More about us

The RI Developmental Disabilities Council is a statewide advocacy organization that promotes public policy that leads to the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. This mission is accomplished through planning, evaluation, collaboration, education, research and advocacy.

The Council supports actions so that people with disabilities have access to generic and any specialized supports they need, opportunities for making their own personal choices and decisions, meaningful work or community service, and valued roles as citizens in local communities in Rhode Island.

What We Do

  • Listen to the ideas and issues of developmental people with disabilities and their families.
  • Advocate for any changes in state funded services/supports to more creatively meet people's needs.
  • Inform people with disabilities about available services/resources and their human rights.
  • Provide public information about the rights and abilities of people with disabilities.

When We Meet

Council meetings are held quarterly and an annual meeting is held in October. Committees (Executive, Systems Advocacy and Individual and Family Advocacy) typically meet every other month. The time commitment of members is generally a couple of hours a month.

Council members:

  • share their perspectives about ideas for building real community lives for individuals with disabilities just like any other citizen,
  • gain insight into public policy in RI and speak up about system issues that may affect the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Council members become stronger advocates

Council members have opportunities to:

  • Learn about the variety of services available to people with developmental disabilities in RI and emerging best practices in other states
  • Practice or learn leadership skills to effectively advocate for quality services within RI's state systems
  • Participation with a group of people who share a common vision of meaningful lives and positive financial futures for people with disabilities and their families
  • Local and national networking experiences to design collaborative initiatives to benefit the lives of people with disabilities in Rhode Island

For more information about us, see our short slide show below.