WEB-BASED RESOURCE GUIDE

For Families and Providers of Children and Youth with

Special Health Care Needs

 

This web-based Resource Guide was created for families of children with special health care needs, and for individuals working with these families. Please note that the content of the pages you are about to visit are not authorized or under the control of the Rhode Island Technical Assistance Project (RITAP) or Rhode Island College (RIC).

 

It was created by: Denise Achin (Rhode Island Technical Assistance Project at Rhode Island College), Jane Azie (Empowered Families CEDARR Family Center), Dalida Frias (About Families CEDARR Family Center), Ana Gomes (Solutions CEDARR Family Center), Colleen Polselli (Rhode Island Department of Health), Danielle Proulx (About Families CEDARR Family Center), Donald Testa (Families First CEDARR Family Center), Carol Whitman (Department of Children, Youth and Families) and Catherine Willingham (Department of Human Services).

There are several options available to navigate the Guide:
(1) Enter "Control F" to initiate a search, or
(2) Click "Edit" on the control bar and click "Find on this page", or
(3) Scroll down the Table of Contents and click on the topic you would like to navigate to

This Guide will be updated periodically, to request any changes, including corrections or new resources, please send an e-mail message to: amoniz@ric.edu

 

Please include the direct URL for the resource being added. Thank-you!

We hope you find the Guide useful,

 

The CEDARR Web-based Resource Workgroup

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Adoption. 2

Assistive Technology/Durable Medical Equipment (DME) 3

Child Abuse & Domestic Violence. 5

Cultural and Linguistic Competency

Dental Care. 5

Department of Children, Youth and Families. 6

Department of Health. 9

Diagnosis Specific. 10

General 10

Attention Deficit Disorder 11

Autism Spectrum Disorders. 11

Blind/Visual Impairments. 13

Brain Injury. 13

Cerebral Palsy. 14

Developmental Disabilities. 14

Down Syndrome. 15

Epilepsy. 15

Hearing. 15

Lyme Disease. 18

Learning Disability. 18

Multiple Sclerosis. 18

Muscular Dystrophy. 19

Mental Health/Illness. 19

Tourette’ Syndrome. 20

Early Care and Education (Child Care) 20

Early Childhood Resources. 21

Energy/Heating Assistance. 24

Evaluation, Assessment, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Providers. 24

Family Support, Training, and Advocacy Resources. 26

Food and Nutrition Resources. 30

Housing. 31

Income Support 32

Interpreting Services. 33

Legal Assistance/Advocacy. 33

Medical Assistance. 34

Mental Health. 35

Pediatric Facilities. 37

Prescription Assistance. 37

Rehabilitation Facilities. 38

Rhode Island State Government 39

Secondary Transition Resources. 40

Service Coordination. 42

Sexual Abuse/Assault Agencies and Resources. 43

Special Education Resource. 43

Therapeutic Horseback Riding: 44

Therapeutic Recreation. 45

Transportation. 47

NON-WEB COMMUNITY RESOURCES. 48

Accessible Playgrounds. 48

Churches with social services/assistance throughout the State. 49

Adoption

    

State Supported

  • Adoption and Foster Care Preparation and Support

Recruits, trains and assesses families who are interested in providing a home for a child in state care.

            www.dcyf.ri.gov

  • Adoption Rhode Island

Provides family recruitment and child matching under contract to DCYF.

www.adoptionri.org 

  • Adoption Services Unit

Responsible for adoption subsidies, provides short-term services to families after adoption is finalized, and provides adult adoptees with information in accordance with RI law.

www.dcyf.ri.gov

 

Community resources

  • Adoption and Foster Care services:

 http://www.caseyfamilyservices.org

 

 

Assistive Technology/Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

 

  • 2007 Rhode Island Resource Guide to Technology for People with Disabilities: This document lists agencies and their contact information, including the Sargent Rehabilitation Center, in Rhode Island that provide technology support or services for people with disabilities.

http://www.ric.edu/uap/publications/ResGuideTech.pdf

  • The Alliance for Technology and Access (ATA): The ATA is a national network of community-based resource centers, product developers, vendors, service providers, and individuals that provides information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and work to increase their use of technology. Site includes access to resources, including toys, and section in Spanish (Espanol)

http://www.ataccess.org

  • All Tech: ALLTech identifies technology solutions to the educational, daily living, communication, and workplace challenges experienced by people of all abilities and ages.

www.alltech-tsi.org

  • Apria Healthcare: Apria Healthcare is America's provider of integrated home healthcare products and services. We are committed to full-service homecare solutions that give maximum independence to our 1.2 million patients leading nationwide.

http://www.apria.com/home/  

  • Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP ): ATAP, the Rhode Island Assistive Technology Act Project (P.L. 105-394) is designed as a statewide partnership of organizations and agencies, each with a targeted assistive technology focus, working together providing information and improving access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.

http://www.atap.ri.gov/   

  • Assistive Technology Access Project (ATAP): provides links to AT providers in the State of RI:

http://www.atap.state.ri.us/atappartners.htm 

  • ATAP Resource Center at the East Bay Collaborative: provides information and training to families and school districts on AT.

http://www.ebecri.org/custom/assistive_technology.html

  • Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA): CATEA is a multidisciplinary engineering and design research center dedicated to enhancing the health, activity and participation of people with functional limitations through the application of assistive and universally designed technologies in real world environments, products and devices. Site provides access to products and research articles.

http://www.catea.gatech.edu 

  • Center for Communication Disorders

www.childrenhospital.org/clinicalservices 

  • The Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd): CITEd is a technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and is a cooperative effort of the American Institutes for Research (AIR), the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), and the Education Development Center (EDC). CITEd supports leadership at state and local education agencies to integrate instructional technology for all students to achieve high educational standards. CITEd provides support through identification of evidence-based practices, innovative online technical assistance tools, professional development, and communities of practice. Learn more about CITEd on our webpage, About the Center, or through our information sheet.

http://www.cited.org/index.aspx 

  • Claflin Equipment Sales & Service: Our mission at Claflin Equipment Sales & Service is to be a unique resource for medical equipment and its related services. Our state of the art web site, ClaflinEquip.com,  allows customers to access and research over 10,000 medical equipment products and to place and track orders online 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

http://www.claflinequip.com/ 

  • The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD): FCTD is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. Whether you're an organization, a parent, or an educator, you'll find information on AT resources, AT organizations, Family Guides, AT Fact Sheets, links to other sites and a section in Spanish (en Espanol).

            http://www.fctd.org//

  • Lincare: The mission of Lincare is to set standards of excellence for providing respiratory care, infusion therapy and medical equipment to patients in the home. Our company's success, which is characterized by responsiveness and clinical excellence, has been founded on the dedication of our professionals to quality care. Physicians, care givers and patients trust Lincare to provide the quality care they expect and deserve.

            http://www.lincare.com/

  • Meeting Street Center: link to its assistive technology, sensory integration and audiology and version link:

http://www.meetingstreet.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_31_A_PageName_E_specialtyservicesoverview 

  • People Actively Reaching Independence (PARI): PARI was incorporated in 1980 as a "consumer-directed" Independent Living Center. Our staff works with people with any kind of disability to identify goals and provide training, equipment, advocacy, and counseling to help them to achieve their goals. Whether the consumer is seeking medical resources, new ways of performing activities of daily life, transportation, housing, or ways of becoming involved in the community, the PARI Independent Living Center is the individual's professional resource for reaching independence

http://www.pari-ilc.org/

  • Regional ADA and IT Technical Assistance Center: Adaptive Environments promotes design that works for everyone across the spectrum of ability and age and enhances human experience. We provide easy access to information and guidance about the civil rights laws and codes that provide a bedrock of accessibility in the US. We provide education and consultation about strategies, precedents and best practices that go beyond legal requirements to design places, things, communication and policy that integrate solutions to the reality of human diversity.

www.adaptenv.org 

  • Sensational Child Inc.: The Sensational Child offers an array of services, within one multi-faceted center, to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities and their families.The Sensational Child is a source for therapy tools and equipment, books devoted to special needs, quality developmental toys, items used in sensory integration therapy, as well as adaptive equipment for better organizational, daily living and life skills.

http://www.sensationalchild.org/

  • South County Surgical Supply: South County Surgical Supply, part of South County Hospital Healthcare System, is a full-service retail provider of medical equipment, offering sales and rental of a comprehensive line of the latest in home healthcare supplies and durable medical equipment

http://www.schospital.com/surgical_supply.cfm?mid=1&sid=2&thid=4&level=3  

  • TechACCESS: TechACCESS of RI is a private, not for profit resource center that serves people with disabilities who are interested in assistive technology.

http://www.techaccess-ri.org/  

  • Vanguard Home Medical: With local market knowledge, customer sensitivity and consistent quality, Vanguard Home Medical Equipment is dedicated to delivering services to patients that enhance their quality of life. We are committed to exceeding industry standards and our customers' expectations by constantly looking for ways to improve the way we deliver patient care. This commitment to quality has helped define Vanguard Home Medical Equipment as the leading provider for healthcare services in Rhode Island.

http://www.airproductshealthcare.com/locations/vanguard.htm   

 

Child Abuse & Domestic Violence

 

  • Department of Children, Youth, and Families

www.dcyf.ri.gov

www.child-advocate.ri.gov

  • Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island

www.preventchildabuse-ri.org

  • RI Children’s Prevention & Protective Services

www.satrc.org

 

Cultural and Linguistic Competency

 

  • Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)

National standards for integrating cultural and linguistic competencies have been developed by the Center for Minority Health at the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The 14 standards are organized by themes: Culturally Competent Care (Standards 1-3), Language Access Services (Standards 4-7), and Organizational Supports for Cultural Competence (Standards 8-14). This web site provides access to a web site in Spanish and to publications in 15 other languages.

http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlID=15 

  • National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC)

The mission of the NCCC is to increase the capacity of health and mental health programs to design, implement, and evaluate culturally and linguistically competent service delivery systems. The NCCC web site gives you access to the following cultural and linguistic competency resources: frameworks and models; guiding principles; policies; self-assessment tools; and links to other resources. Clicking on "Links" gives you access to the following: resources for families; government resources; university centers, foundations and nonprofit organizations; accessibility on the web...

http://www11.georgetown.edu/research/gucchd/nccc/index.html 

  • The National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCRESt)

NCCRESt works with state and local school systems to address ingrained practices that contribute to perpetuating disparities in access to learning by providing technical assistance and professional development to schools and their communities, including resources for early intervention, universal screening, progress monitoring, and culturally-responsive response to intervention.

http://www.nccrest.org/publications/briefs 

  • U.S. Department of Education, resources in Spanish

The U.S. DOE maintains a publication series, Helping Your Child , which aims to provide parents with the tools and information necessary to help their children succeed in school and life. These booklets feature practical lessons and activities to help their school aged and preschool children master reading, understand the value of homework and develop the skills and values necessary to achieve and grow.

http://www.ed.gov/espanol/parents/academic/hyc-esp.html 

 

Dental Care

 

Medical Assistance Recipients

  • Community College of Rhode Island’s School of Dental Hygiene Clinic

Services such as cleanings, exams, x-rays, and sealants provided by dental hygiene students under professional supervision for a fee of $10.00 each. Services that must be performed by a dentist are not available at this clinic.

www.ccri.edu/dental/clinic 

  • Community Health Centers with Dental Clinics

Provider listing for Dental Clinics although all may not be accepting new patients, not provide all types of dental care, and/or may only services their medical patients.

http://www.rikidscount.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_353_A_PageName_E_RIResources#child 

www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/heacre/provsvcs/prov_look.html 

  • Pediatric Dental Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital

Pediatric Dental Center that provides dental care to children.  The Dental Center accepts Medical Assistance.

http://www.fatimahospital.com/news/PawtucketDental.asp 

http://www.specialtycareri.com/ped_dental.asp 

  • Rhode Island Oral Health Project: Comprehensive list of statewide dental programs and initiatives administered by the Department of Health.

www.health.ri.gov/disease/primarycare/oralhealth 

 

  • RIte Smiles

Rhode Island's dental program for children on Medical Assistance.

www.health.ri.gov/disease/primarycare/oralhealth/index.php

  • Samuels Sinclair Dental Center at Rhode Island Hospital

The Joseph Samuels Dental Center provides dental care to underserved children, children with special needs, and adults with developmental disabilities.  The Dental Center accepts Medical Assistance.

http://www.lifespan.org/rih/services/dental/ 

  • Travelers Aid Dental Clinic

The Travelers Aid of RI's Dental Project was started in 1992 through support from the Governor's office and through generous support from the RI dental community. Today, the Dental Project remains the only free standing facility providing quality dental care to RI's homeless population.

http://www.ridental.com/travelers.cfm

 

Department of Children, Youth and Families

 

Programs -Family Based: the following link brings you to the programs listed below: http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/programs.php?progmsg=101 

  • Comprehensive Emergency Services (CES)

Short-term, home-based intervention program for families in crisis provides case management, counseling, and education services to prevent child abuse and placement out of home.

