Online Publications & Resources

Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry

The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency have developed a registry for Rhode Islanders with disabilities, chronic conditions and other special healthcare needs designed to identify individuals who require special assistance during emergencies. Enrolling lets police, fire and other first responders in your community better prepare for and respond to you and your family member’s needs. Instructions for enrolling in the registry are provided in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Rhode Island's Family Guide to Participation in the Child Outcomes Measurement Process

This guide helps parents and caregivers understand the three "child outcomes" that are measured for every child in the United States who participates in an Early Intervention program so they can fully participate in the discussion of their child's progress.

• PDF English 493.45 KB
• PDF Spanish 494.78 KB

RI Early Intervention Procedural Safeguards and Funding

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Part C values parents as important members of the Early Intervention team. This publication is for parents to help them to know and exercise their rights.

• PDF English 465.38 KB
• PDF Spanish 453.68 KB
• PDF Portuguese 485.1 KB

RI Early Intervention Transition Workbook

This workbook is for parents and caregivers to learn about the transition process, what to expect and how to prepare for a smooth transition out of Early Intervention. This workbook is a fillable PDF.

• PDF English 2.47 MB
• PDF Spanish 2.43 MB
• PDF Portuguese 2.56 MB

Rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Under the ADA

The DEAF-INFO website provides everything you wanted to know about deafness with topics including accessibility, communication methods, technology, education, employment and more.

RIMAC & Sensory Connection Fall 2026 Newsletter

This quarterly newsletter provides resources, updates and ideas that support students with complex needs.

RIMAC & Sensory Connection Spring 2026 Newsletter

This first issue of the RIMAC & Sensory Connection Newsletter provides resources, updates and ideas that support students with complex needs.

RIPIN

RIPIN is nonprofit organization established in 1991 by a passionate group of parents of children with special needs who recognized that they could provide support through sharing essential information and helping to find the resources they needed for their loved ones. RIPIN’s services include special education and supports, specialized services for children and young adults with disabilities, healthcare and health insurance and health education training, support and resources.

SafeLink Wireless

SafeLink Wireless is a participating service provider for Lifeline, a federally sponsored program that provides a mobile phone and a monthly discount on service to eligible individuals and families.

SafeLink Wireless

A Lifeline supported service and a government program for free cell phone services (limited minutes/texts) for Medicaid/SNAP recipients. Participants may use their own phone or apply for a phone through the program.

Say “Aah”: Successful Trips to Medical Providers

This Home and Community Positive Behavior Support Network newsletter addresses the anxiety some people experience before or during medical or dental appointments because of the strangeness of the environment and discomfort of procedures.

Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)

JAN's Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) system is designed to let users explore various accommodation options for people with disabilities in work and educational settings.

See.Touch.Learn. (iOS)

With 4,400 pictures and 2,200 exercises developed by professionals, this free app designed for iPads shows an array of items and the child has to touch the correct one named.

Self Help for Hard of Hearing People Inc.

Founded in 1979, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s leading organization representing consumers with hearing loss. Its mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy. HLAA strives to give people the tools they need to live more successfully with hearing loss and to show them they do not have to face hearing loss alone.

Self-Advocate's Guide to Choosing a Postsecondary Program

The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, New Jersey's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, offers this guide in English and Spanish for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are considering postsecondary education.

Self-Directed Supports Network Meeting Recording – April 17, 2024

At this meeting, Victoria Ferrara, M.A., coordinator, Access to Integrated Employment, spoke about the Day and Employment Activities Survey. Kathleen A. Sherlock, Esq., consultant, Sargent Rehabilitation Center’s Regional Resource Center, discussed Supported Decision Making (SDM) and alternatives to guardianship. (Timestamp 42:14)

Self-Directed Supports Network Meeting Recording – August 30, 2023

At this meeting, we had a dialogue with Courtney DiDonato from Work Inc., who spoke about employment services/supports, and Jay MacKay from Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals, who talked about Targeted Employment Funds and other funding/services available for those who self-direct and are interested in employment. (Timestamp 21:55)

Self-Directed Supports Network Meeting Recording – January 24, 2024

This meeting included a dialogue with Brenda DuHumal, associate director for administrative services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and Keavin Duffy from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Heather Mincey, assistant director, Division of Developmental Disabilities and Jackie Camilloni, Division of Developmental Disabilities. They shared updates and answered questions about Conflict Free Case Management (CFCM).

Self-Directed Supports Network Meeting Recording – July 26, 2023

At this meeting, Susan Donovan and Deborah Masland from RIPIN shared about information about their new self-directed program (SDSP).

Self-Directed Supports Network Meeting Recording – October 18, 2023

At this meeting, Christine Botts, deputy administrator from Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals, talked about the Access to Independence Program. We also heard from Victoria Ferrara, M.A., coordinator of Access to Integrated Employment from the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, who shared about the Day and Employment Activities Survey. (Timestamp 35:40)