Members of The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Network – The RI Developmental Disabilities Council, Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities and Disability Rights Rhode Island – are sharing our ongoing collaboration and work to ensure the protection of and advocacy for the needs and rights of people with disabilities in Rhode Island.
We understand news articles and rumors have caused numerous concerns over the past several months. The budget is still in process and will be for several months. While the budget bill has initially passed in the House, it must also pass in the Senate, where it will likely encounter challenges. This is a marathon, not a sprint. We are working to provide information to policymakers and legislators as well as secure the developmental disability system in Rhode Island.
Some of our joint activities to date include:
- Met with our federal delegation to inform them of the importance of Medicaid, 504, ADA, and other disability related protections.
- Held a round table discussion with Representative Seth Magaziner on the use and need for Medicaid in Rhode Island.
- Provided direct information on constituents living in the First Congressional District to Representative Gabe Amo.
- Provided personal stories of the importance on Medicaid to Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse.
- Worked with Rhode Island legislators to secure the rights of Rhode Islanders under Section 504.
- Worked to build an Olmstead Plan that will help to implement the ADA, 504, IDEA, and other rights of people with disabilities.
- Connected our communities to policymakers to provide information and outreach opportunities.
We will continue to work as nonpartisan advocates at all policy levels (most of our legislative work is sponsored or supported by both major political parties in the state.) We recognize there is occasional misinformation, as well as information that can change quickly. As a network, we promise you that the information we are sharing and/or discussing with others are the facts. As we learn about what changes will officially be implemented, we will share that information with our disability community.
In the meantime, we will continue our work with our community, state and federal partners, policymakers and legislators.
Kevin Nerney, Executive Director
Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council
Amy Grattan, Ph.D., Executive Director
Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, RIC
Morna Murray, J.D., Executive Director
Disability Rights Rhode Island