  • Family Networks Programs

Collaborative alliances among health, behavioral health and social services agencies working with schools and families to provide an array of support services for families experiencing relationship conflict with their children.

  • Families Together Therapeutic Visitations

Located at the Providence Children’s Museum and works with DCYF providing therapeutic visitation for children and parents separated by court order due to abuse and neglect.

  • Parent Aide Services

Provides parent(s) at risk or experiencing problems in the area of child maltreatment with assistance from a trained professional who is a positive role model, facilitates positive parenting skills and helps to reduce isolation of the parent. 

  • Project Connect

Family preservation and support program working with DCYF to provided comprehensive wraparound support to strengthen families by helping parents to achieve a substance-free lifestyle.

  • Project Early Start

Comprehensive early childhood program provides home/ center-based activities that promote parenting skills for economically disadvantaged families with children at risk for developmental, health and social problems (birth to age 3).

  • Project Family

Family preservation program through DCYF Child Protective Services to assist families identified at risk for abuse and /or neglect by providing clinical support and intensive home-based services for 4 – 6 months.

     

DCYF Programs -Child Welfare

  • Child Protective Services

Comprised of Child Protection Investigations and Screening/Intake.

  • Family Services

Strengthen and support families by coordinating and monitoring families’ involvement with community agencies, residential treatment providers, schools, mental health professionals and others.

  • Intake

As part of Child Protective Services processes cases which come to the attention of the Department through the Child Abuse Hot Line and works with families who voluntarily request service referrals and information. 

 

Programs- Children and Youth

  • Alternative and Independent Living

Program assists DCYF youth age 16 and older who are transitioning form care.  There are many services associated with this program.

  • Children’s Intensive Services

An intensive community-based program for families with children at-risk for out-of –home placement typically for six months for families who may or may not be involved with DCYF.

  • Day Treatment

Provides day treatment programs which include therapeutic, individualized and education instruction through state funds, and through its federal Project REACH grant.

  • DCYF Resources and Links: 

Provides resources for substance abuse, mental health, community action, medical services, special needs children, domestic violence, housing, literacy, parenting support, helpline/hotline, other.

Provides links to the following: Office of the Child Advocate, Adoption Rhode Island, Child Welfare League of America, RI Foster Parents Association, Club Just for Foster Kids, RI Foundation-Nonprofit Directory, RI Council of Resource Providers for Children, Youth and Families, RI Child Placing Agencies, and Child Welfare Institute.

http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/link.php

  • Diagnostic Assessment Services (DAS)

Inpatient evaluation program up to two weeks for youth referred through the Family Court to determine the appropriate level of services for disposition by the court on wayward/disobedient petitions.

  • Education Services

Children in DCYF eligible or suspected of requiring special education services may be eligible for the appointment of an education surrogate parent.  Referrals are coordinated through the Children’s Behavioral Health and Education Division.

  • Higher Education Grant

Money available for youth in custody of DCYF to attend Rhode Island College, University of Rhode Island or the Community College of Rhode Island.  Grant money funds the gap between other financial aid and the full cost of tuition, room and board, books and related expenses.

  • Life Skills Program

Conducted through contract with DCYF by the Foster Parents Association and the RI Council of Residential Resources for Children and Youth, provides an individual skill assessment and group instruction in fourteen skill areas to youth, aged sixteen and older, who reside in foster and group care.

  • Prevention Programs

The Department helps fund the Rhode Island Child Abuse Prevention Network, which directs child abuse and neglect prevention activities statewide.

  • Project Hope

Project Hope provides transitional services for adjudicated youth who are returning to the community.  A Project Hope youth receives community-based services related to their transition to the community from an institutional setting.   

Jennifer.Irish@dcyf.ri.gov

  • Psychiatric Hospitalization

Provided to all Medicaid eligible and uninsured children presenting a danger to themselves or to others at the time of admission.  Need for psychiatric hospitalization is assessed by the community Mental Health Centers and children are admitted to private psychiatric hospitals under contract with the department.

  • Residential Counseling Centers (RCCs)

Provide services in graduated levels of care for children and youth leaving a psychiatric hospital or in some case youth must be placed out of the home for a short-term crisis intervention, but not in need of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.

  • Residential Treatment

Services for seriously behaviorally disturbed youth to provide around the clock treatment and care with programs tailored to individual, group and family therapy, behavior modification, special education and recreational therapy.

  • Safe Streets

A joint program with DCYF’s Juvenile Probation and Parole staff, the Adult Probation and Parole staff and the City of Providence Police Department aimed at reducing and preventing violent crime committed by youthful offenders by providing intensive monitoring during evening and weekend hours for high risk offenders between the ages of 16 and 25.

  • Teen Grant

Provides grants for youths aged 14 and older, who reside in foster care.  Grants can be used for a variety of purposes related to the transition to independence, including workshops, supplies/ tools for vocational training programs, art supplies, musical instruments/lessons and other extracurricular activities that will provide youth with tangible skills or enhance self esteem.

  • Youth Diversionary Program

Accepts referrals from the Family Court, police departments, schools and other community agencies in order to divert pre-delinquent and first time offenders from the juvenile justice system. Program also provides family mediation services, counseling, advocacy and recreational activities.

 

Juvenile Corrections

  • Juvenile Probation and Parole

Works to rehabilitate youth in the community to ensure public safety and full compliance with court orders and conditions of probation.

http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/juvenile_corrections.php  

  • Project Hope

Project Hope provides transitional  services for adjudicated youth who are returning to the community.  A Project Hope youth receives community-based services related to their transition to the community from an institutional setting.   

Jennifer.Irish@dcyf.ri.gov

  • Rhode Island Training School

Provides a highly structured, secure residential facility where youth are placed by order of the Family Court on a finding of waywardness or delinquency for rehabilitation.

http://www.brown.edu/Departments/IESE/RITS/  

 

Department of Health

Home Page: http://www.health.ri.gov/

 

Division of Family Health

  • Disability and Health Program, Resources, and Links

The Disability and Health Program promotes the health and wellness of Rhode Islanders with disabilities including the prevention of secondary conditions resulting from a disability and /or chronic health condition and the reduction of health disparities between people with and without disabilities.

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/disability/index.php

  • Family Outreach Program and Links

The Family Outreach Program, a partnership between the RI Departments of Health and Human Services is a home visiting program that helps families to receive information and services they need to be as healthy as possible.  Families may be referred by the hospital at the time if their baby’s birth, health care provider, community based service, or may contact the program directly.

www.health.ri.gov/family/familyoutreach

  • Office of Families Raising Children with Special Health Care Needs Program, Resources, and Links

The Office of Families Raising Children with Special Health Care Needs in collaboration with other state and community agencies, health plans, families, and advocacy organizations ensure family-centered and community based systems of services for children with special health care needs and their families. The Pediatric Practice Enhancement Project (PPEP) a “medical home” initiative of the Office and partners provides trained Parent Consultants in pediatric, family, and specialty practices to assist in linking families to resources and supports including CEDARR (Comprehensive, Evaluation, Diagnosis, Assessment, Referral and Re-evaluation). 

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/specialneeds/index.php

The Office develops resource materials in response to family needs for children with special health care needs including:

 - RI Resource Guide for Families of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

 - RI Resource Guide for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

 - Raising Children with Special Health Care Needs Complete Care Notebook

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/specialneeds/resources.php  

  • Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program

The Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program is designed to identify hearing problems early through newborn screening, diagnosis, and referral. Infants who are found to have a hearing loss are referred to resources in the community.

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/hearing/index.php

  • Rhode Island Immunization Program and Links

The Rhode Island Immunization Program prevents and controls vaccine-preventable diseases by vaccine distribution, education, outreach, monitoring, community collaboration and maintenance of a universal system of free vaccine to all children through age 18 years.

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/immunization/index.php

  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Links

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program serves to safeguard the health of eligible women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. The program provides nutritious food to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.

www.health.ri.gov/family/wic

 

Diagnosis Specific

 

General

 

  • Disability Information: Disability.gov is the New Freedom Initiative's online resource for individuals with disabilities. Comprehensive information and links are availability for the following: employment, education, housing, transportation, health, benefits, technology, civil rights and community living.

www.disabilityinfo.gov

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: includes information about Developmental Disabilities, birth defects and links

www.cdc.gov

  • Council for Exceptional Children: includes information on transition, behavioral disorders, and special education...

www.cec.sped.org

  • DisABILITIESBOOKS serves the community of individuals with disabilities and their families and friends as well as the professionals who provide services to the disability community, by selling top quality books in collaboration with publishers and authors. DisABILITIESBOOKS features detailed information about each book they sell. DisABILITIESBOOKS publishes and markets new and formerly out-of-print books under the People with Disabilities Press label in collaboration with iUniverse.com.

www.disABILITIESBOOKS.com

  • Disability Resources, Inc.Disability Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently, serving thousands of individuals with disabilities through a multidisciplinary network of service providers and consumers. In order to reach as many people with disabilities as cost effectively as possible, we target our services and publications to libraries, disability organizations, independent living centers, rehabilitation facilities, educational institutions, and health and social service providers. Web site provides access to information about books, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, videos, databases, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, telephone hotlines and on-line services that provide free, inexpensive or hard-to-find information to help people with disabilities live independently. Disability Resources monitors hundreds of publications, audiovisual materials, on line services, and other information resources every month. We review and report on worthwhile materials in our newsletter, Disability Resources Monthly (DRM), and our other publications, maintain an extensive database of disability-related resources in order to perform customized searches, and an on-line guide to disability resources on the World Wide Web

www.disabilityresources.org

  • National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: includes a variety of resources and links and includes materials in Spanish.

