DRNC is excited to announce the relaunch of our podcast, now called Amplify Together NC! Each episode, we’ll bring you conversations with disability advocates, experts, and everyday people making a difference. Together, we’ll dive deep into disability rights, current issues, and the power of community, one conversation at a time.
For past episodes, DRNC partnered with North Carolina Reading Service on their radio show, “Legal Matters”. Find our previous Legal Matters podcast episodes online.
Did you know that nearly half of all Americans will experience at least one traumatic brain injury in their lifetime? A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBIs range from mild—like a concussion—to moderate or severe injuries that can cause long-term or even lifelong effects. Even mild TBIs can impact thinking, mood, memory, and daily functioning, while moderate or severe injuries may require long-term rehabilitation and support. TBIs are a major cause of death and disability in the United States and are often unreported
In this episode, Jen Andrew talks with Program Manager Desireé Gorbea-Finalet, about the NC BRAINS Initiative—which stands for North Carolina Brain Resources and Injury Needs Screening—led by Disability Rights North Carolina. This campaign works to improve brain injury identification, advance provider education, and connect individuals to community-based services, ensuring that those affected by TBI receive the care, understanding, and resources they deserve.
TBIs touch millions of lives, yet their symptoms are often invisible. By raising awareness and improving early identification, we can help more people find healing and hope.
TBI – NC BRAINS Initiative – DRNC
If you require assistance, please contact the NC BRAINS Program Administrator.
Desireé Gorbea-Finalet braininjuryinfo@disabilityrightsnc.org
919-500-4462 or 743-895-0032.
Read the podcast transcript
In this episode of Amplify Together NC, host Jen Andrew talks to Gabriella “Gabby” Bush, DRNC’s Supervising Investigator for the Representative Payee team. Gabby takes us through her journey from being DRNC’s very first outreach specialist to leading a team that protects Social Security beneficiaries from financial exploitation and abuse. Along the way, she shares powerful stories about advocacy, the realities people with disabilities face, and the importance of finding your voice, even when it shakes.
In today’s short episode, a new series DRNC is launching called Friday Feature, we talk about the rise in weather related emergencies. Previously we discussed how individuals can prepare for disasters. In this episode we talk about how to connect to and care for disabled people in our communities and how to prepare together. Tune in for a bit sized episode to kick off your weekend! Read the podcast transcript. PLEASE NOTE: This is a minimally-edited transcript that originates from a program that uses AI.
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In today’s episode of Amplified Together NC, host Jen Andrew talks with Dr. Craig Waleed. Craig joined Disability Rights North Carolina in May 2022. He serves as project manager for Unlock the Box Campaign Against Solitary Confinement. He is an educator, counselor, certified Restorative Practices group facilitator, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and disrupting the community-to-prison pipeline. Craig shares his experience working as the project manager on the criminal legal team over a program known as End Solitary NC. This program is part of a larger national movement known as Unlock the Box working to end solitary confinement in the nation. Read the transcript for this episode and learn more about Craig’s work.
In this episode of Amplify Together NC, host Jen Andrew sits down with attorney Erin Baker Edgar, who shares how her experience growing up blind shaped her passion for supporting children with disabilities and their families. Erin discusses her work helping families in Raleigh build secure futures for their loved ones and her commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Find out more about Erin’s work, including how to get in touch. You can also read the transcript for this episode. (The information about legal services mentioned in this podcast is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by DRNC)
As many in our state continue to recover from Tropical Storm Helene and with hurricane season fast approaching once again, preparedness is more important than ever. In our first episode of 2025, DRNC’s communications coordinator Jen Andrew and supervising advocate Curtis Hill share essential tips on how to stay ready for the next big storm. Tune in to listen! You can also read the transcript for this episode. Find out more about our disaster recovery work.
Important Note: This episode was recorded before the FEMA deadline extension. The deadline for Tropical Storm Helene survivors in North Carolina to apply for federal assistance ended April 7, replacing the previous deadline of March 8. Find more Helene Recovery updates.
Learn how to stay prepared for the next storm!
