing her message of hope and inspiration to her customers and to groups around New England. Tracy loves to run and completed the New York Marathon. Her passions are spending time with her husband and two children, running with her friends, music and playing with her dogs.
Positive Futures: Ryan & Emily- NEBA (part 2)
Ryan Aldrich (Program Manager) and Emily Kalenauskas (Division Supervisor) of New England Business Associates (NEBA) came into CRIS to record a two-part conversation about the services offered by NEBA and their experiences with employers and job seekers with disabilities.
New England Business Associates
NEBA is a non-profit organization known nationally and internationally for its work in supported employment as well as supporting the integration needs and rights of people with disabilities and/or employment challenges.
Positive Futures: Joyce Armstrong & Nora Bishop (Benefits Counseling)
Nora Bishop and Joyce Armstrong have been helping people navigate employment and its effects on disability income for many years. Today they talk about several very important issues, including Ticket-to-Work.
Positive Futures: Ryan & Emily- NEBA
Ryan Aldrich (Program Manager) and Emily Kalenauskas (Division Supervisor) of New England Business Associates (NEBA) came into CRIS to record a two-part conversation about the services offered by NEBA and their experiences with employers and job seekers with disabilities.
New England Business Associates
NEBA is a non-profit organization known nationally and internationally for its work in supported employment as well as supporting the integration needs and rights of people with disabilities and/or employment challenges.
Positive Futures: Erica Dean
Erica Dean, the Regional HR Director with Comcast, joined us to talk about the importance corporate America puts on diversity in their workforce. She also suggested several on-line resources to preparing and applying for employment.
Positive Futures: Sharon Denson, CTBLN
Sharon Denson is Executive Director of Connecticut Business Leadership Network. She talked with Steve about perspectives of employers and their desires and concerns about diversifying.
The Connecticut Business Leadership Network is growing coalition of Connecticut employers that are working together to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
For more information about CTBLN, follow the link below:
Positive Futures: Nora Duncan, AARP- CT
Nora Duncan, State Director of AARP CT, called into the show to talk about an upcoming AARP event and other services offered by AARP. Many of AARP's events are free and do not require membership.
Here are some links to information discussed on the show:
- AARP Connecticut: for local information and to join
- Looking to volunteer: Elaine (860) 548-3168
Positive Futures: Jeannette Rodriguez Perez
Jeannette Rodriguez-Perez is a vocational rehabilitation counselor at the Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB). Today Jeannette reviews the range of employment services that BESB offers to people who are blind throughout the state of CT.
The Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB), within the Department of Rehabilitation Services provides resources, comprehensive low vision services, specialized education services, life skills training, case management, and vocational services to individuals of all ages who are legally blind and to children who are visually impaired.
For more information about BESB, follow the links below:
- BESB's Home Page
- BESB's Employment Resources Page
Positive Futures: Christine Pallotti- Strategic Life Plans
Certified Business/ Career Coach & Trainer
Christine Pallotti, a Certified Business/Career Coach & Trainer and owner of Strategic Life Plans joined us for two shows. In this show, Christine talks about the preparation and skills needed to being a job search.