www.nichcy.org

  • NOD: The mission of the National Organization on Disability (NOD) is to expand the participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. The web site provides access to additional resources.

www.nod.org

  • NORD: National Organization for Rare Disorders: maintains three searchable databases and an alphabetical index of disease names

www.rarediseases.org

  • Kids Connect Disability Organization Listings: web links to various disability organizations are maintained by Kids Connect:

http://www.rikidscount.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_285_A_PageName_E_ResourcesChildrenSpecialNeeds

  • Birth Defects: March of Dimes

http://www.marchofdimes.com 

  • Find, Choose and Keep Direct Support Professionals: A toolkit for families looking for quality, caring and committed direct support professionals, University of Minnesota (PDF).

http://www.ildspinitiative.com/docs/ToolkitforFamilies.pdf 

  • Complete Care Notebook for Children with Special Health Care Needs: link to PDF document on DOH website:

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/specialneeds/resources.php 

  • Meeting Street Center Resources: Link to documents on specific topics including lead poisoning, nutrition, early intervention…

http://www.meetingstreet.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_55_A_PageName_E_resourcesfamilies 

  • Web MD: WebMD provides valuable health information, tools for managing your health, and support to those who seek information. You can trust that our content is timely and credible.

http://www.webmd.com/ 

  • On Line Emergency Registry: The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (EMA) have developed an online registry for Rhode Island residents with disabilities, chronic conditions and special health care needs. By filling out this form, you will permit EMA and HEALTH to share your information with local and state emergency responders, such as your town/city police or fire department. The information that you provide may help emergency responders meet your needs during an emergency.The information that you provide may help emergency responders meet your communication or transportation needs during an emergency. To find out more information or to register on-line, go to the following web site:

http://www.health.ri.gov/emregistry 

  • Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Library at Georgetown University: MCH library provides accurate and timely information including the weekly newsletter MCH Alert, resource guides, full text publications, databases, and links to quality MCH sites. Including resources/articles in other languages e.g. Spanish, Portuguese

http://www.mchlibrary.info/guides.html 

 

Attention Deficit Disorder

 

  • CHADD

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), is a national non-profit, tax-exempt organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD.

www.chadd.org   

  • CHADD of Rhode Island

This site offers you the opportunity to learn more about our local Chapter of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, CHADD of Rhode Island, founded in 1997.

  • www.chaddofri.org

Students with Attentional Disorders: Meeting Their Needs- A Guide for Schools and Families Manual

http://www.ritap.org/ritap/content/ADHD_manual.pdf  

 

Autism Spectrum Disorders

 

  • Autism Project of Rhode Island: The Autism Project of RI is an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, their family and the many professionals who work with them. We do this with trainings, conferences, consultations, Camp, Social Skills Groups, and a Parent Resource Center.

www.theautismproject.org

  • Autism Society of America

Responding to the community's need for science-based answers and increasing interest in autism research within the national health agencies, the Autism Society of America established the Foundation as its research arm in 1996. The mission of the ASA Foundation is to support quality research to address the many unanswered questions about autism.

www.autism-society.org  

  • Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT): Non-profit organization of parents whose mission is to inform parents about effective intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).  FEAT strives to disseminate accurate information about ABA, to promoter the development and quality of programs, as well as to guide, support, and advocate for families seeking this type of intervention.

www.featri.org

  • Hanen Program for Speech-Language: workshops for parents

http://www.hanen.org/Hanen2002/pages/AboutHanen/Introduction/Introduction.htm

  • Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Knowledge Path for Autism

This knowledge path about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been compiled by the Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University. It offers a selection of current, high-quality resources about ASD screening and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, communication, education, vocational challenges, and impact on family life. Separate sections identify resources that address early identification, early intervention and education, concerns about vaccines, and environmental health research. This knowledge path for health professionals, educators, researchers, policymakers, and families is updated periodically.

http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_autism.html

  • Meeting Street Center

Meeting Street provides convenient and timely appointments in a wide range of therapeutic areas designed to help children overcome challenges they are experiencing at home, in school, and/or in the community. Therapeutic specialties include sensory integration, assistive technology, audiology and vision.

http://www.meetingstreet.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_31_A_PageName_E_specialtyservicesoverview

  • Rhode Island Resource Guide for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, link to DOH web page for PDF document:

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/specialneeds/resources.php 

  • Rhode Island Technical Assistance Project (RITAP) at Rhode Island College Autism Support Center: The ASD Support Center offers professionals, parents and individuals with ASD the information and resources necessary to increase their capacity to access, obtain and/or provide comprehensive and coordinated services that result in improved educational performance and enhanced life-long outcomes.

http://www.ritap.org/asd/

  • The Groden Center

The Center is dedicated to understanding the developmental needs of its children and youth, investigating the most effective educational and treatment strategies, and contributing this information to the related fields

www.grodencenter.org

  • The Sensational Child Inc

The Sensational Child offers an array of services, within one multi-faceted center, to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities and their families. Sensational Child accepts RI Medicaid for the purchase of sensory equipment with a physician’s prescription.

www.sensationalchild.org 

  • Pathways Strategic Teaching Center

Part of the Kent County Arc J.Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center, Pathways is a comprehensive education and treatment program serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

http://www.kentcountyarc.org/pages/child_services/child_pathways.htm 

Blind/Visual Impairments

 

  • American Foundation for the Blind

Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss

www.afb.org

  • National Federation of the Blind in Rhode Island

The National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island is this state's affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. Our parent organization was formed in 1940 to try to improve the standard of living for the blind of this country

http://www.nfbri.org/

  • National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS): The NIMAS guides the production and electronic distribution of digital versions of textbooks and other instructional materials so they can be more easily converted to accessible formats, including braille and text-to-speech.

http://nimas.cast.org/

  • Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS): Programs for children and youth who are blind or visually impaired

www.ors.ri.gov

  • Perkins School for the Blind: School for the Blind offering school programs and resources for families and communities.

www.perkins.org 

  • Sherlock Center, Rhode Island Vision Education Services Program:  provides teaching and consultation services to children who are blind or visually impaired, their families and educational staff within the school environment. The array of services available includes Early Intervention, Orientation and Mobility, and the instruction of specific compensatory skills to children from birth through 21 years.

http://www.ric.edu/uap/vision.html 

 

Brain Injury

 

  • Brain Injury Association of RI

The Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is: "To prevent brain injury and to enhance the lives of those affected by brain injury". Dating back from 1983, the Brain Injury Association of RI has evolved into a highly functional entity dealing with all aspects of brain injury.

www.biaofri.org 

  • Brain Injury Partners: Navigating the School System:

allows parents to learn advocacy skills in an engaging, self-paced format to learn ways to communicate better with school staff. The 5-lesson tutorial on advocacy skills comes complete with realistic video examples. Parents can access information to help organize records, prepare for meetings, set goals, and keep track of progress.

http://free.braininjurypartners.com/

  • Lash and Associates Publishing/Training Inc.

Lash and Associates Publishing/Training Inc. specializes in information and books for the rehabilitation and treatment of brain injury, blast injury, PTSD, and concussion. There are also books and manuals on adults and children with special needs and disabilities. Their tip cards, manuals, books and training programs on traumatic brain injury can be used in hospitals, rehabilitation programs, veterans services, schools, community agencies and at home.

http://www.lapublishing.com/

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts and supports research on brain and nervous system disorders. Created by the U.S. Congress in 1950, NINDS is one of the more than two dozen research institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is an agency of the Public Health Service within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NINDS has occupied a central position in the world of neuroscience for 50 years. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm

  • Rhode Island Technical Assistance Project

Resources related to traumatic brain injury

http://www.ritap.org/tbi/resources/resources.html 

  • Sargent Rehabilitation Center

Provides day treatment program for individuals with brain injuries, offering rehabilitation programs for children and adults. The web site provides access to contact information, programs and events sponsored by Sargent Rehab Center.

www.sargentcenter.org  

 

Cerebral Palsy

 

  • Rhode Island Cerebral Palsy website includes research, useful links and access to National UCP

www.ucpri.org   

 

Developmental Disabilities

 

  • Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)

A network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.

http://www.aucd.org/template/index.cfm

  • Information on birth defects and developmental disabilities. Provided by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/

  • Multilingual Disability Resources Website Developed by OHSU OIDD LEND Faculty and Trainees

Site provides links in a variety of languages--including Chinese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, French, Spanish, and more--to information regarding developmental conditions including autism as well as local, national, and international resources for families.

http://www.ohsu.edu

  • National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

NICHCY stands for the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. We serve the nation as a central source of information on: disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth, IDEA, which is the law authorizing special education, No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities), and research-based information on effective educational practices.

http://www.nichcy.org/index.html

  • Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council

A federally mandated and funded agency that promotes ideas that will enhance  the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

www.riddc.org 

  • Sherlock Center

The mission of the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities is to promote the community membership of individuals with disabilities in school, work and society.

www.sherlockcenter.org 

  • STOMP (specialized training of military parents)

Working together for military families of individuals with disabilities:

http://www.stompproject.org                                                                                    

 

Down Syndrome

 

  • Down Syndrome Society of Rhode Island

We are a parent support organization dedicated to promoting the rights, dignity and potential of all individuals with Down syndrome through advocacy, education, public awareness and support.

www.dssri.org

 

Epilepsy

 

  • Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island

The Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (EFMRI), an affiliate of the national Epilepsy Foundation, is the only non-profit organization in Massachusetts and Rhode Island specifically dedicated to the well-being of more than 90,000 persons in these states with epilepsy and seizure disorders

www.epilepsyfoundation.org/local/massri

  • Epilepsy Links

Organizations and support groups for individuals with epilepsy and their families.

www.tbinet.org/epil.htm

 

Hearing

 

  • Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, Inc. (AG Bell)

The Rhode Island Chapter of this Association works to improve educational, professional, and vocational opportunities for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. AG Bell promotes better public understanding of hearing loss in children and adults.

www.riagbell.org

  • Boston Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children (BCDC)

BCDC is an interdisciplinary clinical and research group within the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Disorders at Children’s Hospital Boston.  BCDC provides comprehensive evaluation and consultative services for deaf and hard of hearing infants, children, teenagers and their families. BCDC coordinates evaluations, referrals, research, guidance, and information for families.

www.childrenshospital.org

  • Bristol Community College (Fall River, MA) and Brown University

Both offer classes in sign language.

www.bristol.mass.edu

www.brown.edu

  • Clarke School for the Deaf

School offers educational assessment, planning, and resources for deaf or hard of hearing children from birth through age 21.  Clarke also provides audiological services, including assistance listening devices, and residential and day school for preschool through 8th grade students.

www.clarkeschool.org

  • Dual Sensory Impairment Program

Project gives families who have children with vision or hearing loss resources to make informed choices about their child’s health care.  Serving children from birth to age 21, the project also offers a free assistive technology and toy lending library.

http://www.ric.edu/uap/index.htm

  • Early Intervention Program

Program for eligible children age birth to three years of age and their families.  Early Intervention is a family-centered program that promotes the growth and development of infants and toddlers with developmental challenges. The sooner a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, the more chances he or she will have to learn language.  All children under age three who are diagnosed with hearing loss are referred by their audiologist to Early Intervention.

