Self-Directed Supports Network meetings are for anyone who wants to learn more about supports or connect with others. The group meets once a month on a Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom.
The Network is a resource for people who use self-directed supports through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (BHDDH). It is also for family members, caregivers and professionals.
Each meeting focuses on important topics about self-direction. Guest speakers share information and answer questions. Attendees can share concerns and connect with others who use self-directed supports.
The Sherlock Center organizes these meetings. Upcoming dates are listed on this page. After you RSVP, you’ll get an email with instructions and a passcode to join on Zoom.
At this meeting, we were joined by Rhode Island's three support-broker agencies for self-directors: Lazo, Best Life RI and the RI Self-Direct. Attendees were able to ask questions, and the support broker agencies shared who they are and the services/supports they provide.
At this meeting, Crystal Cerullo discussed the move to the Mighty Network, our new online community, which replaced the Self-Directed Supports Listserv in November. Only the portion of the meeting in which we discussed the Self-Directed Supports online community network was recorded. The rest was an unrecorded open discussion.
At this meeting, Jennifer Haskins, Esq, associate attorney at Moonan | Stratton in Providence, discussed the different types of special needs trusts and estate-planning strategies for protecting a loved one’s access to important benefits.
At this meeting, Vicki Ferrara, Coordinator of Access to Integrated Employment and WIPA Director, discussed the Developmental Disability Employment and Day Activity survey. Individual and Family Support Specialist Crystal Cerullo addressed the move to the Mighty Network.
At this meeting, Elizabeth Bioteau, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at RIHousing, and Michelle Brophy, Associate Director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), joined us to discuss housing.
At this meeting, representatives from four fiscal Intermediary (FI) agencies (Rachel Morgan from Perspectives, Anita Fleckensein from ReFocus, Linda Vollaro from Options, Sharon Johnson and Natasha Walker from proPartnerships) shared updates on changes to documentation, payroll, Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) and other related topics.
At this meeting, Vicki Ferrara, Coordinator of Access to Integrated Employment and WIPA Director, discussed the DD (Developmental Disability) Employment and Day Activity survey. Nancy Lewis-Oliver, NCI Survey Specialist, spoke about the NCI (National Core Indicator) Survey.
At this meeting, Melissa Greenlief from Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), an administrator of community services focused on residential, briefly explained shared living arrangements (SLA) and the eligibility required. Joanne Malise (LCSW, Director) and Cliff Alston (Program Manager) from Living Innovations, Rachel Morgan (Director), and Nicole Prefontaine from Perspectives Corporation spoke about SLA.
Securing the Future for Loved Ones with Special Needs: Planning for Succession Caregiving and Support
Crystal Cerullo
Individual and Family Support Specialist
