News
Our advocacy agenda
On the verge of winning federal approval of its non profit
status and with 16 new members, the Rhode Island Developmental
Disabilities Council held its 2009 annual meeting in October
to set priorities for its advocacy agenda. More>
Inclusive classrooms
Including children with disabilities in regular education classrooms offers benefits to both the
children with disabilities and their peers. More>
People with disabilities have a lot in common
The Council's Systems Advocacy Committee
has begun work to help organize a coalition of advocacy groups that can
work on issues that concern all people with disabilities. More>
No Job? Why not try a service learning program
The Developmental Disabilities Council's Individual and Family Advocacy Committee encourages people with disabilities to participate in service learning. More>
Human Rights and people with disabilities
The
history of the human race demonstrates that whenever human beings are
categorized as somehow "different" and "inferior," it inevitably leads
to their oppression, exploitation, and death. More>
On to college
Until recently, college doors were essentially closed to students with cognitive disabilities who typically remain in high school, taking life-skills and transition classes until they turn 22 and can no longer receive public education services. These days though, some students with serious disabilities are continuing their education at the college level. More>
Discovering the artist within
"Everyone who comes here is an artist whether they think
they are or not," says Ray
Memery, Director of Pawtucket based agency, Resources for
Human Development where more than 70 people with disabilities
try to discover what makes them unique as individuals through
their work on art related projects. More>
A new kind of "agency""
Some people with disabilities are charting their own course in life
with the help of a tiny, non-profit corporation that pays for and
manages their support services. Microboards are family members, friends
or even neighbors. They have charters and bylaws, hold regular meetings
to develop and implement person-centered plans and are eligible for
"agency-level" funding. More>
His goal? Close all the group homes.
All of us want
to have a say in where, with whom, and how we live. Why
should a person with a disability or multiple disabilities
be any different?" asks Jeff Strully. More>
Alternatives to Guardianship
Anyone who has friends or family doesn't need a guardian says
disabilities rights expert Dohn Hoyle who was a keynote speaker at a
recent conference on alternatives to gaurdianship for people with
disabilities sponsored by the Rhode Island
Developmental Disabilities Network. More
Sign Up
The Department of Health and the Emergency Management Agency
launched the through which local
emergency response personnel can find out who in their comunities need
special assistance during emergencies. The registry data also allows
the state and municipalities to better plan for emergency response for
people with special needs. The Registry form, completed by the person
with special needs (or a family member or caregiver), includes
information about mobility and medical impairments, particularly those
that require life support equipment. Registration is voluntary.