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/famchild/early_intervention.htm

  • Family Guidance Program at the RI School for the Deaf

The Family Guidance program at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf is a program for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.  The program provides consultation services from trained professionals in the field of deafness and hearing loss.  The Program provides all families with the support, guidance, skills, and information needed to make decisions and advocate for their child.

http://www.rideaf.net/parents/ei

  • John F. Spellman Center

A private, non-profit organization dedicated to delivering a broad range of training, advocacy, referral, and support services to deaf or hard of hearing residents of Rhode Island.

www.riadeaf.org

  • Learning Center for Deaf Children

Serves deaf and hard of hearing students from infancy through high school. The Learning Center is comprised of three schools- a comprehensive Parent/Infant through High School program in Framingham, MA: a satellite program in Randolph, MA; and Walden School, a therapeutic treatment program for deaf students with severe emotional, behavioral, or developmental disturbances.

www.tlcdeaf.org

  • Meeting Street Center: link to its assistive technology, sensory integration and audiology and version link:

http://www.meetingstreet.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_31_A_PageName_E_specialtyservicesoverview

  • Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Audiology Department

Offers hearing aid prescriptions and fitting, instruction in use and care of hearing aids, communication skills training, and assistive listening devices fro telephone, television, and general alert.

http://www.howtocms.com/6/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.500 3           

  • Perspectives Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs

We provide Residential and Vocational support services to adults with mental retardation, mental illness, developmental disabilities and physical challenges. We also help younger people - children, adolescents and young adults under age 21 - with disabilities by working with their families and school systems. When children with disabilities reach adulthood, we help them make the transition and integration into the community at large.

http://www.perspectivescorporation.com/programs.asp

  • Resources for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children and Their Families

RI Resource Guide for Families of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, link to DOH web page for PDF document:

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/specialneeds/resources.php

  • Rhode Island Association of the Deaf (RIA)

The mission of the Association is to advocate for and improve the quality of life for members of Rhode Island’s Deaf community.

www.riadeaf.org 

  • Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program (RIHAP)

Coordinates and provides hearing screening for all newborn infants in Rhode Island.  If there are any concerns about a baby’s hearing, referrals to appropriate medical and audiological services are provided to the family.

http://www.womenandinfants.org/body.cfm?id=835&action=detail&ref=46&Limit_Facility=7&CFID=3928694&CFTOKEN=14312631

  • Rhode Island School for the Deaf

Offers a wide range of educational programs to deaf and hard of hearing children (and their families) from birth through high school.  The school’s mission is to ensure that every child who is deaf or hard of hearing will become an independent, contributing citizen.

www.rideaf.net

  • Rhode Island Hearing Center at the RI School for the Deaf

Center located at Rhode Island School for the Deaf provides comprehensive audiological evaluations and outreach services for Rhode Island children in preschool through college, free of charge.

www.rideaf.net/services/audiological

  • Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Provides information and referrals in response to questions about deafness and hearing loss.  The Commission helps deaf or hard of hearing people find interpreters and advocates for equal accessibility to services.  The Commission has a lending library of periodicals and videotapes.

www.cdhh.ri.gov

  • RI Hospital & Hasbro Children’s Hospital Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Services

Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital offer many audiology and speech language pathology services, including hearing tests, hearing aids, and comprehensive speech, language, and communication assessments.

http://www.lifespan.org/hch/services/rehab/audiology.htm

  • SHHH, Hearing Loss Association of America: Self help for people with hearing loss offering support and advocacy.

http://www.shhh.org/   

  • Shriners of Rhode Island Charities Trust

The Shriners Program provides financial support for the purchase of hearing aids and earmolds for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Children birth through eighteen years of age that are treated at the Rhode Island Hospital Hearing and speech Center have access to this program.

www.rishriners.org

  • Sign Language Classes

Bristol Community College (Fall River, MA) and Brown University (Providence, RI) both offer classes in sign language.

www.bristol.mass.edu  

www.brown.edu

  • Women and Infant’s Hospital, Audiology Clinic

Provides audiology testing and services for infants older than two months.  The clinic also provides audiologic services and treatment for children and adults as well as referrals to audiologists in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

www.womenandinfants.org

 

Lyme Disease

 

  • Lyme Disease Association (LDA)

LDA is a volunteer national nonprofit organization dedicated to Lyme Disease education, prevent, raising monies for research and patient support. Web site gives access research, literature, information and affiliates, chapters and partners.

http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/

Learning Disability

 

  • LD Online

LD OnLine is the leading website on learning disabilities, learning disorders and differences. Parents and teachers of learning disabled children will find authoritative guidance on attention deficit disorder, ADD / ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dysnomia, reading difficulties, speech and related disorders.

http://www.ldonline.org/

  • Learning Disability Association of America

Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. At the national, state and local levels, LDA provides cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources. These services make the Learning Disabilities Association of America the leading resource for information on learning disabilities.

http://www.ldaamerica.org

 

Multiple Sclerosis

 

  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society, RI Chapter

The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS).  We achieve our mission through delivery of programs and services to people affected by MS and through support of research into the cause and cure.             

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/rir/home/

 

Muscular Dystrophy

 

  • Muscular Dystrophy Association

http://www.mda.org/ 

 

Mental Health/Illness

 

  • Kids Count

A list of Community Mental Health Centers, Mental Health Advocate and Advocacy  Organizations:

http://www.rikidscount.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_353_A_PageName_E_RIResources#child               

  • Mental Health Advancement Resource Center:

Site includes information and links to other sites focused on mental health issues

www.mharc.org

  • Mental Health Association of Rhode Island

The mission of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island is to promote mental health, prevent mental illness, and improve mental health services through advocacy, education, and research.

www.mhari.org  

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness of Rhode Island

The mission of NAMI Rhode Island is to educate the public about mental illness; to offer resources and support to all whose lives are touched by       mental illness; to advocate at every level to ensure the rights and dignity of those with mental illness; and to promote research in the science and treatment of mental illness.

http://www.namirhodeisland.org/

  • Office of Mental Health Advocate

Provides legal assistance and protects the rights of psychiatric patients in treatment in the public mental health system both in hospitals and the community.

Director: H. Reed Cosper, Esq. hcosper@doa.state.ri.us

  • Parent Support Network of RI: Statewide organization of families supporting families with children or youth who are at risk for or who have behavioral and/or emotional issues.

www.psnri.org 

  • Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Centers

Listing of the eight community health centers that provide services including psychiatric supportive treatment, emergency 24 hour crisis services, residential services, mobile treatment teams, rehabilitation services and outpatient counseling.  These community mental health centers can also admit people to community hospitals.

www.riccmhc.org  

  • State Mental Health Agency

The Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Hospitals is the state agency for mental health services.

www.mhrh.ri.gov

  • Substance Abuse Treatment Providers and Services

Links, resources and self help for substance abuse.

http://www.mhrh.ri.gov/SA/links.php  

  

   

Tourette’ Syndrome

 

  • Tourette Syndrome Association USA

Is a national voluntary non-profit membership organization whose mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome. The association offers resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS.

http://www.tsa-usa.org/

  • Tourette Syndrome Association of RI

We try to define the needs of Rhode Islanders with TS and their families and design services for them. We offer support and education to families with TS.

http://www.ri.net/tsari/

 

 

Early Care and Education (Child Care)

 

  • Childcare Assistance

Assistance for working families who meet federal poverty guidelines for the cost of care of children under the age of 17.  Subsidies are in the form of partial or full payments to the childcare provider of the families’ choice (accredited family child care homes, licensed child care centers, and before and after school programs).

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/famchild/dcspgm.htm 

http://www.rikidscount.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_353_A_PageName_E_RIResources#child

  • Daycares in RI

Comprehensive listing of Day Care providers in the State of Rhode Island.

http://www.daycarefinder.com/index.php?act=state&name=RI

  • Child Inc. RI

CHILD, Inc. is a private non-profit agency providing comprehensive child development and family support services to low and moderate income families residing in Kent County. This link provides access to a PDF document on community resources (health, nutrition, education...) for families in Kent County.

www.childincri.org/handbook.htm

  • Day Care Justice Co-op

Network of over 300 family child care providers throughout the state of Rhode Island.  All are licensed and approved by DCYF and many pursue levels of professional development beyond what the state requires.

http://www.ripin.org/childcare.html 

  • Day Care License and Certification Requirements

Regulations for Family Day Care Homes, Family Group Day Cares, and Child Day Care Centers.

http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/day_care.php#regulations

  • Kids Connect: CEDARR Direct Service

Medicaid therapeutic service for children and youth with special health care needs to participate in child and youth care settings.

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/famchild/dchspec.htm 

  • Options for Working Parents

Refers parents to child care providers, based on type of facility, location, and child care needs.

www.optionsforworkingparents.com

www.rikidscount.org

  • Parents Web Portal:

Sponsored by the US Department of Education, this web page provides access to the following information: before and after school programs, parent tool kits (English & Spanish), special needs information(disabilities, english language learners, gifted and talented), college information including financial aid, monitoring homework...

www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml

  • RIDE Approved Day Care Centers: The Department of Education approves Private Educational Programs for Very Young Children, this link provides access to the current list.

http://www.ride.ri.gov/RIDE/SchoolDirectory/Details.aspx             

  • RI Day Care Provider Directory

Listing of Day Care providers licensed in the State of Rhode Island

http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/day_care_provider.php      

  • Providence After School Alliance
    A public/private venture that is working to expand and improve the quality of after school opportunities for the youth of Providence by building a system of after school supports. This system will provide access for all youth in the City to high quality after school programs and learning opportunities. PASA maintains a Youth Opportunities Guide, a comprehensive guide on after-school and summer programs in Providence. It highlights the many innovative, fun programs available for youth out-of-school.

            www.mypasa.org

    

 

Early Childhood Resources

 

  • Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP): CLASP was founded as a public interest law firm in 1968 by Charles Halpern and three other young lawyers, with the assistance of Justice Arthur Goldberg. For 14 years, CLASP helped develop new areas of legal work on women’s rights, mental health, environmental protection, international human rights, health care for the poor, international trade, employment rights, and mine health and safety.

http://www.clasp.org/index.php

  • CHILDSPAN: The mission of CHILDSPAN is to enhance the professional development of all those individuals serving children birth through age 16 to ensure availability of high-quality care and education services for Rhode Island children, youth, and their families.

http://www.childspan.net/

  • Early Intervention Program:

Administered by the Department of Human Services, the home page for EI provides links to the following information: Reports, Resources for Families and Professionals, EI providers and the 5-Year  State Performance Plan:      

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/famchild/early_intervention.htm

  • Head Start/Early Head Start:

Comprehensive early childhood programs for preschool children (Head Start) and toddlers (Early Head Start) living in families whose income meets federal poverty line guidelines, receive Supplemental Security Income, enrolled in the Family Independence Program, or use supportive services that are federal benefits such as child care subsidies, job training etc.

www.riheadstart.org 

  • Home instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY): HIPPY is a home visiting program for parents of children from three to five years of age that supports the development of school readiness skills by teaching parents new ideas for promoting fun, educational activities through play.

http://www.ripin.org/hippy.html        

  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: The NICHD was initially established to investigate the broad aspects of human development as a means of understanding developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, and the events that occur during pregnancy.  Today, the Institute conducts and supports research on all stages of human development, from preconception to adulthood, to better understand the health of children, adults, families, and communities.

http://www.nichd.nih.gov

  • Parents as Teachers (PAT): PAT is a home visiting program designed to provide all parents of children from before birth to age three with the information and support they need to give their child the best possible start in life.

http://www.ripin.org/pat.html 

  • The Center for Social and Emotional Learning Foundations: A national center focused on strengthening the capacity of child care and Head Start programs to improve the social and emotional outcomes of young children.

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/csefel/

  • The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): The largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.

http://www.ideapractices.org/ab/

  • The Division for Early Childhood: DEC promotes polices and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.

http://www.dec-sped.org/index.html

  • The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): NAEYC is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC is committed to becoming an increasingly high performing and inclusive organization.

http://www.naeyc.org/

  • The National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC): NCCIC is a national clearinghouse and technical assistance center linking parents, providers, policy-makers, researchers, and the public to early care and education information.

http://nccic.org/

  • The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP): NCCP is the nation’s leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children.

http://www.nccp.org/

  • The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL): NCFL with funding from the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL), identified and convened the National Early Literacy Panel (NELP) to conduct a synthesis of scientific research on the development of early literacy in young children. The objective for convening the NELP was to identify interventions and practices that promote positive outcomes in literacy for preschool children.

http://www.famlit.org/site/c.gtJWJdMQIsE/b.2133427/k.2623/National_Early_Literacy_Panel.htm

  • The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (NSCDC): A multi-disciplinary collaboration comprising leading scholars in neuroscience, early childhood development, pediatrics, and economics.  The Council works to build strong, informed, bipartisan leadership in both the public and private sectors to close the gap between what we know and what we do to promote successful learning, adaptive behavior, and sound physical and mental health for all young children.

            http://www.developingchild.net/ 

  • The National Institute for Early Education Research: supports early childhood education initiatives by providing objective, nonpartisan information based on research. The goal of NIEER is to produce and communicate the knowledge base required to ensure that every American child can receive a good education at ages three and four.

http://nieer.org/

  • National Early Childhood Technical Assistance System (NECTAS): includes information that supports programs for young children with disabilities and their families

www.nectas.unc.edu

  • RIDE Early Learning Standards, including link to Family Activities: The Rhode Island Early Learning Standards provide guidance to families, teachers and administrators on what children should know and be able to do as they enter kindergarten.

http://www.ride.ri.gov/els 

  • Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN): provides resources and information to assist parents with children of all ages accessing school programs.  http://www.ripin.org/education.html 
  • RIDE Early Childhood Home page:

http://www.ride.ri.gov/special_populations/earlychild/default.aspx 

  • RIDE Early Childhood Resources:

Lists agencies that provide information, support and workshops for families with pre-school age children:            

http://www.ride.ri.gov/Special_Populations/earlychild/Childhood_Resources.aspx 

  • RIPIN “Getting Ready for Kindergarten”: This resource is a tool for parents.

http://www.ripin.org/gettingready.html 

  • Successful Start: A statewide, collaborative effort to strengthen Rhode Island's system of services for young children and families. Successful Start partners include state departments, community-based agencies, child care providers, health care and mental health professionals, advocates, and parents of young children.

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/successfulstart/index.php 

  • ZERO TO THREE: Its mission is to support the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families. We are a national, nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization that advances our mission by informing, educating and supporting adults who influence the lives of infants and toddlers.

http://www.zerotothree.org/

 

Energy/Heating Assistance

 

  • Keep the Heat On (KTHO): An energy assistance program run by the Diocese of Providence. Criteria for eligibility includes: documentation explaining ineligibility from other providers of heating assistance including LIHEAP Award/Denial Letter and Salvation Army’s “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” Award/Denial Letter.

http://www.heatri.com/apply/

 

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a national Clearinghouse. The Rhode Island profile gives access to assistance available in RI.

http://liheap.ncat.org/profiles/RI.htm

Evaluation, Assessment, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Providers

 

  • Bradley Hospital

Bradley Hospital serves children and adolescents that have behavioral, developmental, emotional, and psychological conditions. Services include: evaluation and assessment, inpatient and outpatient services, residential services, emergency services, a developmental disabilities program and special education services for children 3-21 referred through local school departments.

http://www.lifespan.org/bradley/services/default.htm

  • Butler Hospital

Provides psychiatric and substance abuse service for adults, adolescents, children, and seniors.

http://www.butler.org 

  • CEDARR Family Centers   

A program that works with Children with special care needs from age 3-21 and their families. CEDARR will assess, evaluate, and refer only; or to maintain an ongoing relationship using different supports as their needs change over time.

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/dcedarr.htm 

  • Childhood Communication Services

Barry Prizant is a private specialist who provided evaluation, assessment and diagnosis of children with ASD.

www.barryprizant.com

  • Children’s Neurodevelopment Center   

Provides evaluations and treatment of children with neurological, genetic, developmental, metabolic and behavioral disorders.

http://www.lifespan.org/hch/services/neuro_cntr/conditions.htm     

  • Early Intervention Program  

A program that promotes the growth and development of infants and toddlers. Children who are under three years of age who have a developmental disability or delay in one or more areas may be eligible.

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/famchild/early_intervention.htm

  • Groden Center, Inc.  

Provide parents with the latest information and state of the art strategies to assist   in the care, and facilitate the development of their children.

http://www.grodencenter.org/support-programs/family-services

  • Meeting Street

Provides convenient and timely appointments in a wide range of therapeutic areas    designed to help children overcome challenges they are experiencing at home, in  school, and/or in the community.

www.meetingstreet.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_212_A_PageName_E_Aboutourservices   

  • National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors: includes links and search for local providers.

www.nasadad.org

  • Neurodevelopment Center of Providence

Program that treats children with behavioral, learning, and developmental disabilities. The professionals treat children with Tics& Tourettes Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive behavior, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, ASDs, Asperger Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Post Prematurity, and Cancer or Seizure Disorders (on referral).

http://www.neurodevelopmentcenter.com/index.php?id=47

  • Neurodevelopment Center of Memorial Hospital   

Neurodevelopmental Center is a program that treats children with behavioral, learning and developmental disabilities.

http://howtocms.com/6/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.5042 

  • Pathways

The Pathways Strategic Teaching Center is a comprehensive education and treatment program-servicing children with autism and related disorders

http://www.kentcountyarc.org/pages/child_services/child_pathways.htm

  • Physician Directory:

This site allows you to search for a specific doctor or try to locate a specialist in your area.

  • Providence Center

For children who have significant preschool behavior problems, or whose parents are seriously mentally ill or homeless, services include therapeutic classrooms staffed by Early Childhood specialists who assist toddlers with behavior problems in developing critical emotional and behavior skills

http://www.providencecenter.org/earlychild_therapeutic.htm

http://doctor.webmd.com/physician_finder/home.aspx?sponsor=core

  • RI Academy of Pediatrics: Includes information for families and physicians.

http://www.riaap.org/

  • RI Academy of Pediatrics Family Help Desk: provides topical information on general health and nutrition.

http://www.riaap.org/helpdesk.html 

  • RI Mental Health Guide

http://www.butler.org/documents/RI_Mental_Health_Guide_2006.pdf

 

Family Support, Training, and Advocacy Resources

 

  • Advocates in Action

www.aina-ri.org/

  • Arc of Blackstone Valley

Private nonprofit organization that provides services and supports to persons with mental retardation and their families.

www.bvcriarc.org

  • Association for Retarded Citizens

Services, programs, support groups and organizations for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

www.thearc.org         

  • Brain Injury Association of RI

Non-profit organization dealing with all aspects of brain injury including resources and support groups for brain injury survivors and caregivers.

www.biaofri.org

  • CEDARR Family Centers   

A program that works with Children with special care needs from age birth to 21 and their families. CEDARR will assess, evaluate, and refer only; or to maintain an ongoing relationship using different supports as their needs change over time.

            http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/dcedarr.htm

            Websites for the CEDARR Family Centers:

Gateway Healthcare: Community Counseling Center/LCC and Mental Health Services LCC: http://www.gatewayhealth.org/ch_lcc.asp 

Northern Rhode Island: www.nricommunityservices.org 

East Bay: http://www.eastbay.org/youthfamilyservices.htm  

Providence, John Hope Settlement House: http://72.29.73.71/~johnhope/  

Newport County: www.nccmhc.org 

  • Community Action Agencies, Rhode Island: In Rhode Island, there are eight (8) separate 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporations that work to strengthen families, open doors to self-sufficiency, and improve communities. RI’s network of Community Action Agencies (CAA’s) are also familiarly referred to as CAP’s (community action programs).

www.ricommunityaction.org/    http://www.comcap.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_7_A_PageName_E_programsservices

  • Down Syndrome Society of RI

www.dssri.org

  • Exceptional Parent: EP’s on-line resource providing information, support, ideas, encouragement & outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities, and the professionals who work with them.

www.eparent.com

  • Family to Family of Rhode Island

A network created by families for families of children and adults with special needs that offers opportunities for families to connect with one another to share experiences, information, and/or support. Family to Family of Rhode Island is sponsored by Family Voices of RI and Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities. If you want to connect to another family, one-on-one, you can search the Family to Family Directory which lists families’ names, towns, contact information, age and special need to family member, and areas of experience. Listed families have agreed to share their experiences with other families seeking support or information. You can also connect to families by joining a yahoo group specifically set up for families of people with special needs. The database is sporadically down for maintenance. If you need information and the link below does not work, please contact Claire (401)456-4732 or Barbara (401)727-4144 or 1-800-464-3399, ext. 161.

www.rifamilytofamily.net 

  • Family Village: The Family Village is a web site for children and adults with disabilities, their families, and their friends and allies. Family Village brings together thousands of online resources in an organized, easy-to-use directory.  The centerpiece of Family Village is the library, where visitors can find information on over 300 diagnoses.  Visitors can also learn about assistive technology, legal rights and legislation, special education, leisure activities and much more.

www.familyvillage.wisc.edu

  • Family Voices Family Centered Care:

Family Voices had created documents to assess family-centered care. Documents are available to assist families, providers and there is a user guide.

http://www.familyvoices.org/pub/index.php?topic=fcc  

  • Family Voices of Rhode Island:

A program designed to inform, educate, support and empower all families to be equal partners in advocacy for the education, health, and socioeconomic well being of their children and families.

http://www.ripin.org/fvri.html  

  • Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health: this site focuses on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental disorders and provides links to other agencies. Information is available in English or Spanish  

www.ffcmh.org    

  • Find, Choose and Keep Direct Support Professionals:

A toolkit for families looking for quality, caring and committed direct support professionals, University of Minnesota (PDF).

http://www.ildspinitiative.com/docs/ToolkitforFamilies.pdf  

  • Frequent Flyers at Hasbro Hospital:

Established to provide the ease of transferring medical information seamlessly throughout the hospitals in Lifespan’s care system for patients who require continuous care at the hospital, the Frequent Flyer Program also includes information on the child’s unique needs and is stored in a secure database available to clinicians.

http://www.lifespan.org/news/2006/01/26/children%e2%80%99s-neurodevelopment-center-at-hasbro-children%e2%80%99s-hospital/  

  • Friends in Adoption:

Non-profit licensed agency that provides support services to people interested in adoption and also to pregnant women/couples considering placing their children with  adoptive families.

www.friendsinadoption.org

  • George Wiley Center: An organization that assists residents in RI with multiple social and economic issues.

www.georgewileycenter.org/

  • Kincare Alliance

Education, training and support services for kinship care families in the City of Warwick and surrounding areas offered by the City of Warwick Senior Services and Youth Division.

http://www.brookdalefoundation.org/index.htm 

  • Mothers from Hell 2:

Mothers From Hell 2 (MFH2) is a grass-roots parent advocacy group, fighting for the appropriate education, community acceptance, desperately needed services, rights of, and entitlements for individuals with disabilities, offering support and empowerment for families of individuals with special needs. Web site provides access to resources and links of interest to families and professionals.

http://www.mothersfromhell2.org  

Maintains a helpline for information on mental illness and referrals to local  groups.

www.nami.org

  • National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education: includes information for parents regarding special education issues across all disabilities

www.napcse.org/site

  • Ocean State Advocates

www.oleancenter.org

  • Options for Working Parents

Is a free service that helps parents find childcare based on the type of care needed, the location of the facility, and any special amenities needed for the child.

www.optionsforworkingparents.com

  • Parents as Teachers (PAT) in RI: Parents as Teachers is the overarching program philosophy of providing parents with child development knowledge and parenting support. The organizational vehicle for delivering that knowledge and support is Parents as Teachers National Center. The following site gives a listing of PAT programs in RI:

http://www.parentsasteachers.org/site/apps/s/custom.asp?c=ekIRLcMZJxE&b=367887

  • Parent Support Network of RI: Statewide organization of families supporting families with children or youth who are at risk for or who have behavioral and/or emotional issues.

www.psnri.org 

  • Parents and Friends for Alternative Living

www.pal-ri.org

  • Parent Advocacy Center for Educational Rights (PACER): includes materials in Hmong and Spanish.

www.pacer.org

  • ParentLinkRI: This website provides links to local programs on family communication, recreational activities for teens, counseling services and after school programs.

www.parentlinkri.org

  • Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities:

Supports community membership of individuals with disabilities in school and society.

www.sherlockcenter.org

  • Pediatric Practice Enhancement Project (PPEP)

A “medical home” project to support pediatric and specialty practices in providing a “medical home” for children with special needs and their families.  Project sponsored by the RI Department of Health and RI Department of Human Services places trained parent consultants on site to assist families in accessing needed resources, supports and community services including CEDARR. A listing of current participating practices is provided in the Rhode Island Resource 

  • Guide for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

www.health.ri.gov/family/specialneeds/ppep.php 

  • Rhode Island Association for Retarded Citizens

Services, programs, support groups and organizations for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Kent County: www.kentcountyarc.org

Cranston: www.cranstonarc.org

Blackstone Valley: www.howtocms.com/8/news.php

Northern RI:  www.arcofnri.org 

  • Rhode Island Parent Information Network:

Statewide organization that empowers and educates families to seek positive outcomes for their children by providing professional guidance.

www.ripin.org

www.riddc.org

  • Rhode Island Children’s Advocacy Center/Day One

Facility where child victims of sexual and /or violent physical abuse, and their non-offending family members can receive support and comprehensive services.  Also includes 24-Hour Victims of Crime Help Line.

www.satrc.org/  

  • Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education (RISE)

RISE provides educational opportunities and mentoring to children of incarcerated parents in order to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, violence and addiction.

www.riseonline.org 

  • Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council

Promotes creative ways for men, women, and children with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

www.riddc.org

  • RI Senior Centers: locate by community the web page for a Senior Center in Rhode Island.

http://www.eldercareri.com/seniorcenter.htm

  • Salvation Army of Southern New England:

The Salvation Army meets human needs without an agenda.

http://www.salvationarmy-ri.org/index.html

  • Siblink Program

The Siblink Program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital provides support to siblings of children with special health care needs.  This support program brings siblings together to share experiences to allow them to better cope with their feelings and with the situations that arise from their brother or sister’s condition

www.lifespan.org/news/2003/08/HCH_Siblink_8_29_03.htm

  • School-Linked COZ Family Centers: COZ Family Centers (Child Opportunity Zones) bring schools, families, and    communities together to promote success in school for all children. COZs are welcoming places in or near schools where families can receive information, support, services or referrals. COZs are unique and based on needs and resources of the individual community. COZs connect families with education, health, social services, community activities, and other family supports. They develop state and local partnerships to coordinate resources and services. The following link gives access to the COZs and their contact information, those with web sites are listed below: http://www.ride.ri.gov/PSI/child_family/coz/contact.aspx

Bristol/Warren:
http://www2.bw.k12.ri.us/education/dept/dept.php?sectionid=309 

North Kingstown:  http://www.nksd.net/schools/des/coz/  

Cranston: http://www.cps.k12.ri.us/~arling/COZ.htm

Westerly: http://westerly.k12.ri.us/WISSP/main.htm  

  • Tech Access of Rhode Island

Private, non-profit resource center that serves individuals with disabilities who are interested in assistive technology.   Information and referral services regarding assistive technology products, funding, and services are provided at no charge.

www.techaccess-ri.org

  • The Autism Project of Rhode Island:

The Autism Project of Rhode Island is a dedicated group of parents, teachers, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and other related professionals. They providing multiple training programs, running a camp for children with ASD and related communication disorders

http://www.theautismproject.org/training_program/

  • The Fathers Network:

The Fathers Network provides current information and resources to assist all families and care providers involved in the lives of children with special needs. This information is up-to-date, helpful, and designed to promote the resilience of all family members. Resources include award winning monographs, videos, newsletters, and curriculum available upon request. Links include information about Families, Fathers, Disabilities, Health Care, and Legal Issues.

http://www.fathersnetwork.org  

  • The Sensational Child: offers support group meetings.

http://www.sensationalchild.org/groups.html 

  • Washington County Coalition for Kids

The Washington County Coalition for Children is comprised of interested community members and organizations that provide services to children and families in southern Rhode Island, including the towns of Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, North Kingstown, Narragansett, New Shoreham, Richmond, South Kingstown, and Westerly.  Site includes: access to a  database of health professionals in Washington County who offer services to children and families living with depression, substance abuse, learning difficulties, developmental disorders, and other issues; and links to other community service agencies.

http://www.washcokids.org

 

 

Food and Nutrition Resources

 

  • Emergency Food Assistance

The Rhode Island Food Bank provides food to a network of member agencies, including a large number of emergency food providers.  Listing of emergency food providers for areas within the state including bus routes.

http://www.rifoodbank.org/matriarch/SearchResults.asp?txtSearchWhole=Emergency+food+assistance+&hdnAction=&btnSearchWhole.x=14&btnSearchWhole.y=3

  • Food Stamp Program

Program provides assistance to individuals who may be working but struggling financially to cover work expenses. 

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/adults/fsadult.htm

On-line screening and application is available at:

http://www.ridhseligscreening.org/English/home.cfm 

  • Kids Choose to be Healthy, Kent County Hospital: Kids Choose to be Healthy is a special program to promote healthier lifestyle habits and lower weights in the youth of Rhode Island. Designed specifically for children who are overweight and parent attendance is mandatory:

http://www.kenthospital.org/body.cfm?id=88&action=detail&ref=237&limit_facility=2 

  • Rhode Island Aid

Web page maintained by the state of RI, providing links to various human services agencies and programs, including food and nutrition links.

www.ri.gov/aid 

  • Rhode Island Community Food Bank: This link provides you access to the services offered through the RI Community Food Bank, including  Community Kitchen, Kids Café, Fresh Rescue…

http://www.rifoodbank.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_7_A_PageName_E_ProgramsOverview 

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Program provides nutritious food to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care for women, infants and children. WIC services income-eligible women that are pregnant, breastfeeding, or within six months of delivery, infants, and children up to age five years who are at nutritional risk.

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/wic/index.php

  • Thrive:

As partners in thrive, the Rhode Island Departments of Education and Health work to build infrastructure supports with state, school, and community partners to help create safe, healthy, and nurturing schools that reduce barriers to learning.

www.thriveri.org

  • TOPS (take off pounds sensibly):

Offer a healthy, caring approach to weight loss and weight control.

www.tops.org

 

Housing

 

  • Crossroads Rhode Island

Crossroads provides a full range of health and social services as well as information and referral for folks without a place to stay. Emergency shelters provide a temporary place to stay and the very necessities for individuals and families in immediate crisis. Our shelters vary in population served, admission procedures, length of stay, and policies. Crossroads Rhode Island's HELP LINE is a 24-hour telephone assistance program staffed by Information and Referral specialists with multilingual communications skills. Crossroads Rhode Island also operated the statewide Shelter Clearinghouse, which monitors a daily count of available shelter beds. Call 1-800-367-2700

http://www.rihomeless.com/emergency_housing.htm  

  • Emergency Housing Assistance

Assistance for people who are experiencing a temporary housing crisis and meet income guidelines, have lost or are about to loose housing due to sickness/disability, loss of employment, damage to home due to fire/weather or domestic violence.

  • Housing Authorities

Website provides links to housing authorities by town to provide information about Section 8 and other affordable housing. http://www.affordablehousingonline.com/housingauthority.asp?Zip=028&State2=PU&imageField2.x=16&imageField2.y=5

Web page maintained by the state of RI, providing links to various human services agencies and programs, including housing and heating assistance & energy assistance links.

www.ri.gov/aid 

  • Rhode Island Housing down payment assistance

Homebuyer education and information including how much to borrow, down payment assistance and other loan programs.

http://www.rihousing.com/sp.cfm?pageid=1925 

  • Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Company

Agency provides counseling on finding affordable housing, renting, buying a home, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages.

www.rihousing.com

  • Shelter and Transition Housing for the Homeless

Crossroads list of shelters, including phone numbers.

http://www.rihomeless.com/shelters.htm          

  • Shelters and transitional housing

Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless provides information for emergency shelter programs , transitional housing programs and rental/utility assistance programs.

http://www.rihomeless.com/emergency_housing.htm 

  • Volunteer Center of Rhode Island

Information about Stopover Services (SOS) which provides prevention services to   adolescents and their families including short-term sheltering through the Host Home Program designed to prevent youth from running away and to successfully intervene in the lives of those who do run. Counseling services are also provided along with extra curricular programs.  The goal is to reunite families or help locate safe, long-term alternative housing.

http://www.volunteersolutions.org/vcri/org/221735.html

 

Income Support

 

  • Family Independence Program:

Program provides temporary cash assistance for Rhode Island families who qualify based on income, other resources, and family size. Adults are assisted to assess family needs, develop a plan to find or prepare for employment and informed about other available resources.

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/famchild/dfipgm.htm 

  • Social Security:

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in the Social Security Administration administers many ways, only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

    • Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/index.htm

o       Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need for people aged birth…with disabilities: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/index.htm 

o       When you apply for either program, SSA collects medical and other information from you and makes a decision about whether or not you meet Social Security’s definition of disability. You can use the benefits eligibility screening tool to find out which programs may be able to pay you benefits: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps12/best/benefits/  

 

Interpreting Services

 

  • Hanen Program for Speech-Language: workshops for parents

http://www.hanen.org/Hanen2002/pages/AboutHanen/Introduction/Introduction.htm 

  • Language Link: Horton’s Interpreting Services

www.languagelink.com 

 

Legal Assistance/Advocacy

 

  • Advocates in Action

Self-Advocacy is an organized, international movement in which people who have a developmental disability, along with families and friends, Speak-up, Become Leaders, Work Together, and Make a Difference on issues that are important to them

www.aina-ri.org

  • Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program was developed as a  volunteer program by the Rhode Island Family Court in 1978 in answer to the need for advocacy for those children who had been abused and/or neglected, and who, through no fault of their own, found themselves involved with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and the Rhode Island Family Court.
http://www.courts.state.ri.us/family/casa.htm 

  • Office of the Child Advocate

A legal office that advocates for particular children whose legal, civil, and special rights in the DCYF system and /or Family Court proceeding are not being met.

www.child-advocate.state.ri.us

  • Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights

Commission enforces anti-discrimination laws mandated by state and federal law.

http://www.richr.state.ri.us/frames.html 

  • Rhode Island Disability Law Center: Rhode Island Disability Law Center (RIDLC) provides free legal assistance to persons with disabilities. Services include individual representation to protect rights or to secure benefits and services; self-help information; educational programs; and administrative and legislative advocacy. The agency administers eight federally funded advocacy programs, each of which has its own eligibility criteria.
    www.ridlc.org
  • Rhode Island Legal Services: Offers legal assistance, advice, and representation to low-income families experiencing legal problems related to family members, housing, and employment.

www.rils.org 

  • Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights: agency enforces anti-discrimination laws:

http://www.richr.state.ri.us/frames.html  

 

Medical Assistance

 

Medical Assistance Application and Eligibility

  • Adoption Subsidy, for information about the Adoption Subsidy Program, click on this link. Families can inquire about Medical Assistance Coverage as part of their contract with DCYF: http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/adoption.php 
  • Katie Beckett Eligibility: Information about level of care criteria, Frequently Asked Questions, Fact Sheet and an application form can be found at this site: http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/famchild/katie_beckett.htm 
  • RIte Care/RIte Share:

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/famchild/shcare.htm 

    • RIte Care: Rhode Island’s Medicaid managed care program that provides eligible low-income and working families with health insurance.  RIte Care is available for children under 19 years of age and pregnant women.
    • RIte Share: Premium Assistance Program that helps families to get heath insurance coverage through their employer (or spouse’s employer).  Rite Share will pay all or part of the eligible employee’s health insurance cost.
    • On-line screening and application. http://www.ridhseligscreening.org/English/home.cfm 
  • Social Security Income (SSI), How to apply for SSI: http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm  

 

Medical Assistance Services:

 

Mental Health

 

Children’s Mental Health Resources

  • Bradley Hospital

Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital

Bradley Hospital is a place where children with psychological, behavioral, developmental or emotional health needs can get help. Services include: emergency crisis management, inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, day treatment child and adolescent services and developmental disabilities programs.

www.bradleyhospital.org    

  • Butler Hospital

Butler Hospital is a specialty psychiatric hospital for the treatment of adults, adolescents and children. 

www.butler.org

  • CEDARR Family Centers

Provides services to families to address the needs of their children including mental and behavioral health.  Services include information, assessment, specialty evaluation, care coordination, care planning and referral assistance/support.

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/dcedarr.htm  

  • Community Mental Health Centers

Listing of the eight community health centers that provide services including psychiatric supportive treatment, emergency 24 hour crisis services, residential services, mobile treatment teams, rehabilitation services and outpatient counseling.  These community mental health centers can also admit people to community hospitals.

http://www.mhrh.ri.gov/MH/application.php   

  • Department of Children, Youths, and Families

http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/programs.php 

  • Family Resources Community Action (FRCA)

Established in 1892, Family Resources Community Action (FRCA) is one of the oldest child serving and family support organizations in the state of Rhode Island. Dedicated to serving low-income families in Woonsocket and throughout Northern Rhode Island, FRCA has been at the vanguard in the development of daycare, residential programming, foster care, mental health counseling and early childhood services to name a few. To find out what services are currently available. go to the home page, click on "Services" and click on "Service Updates".

www.famresri.org 

  • Kids Count

A list of Community Mental Health Centers, Mental Health Advocate and Advocacy Organizations:             http://www.rikidscount.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_353_A_PageName_E_RIResources#child             

  • Kids Link: Kids link is a central emergency hotline for kids in emotional crisis, connected to all children’s services in the state. Call anytime, it’s confidential and free. To access, dial:   1-866-429-3979.

www.gatewayhealth.org/kidsLinkRI.asp 

  • Parent Support Network of RI: Statewide organization of families supporting families with children or youth who are at risk for or who have behavioral and/or emotional issues.

www.psnri.org

  • Rhode Island Counselors Association (RISCA)

RISCA is the professional organization representing Rhode Island's elementary, middle, secondary school   counselors and counselor educators at the post secondary school level. The mission of RISCA is to promote excellence in the profession of school counseling and support and promote the academic, career and the personal and social development of all students. Home page provides access to links of interest.

www.rischoolcounselor.org 

  • Rhode Island Mental Health Guide

http://www.butler.org/documents/RI_Mental_Health_Guide_2006.pdf

  • Rhode Island School Psychologists Association (RISPA)

Professional organization for school psychologists working in Rhode Island. Site includes links of interest page.

www.rispa.org

  • The Network of Care

A resource for individuals, families and agencies concerned with behavioral health. It provides information about behavioral health services, laws, and related news, as well as communication tools and other features. Features of special interest include Services (list of community providers), Support and Advocacy (links to groups like AA and Al-A-Non), and Library (disability topic specific resources).

www.rinetworkofcare.com 

  • Washington County Coalition for Kids

The Washington County Coalition for Children is comprised of interested community members and organizations that provide services to children and families in southern Rhode Island, including the towns of Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, North Kingstown, Narragansett, New Shoreham, Richmond, South Kingstown, and Westerly.  Site includes: access to a  database of health professionals in Washington County who offer services to children and families living with depression, substance abuse, learning difficulties, developmental disorders, and other issues; and links to other community service agencies.

http://www.washcokids.org

 

Adult Mental Health Resources

  • Community Mental Health Centers

Listing of the eight community health centers that provide services including psychiatric supportive treatment, emergency 24 hour crisis services, residential services, mobile treatment teams, rehabilitation services and outpatient counseling.  These community mental health centers can also admit people to community hospitals.

http://www.mhrh.ri.gov/alpha_mh-counsel_treat_other_serv.htm 

  • Family Resources Community Action (FRCA)

Established in 1892, Family Resources Community Action (FRCA) is one of the oldest child serving and family support organizations in the state of Rhode Island. Dedicated to serving low-income families in Woonsocket and throughout Northern Rhode Island, FRCA has been at the vanguard in the development of daycare, residential programming, foster care, mental health counseling and early childhood services to name a few. To find out what services are currently available. go to the home page, click on "Services" and click on "Service Updates".

www.famresri.org 

  • Kids Count

A list of Community Mental Health Centers, Mental Health Advocate and Advocacy Organizations:  http://www.rikidscount.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_353_A_PageName_E_RIResources#child 

  • Mental Health Association of Rhode Island

The mission of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island is to promote mental health, prevent mental illness, and improve mental health services through advocacy, education, and research.

www.mhari.org 

  • Mental Health Advancement Resource Center:

Site includes information and links to other sites focused on mental health issues

www.mharc.org

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness of Rhode Island

The mission of NAMI Rhode Island is to educate the public about mental illness; to offer resources and support to all whose lives are touched by mental illness; to advocate at every level to ensure the rights and dignity of those with mental illness; and to promote research in the science and treatment of mental illness.

http://www.namirhodeisland.org/

  • Office of Mental Health Advocate

Provides legal assistance and protects the rights of psychiatric patients in treatment in the public mental health system both in hospitals and the community.

Director: H. Reed Cosper, Esq. hcosper@doa.state.ri.us

  • Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Centers: The Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations (RICCMHO) is a responsive resource comprised of nine private, non-profit community mental health organizations in Rhode Island. You can access its membership at the second link.

http://www.riccmhc.org/ 

http://www.riccmho.org/membership.htm

  • State Mental Health Agency

The Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Hospitals is the state agency for mental health services.

www.mhrh.ri.gov

  • Substance Abuse Treatment Providers and Services

Links, resources and self help for substance abuse.

http://www.mhrh.ri.gov/SA/links.php

  • The Network of Care

A resource for individuals, families and agencies concerned with behavioral health. It provides information about behavioral health services, laws, and related news, as well as communication tools and other features. Features of special interest include Services (list of community providers), Support and Advocacy (links to groups like AA and Al-A-Non), and Library (disability topic specific resources).

www.rinetworkofcare.com 

 

Pediatric Facilities

 

  • Boston Children’s Hospital/Clinic

One of the largest pediatric medical centers in the U.S., Chidren’s Hospital Boston offers a complete range of care services for children birth through 21 (and older in some cases).

http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices.cfm

  • Butler Hospital

Butler Hospital is a specialty psychiatric hospital for the treatment of adults, adolescents and children. 

www.butler.org

  • Emma Pendleton Bradley (Bradley) Hospital

Bradley Hospital is a place where children with psychological, behavioral, developmental or emotional health needs can get help. Services include: emergency crisis management, inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, day treatment child and adolescent services and developmental disabilities programs.

www.bradleyhospital.org

  • Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Hospital is the pediatric division of Rhode Island Hospital including pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric oncology, cardiac programs, separate emergency and surgical units, and operates specialty clinics treating children ranging in age form newborn to 18 years.

http://www.lifespan.org/hch/about/

  • Memorial Hospital

Teaching and research hospital.  The hospital includes a Neurodevelopmental Assessment Program which specializes in evaluating children to identify and treat specific conditions such as traumatic brain injury, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities and more.

http://www.memorialhospital.org/

  • RI Mental Health Guide

http://www.butler.org/documents/RI_Mental_Health_Guide_2006.pdf

  • Women and Infants Neonatal Unit

The Department of Pediatrics at the hospital includes a full range of teaching, clinical and research programs, pertaining to Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.

http://www.womenandinfants.com/body.cfm?id=835&action=detail&ref=120&limit_facility=7&mid=393

Prescription Assistance

 

  • Partnership for Prescription Assistance

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America's pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that's right for them. Patients can call directly or access the online information in English or Spanish.

www.pparx.org

1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669)

 

  • RxforRI

Web site designed to help low-income, uninsured Rhode Island residents get access to patient assistance programs where they may qualify for free, or nearly free, prescription medicines.

http://www.rxforri.org/

 

  • Target

List of $4.00 generic drugs.

http://sites.target.com/site/en/health/generic_drugs.jsp

 

  • WAL-Mart

$4.00 prescription drug program.

http://i.walmart.com/i/if/hmp/fusion/genericdruglist.pdf

 

Rehabilitation Facilities

 

  • Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital

Offering in-patient and outpatient rehabilitation services.

http://www.braintreehospital.org/        

  • Charlton Memorial Hospital

Offering in-patient and outpatient rehabilitation services.

http://www.southcoast.org/services/charlton.html 

  • Hasbro’s Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Programs

Offering in-patient and outpatient rehabilitation services.

http://www.lifespan.org/hch/services/rehab/   

  • Newport Hospital Vanderbilt Rehabilitation

The Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center at Newport Hospital provides inpatient rehabilitation for such conditions as stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, major trauma, and neurological disorders.  Outpatient rehabilitation services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language clinic and more.

http://www.lifespan.org/newport/services/vrc/

  • Spaulding Rehabilitation Center

There are 7 rehabilitation programs offered at Spaulding, including the Child and Adolescent Rehabilitation Program which treats children of all ages, from infants to young adults. Our pediatric rehabilitation specialists work closely with the child's family to plan a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored to the child's needs. Typical diagnoses include amputation, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, motor development deficits, premature birth, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury.

http://www.spauldingrehab.org/ourprograms  

  • Sargent Rehabilitation Center

Provides day treatment program for individuals with brain injuries, offering rehabilitation programs for children and adults. The web site provides access to contact information, programs and events sponsored by Sargent Rehab Center.

www.sargentcenter.org  

 

Rhode Island State Government

           

  • Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF)

State agency responsible for promoting and protecting the health, well-being and development of children and their families.  The three major services areas provided by DCYF are child welfare, Children’s Behavioral Health and Education, and Juvenile Corrections.

www.dcyf.ri.gov

  • Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE)

The primary mission of RIDE is to oversee public education programs in Rhode Island for children aged 3-21 years old. RIDE’s web site provides access to information about educational initiatives and resources, both federal and state. Information is organized by the following categories: RIDE, public schools, learning, teachers and administration, and students, families and communities. 

www.ride.ri.gov 

  • Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH)

The primary mission of this state agency is to prevent disease and to protect and promote the health and safety of the people in Rhode Island.  The Division of Family Health located in the Department of Health includes the following programs: Disability and Health, Family, Youth and School Success, Family Outreach Program, Hearing Assessment, Lead Program, Office of Families Raising Children with Special Health Care Needs, RI Immunization Program, Watch Me Grow (formally Successful Start) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

www.health.ri.gov

  • Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS)

State agency administers programs and services for children (including children with special health care needs), families, and adults. Programs and services relative to children with special needs include Comprehensive, Evaluation, Diagnosis, Assessment, Referral and Reevaluation (CEDARR), Early Intervention, the Medical Assistance Program, RIte Care, RIte Share, and RIte Smiles.

www.dhs.ri.gov

  • Rhode Island Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals (MHRH)

The mission of this state agency is to fund, plan, design, develop, administer and coordinate a system of services for identified citizens of Rhode Island with specific disabilities.

www.mhrh.ri.gov/  

  • Rhode Island State Government

Official web site for the state of Rhode Island.

www.ri.gov 

Web page providing access to web links for jobs, health care and human services, community assistance and housing, services for families and children, services for adults, food and clothing, and heating and energy assistance resources.

www.ri.gov/aid  

  • State of Rhode Island Office of Library Information Services

Site provides links to all public libraries in the state, and more.

http://www.olis.ri.gov/libraries/libwebs.php

  • The Executive Office of Health and Human Services

The EOHHS was created by Governor Donald Carcieri to facilitate cooperation and coordination among the five state agencies administering Rhode Island's health and social service programs. Those departments are: The Department of Children, Youth and Families, the Department of Elderly Affairs, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals.

www.eohhs.ri.gov

 

Secondary Transition Resources

 

  • Children's Medical Services-Special services for children with special needs: Site and resources developed by the Institute for Child Health Policy at the University of Florida. Provides access to medical resources and tools for youth as they transition into adult services.

hctransitions.ichp.ufl.edu/gladd/ 

  • RI Department of Labor and Training's Youth Portal: the fast track to education, training and employment opportunities for youth ages 14-24 in the Ocean State.

www.dlt.ri.gov/youthworks411 

  • Healthy and Ready to Work Resource Center: Information and connections to health and transition information nationwide.

www.hrtw.org 

  • Job Corps Region One

Job Corps offers no-cost training and education to America’s youth ages 16-24. Student typically live on campus and earn their high school diploma or GED while learning career skills in one of more than 60 occupational areas offered in Region One. Region One serves residents of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New, York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Job Corps helps youth to find employment, housing and transportation when they graduate and follows participants for a year to ensure that they are settled in their career.

http://bostonregion.jobcorps.gov/index.htm

  • National Center on Secondary Education and Transition 

Provides information about the education and transition of youth with disabilities and links to other related web sites:

www.ncset.org   

  • National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC): Technical Assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Education to assist states to build capacity to support and improve transition planning, services and outcomes for youth with disabilities.

http://www.nsttac.org/ 

  • Network RI

Rhode Island’s One-Stop Career Center System, a partnership of professional labor, training, and education organizations.  There are six (6) centers located throughout the state where jobseekers and employers are matched through quality employment programs and services.

http://www.networkri.org/

  • Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)

Site includes information about vocational rehabilitation, services for the blind, disability determination service, assistive technology, publications and resources.

www.ors.ri.gov 

  • Exeter Job Corps Academy

Academy located in Exeter, RI accommodates 200 residential students and offers no-cost training and education to youth ages 16 – 24.  Students live on campus and earn their high school diploma or GED while learning a career skill in one of more than 60 occupational areas.

http://bostonregion.jobcorps.gov/Campuses/Exeter.htm

  • Goodwill Industries, Rhode Island

Goodwill Industries serves individuals with physical or mental challenges, are deaf or hard of hearing, have been injured and need to be retrained, are underemployed or unemployed, are transitioning from welfare to work or whose primary language is Spanish with an additional barrier. The agency provides vocational evaluations, community assessments, education for students with special needs and adult education, job seeking skills, job placement and retention, and personal and professional development.

http://www.goodwillri.org/services.htm 

  • Ocean State Center for Independent Living

Site includes information about community living, local and national disability resource links…

www.oscil.org

  • PARI Independent Living Center

Site includes directory of independent living centers, adaptive equipment recycling program, other web resources. This web site can be accessed in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.)

www.pari-ilc.org

  • RIDE Secondary Transition

Includes information about the following: Regional Transition Centers, Regional Vocational Assessment Centers, Transition Academies, the RI Transition Council, Transition Publications, as well as information tailored for students and parents)       http://www.ride.ri.gov/Special_Populations/Programs_Services/Secondary%20Transition/Secondary%20Transition%20Services.aspx 

  • Rhode Island Parent Information Network’s transition page and resources

http://www.ripin.org/transitiontoadultlife.html 

  • Rhode Island Parent Information Network’s Transition Guide (PDF):

Sherlock Center on Disabilities

Site provides information about RI Transition Regional Centers, RI Transition Council, transition links, transition publication and Family Support 360 Project.

http://www.ric.edu/uap/transition.html

  • Rhodes to Independence: Information for job seekers, employers, alphabetical web links and local and national resources.

www.rhodestoindependence.org    

  • Youthhood: Site for teens and adults developed by teens and young adults.

www.youthhood.org 

  • Way to Go Rhode Island

Way to Go Rhode Island: resource sponsored by the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA) for elementary, middle and high school students to explore and plan for career options.        

www.waytogori.org/

  • Work Opportunities Unlimited

Organization provides direct community employment opportunities for people of varying backgrounds and skill sets.         

http://www.workopportunities.net/about/profile

 

Service Coordination

 

  • CEDARR Family Centers   

A program that works with Children with special care needs from age birth to 21 and their families. CEDARR will assess, evaluate, and refer only; or to maintain an ongoing relationship using different supports as their needs change over time.

http://www.dhs.ri.gov/dhs/dcedarr.htm

Websites for the CEDARR Family Centers:

  • Early Intervention

Early Intervention is a program that promotes the growth and development of children birth to 3. Children who are under three years of age who have a developmental disability or delay in one or more areas may be eligible. Developmental disabilities or delays can affect a child’s speech, physical ability, or social skills:

http://www.dhs.state.ri.us/dhs/famchild/early_intervention.htm 

  • Pediatric Practice Enhancement Project (PPEP)

A “medical home” project to support pediatric and specialty practices in providing a “medical home” for children with special needs and their families.  Project sponsored by the RI Department of Health and RI Department of Human Services places trained parent consultants on site to assist families in accessing needed resources, supports and community services including CEDARR. A listing of current participating practices is provided in the Rhode Island Resource Guide for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

www.health.ri.gov/family/specialneeds/ppep.php  

 

Sexual Abuse/Assault Agencies and Resources

           

  • Day One Program: Day One provides services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes and educates the public throughout the state of Rhode Island.

http://www.satrc.org/howwecanhelp.htm

  • St. Mary’s Shepherd Program: Provides a comprehensive treatment program for children who have been sexually abused or have sexual behavior problems.

http://www.smhfc.org/Outpatient.htm

  • Voices in Action: an International organization providing supports to adult and adolescent victims of sexual abuse.

http://www.voices-action.org/  

 

Special Education Resource

           

  • IDEA Practices:

Provides information about Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and links to sites regarding inclusion, behavior…

www.ideapractices.org

  • National Center on Education, Disability and Justice:

Includes information on prevention and education and links to other sites.

www.edjj.org

  • National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: Organization provides information in English or Spanish on the following topics: disabilities, IDEA, No Child Left Behind and researched based information on effective educational practices.

http://www.nichcy.org/ 

  • Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (Pacer): A national center for parents helping parents to enhance the quality of life of children with disabilities. Site includes access to information, workshops about special education and related topics, including secondary transition.

http://www.pacer.org/   

  • Response to Intervention (RTI)

RTI is a process of determining appropriate support and interventions to supplement the core curriculum to meet the needs of all learners as well as being a method to identify learning disabilities. The RTI approach is included in NCLB and IDEA and is part of Rhode Island Personal Literacy Plan guidance (2005) and Learning Disability Guidance (2005). This website provides access to the latest research and links.

www.ritap.org/rti 

  • Rhode Island Department of Education, Office of Special Populations: Web site provides access to programs and services available in Rhode Island.

http://www.ride.ri.gov/Special_Populations  

  • Rhode Island Disability-Specific Organizations: http://www.nichcy.org/stateshe/ri.htm#disability
  • Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN), Parent Training Center (PIRC): The Parent Information and Training Center at RIPIN is a statewide resource for families for advocacy, training and information about special education.

http://www.ripin.org/pirc.html 

  • RIPIN Special Needs

http://www.ripin.org/specialneeds.html  

  • RIPIN Workshops: RIPIN offers workshops across the state on special education and related topics. Check out this site for current listing.

http://www.ripin.org/workshops.html 

  • SERI

Special Education Resources on the Internet (SERI) is a collection of Internet accessible information resources of interest to those involved in the fields related to Special Education. This collection exists in order to make on-line Special Education resources more easily and readily available in one location.

http://seriweb.com/    

  • Wrights Law:

This site specializes in educational issues including special education. Topics are listed alphabetically and include advocacy, autism, discipline, inclusion…also available are an advocacy and law library.

www.wrightslaw.com

  • RIDE Dispute Resolution System

Provides access and forms for families and school districts in need of dispute resolution options for special education concerns

http://www.ride.ri.gov/Special_Populations/Dispute_resolution

 

 

Therapeutic Horseback Riding:

 

Therapeutic riding is the use of equine activities for individuals with physical or mental disabilities to improve muscle tone, motor development, balance, posture, coordination and overall emotional well-being. Riders can experience a sense of independence that they may not be able to experience anywhere else.

  • Greenlock Therapeutic Riding Center. Inc.

55 Summer Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769 (508) 252-5814 head up by themselves.

www.greenlock.org

  • Horse Play Therapeutic Riding Center and Equine Sanctuary

P.O. Box 660, Exeter, RI (401) 864-2943

http://www.hptrc.org

  • In Harmony Therapeutic Riding:

40 Collins Rd, PO Box 156, Hopkinton, RI 02833 (401) 539-2541

  • In Harmony Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Ashaway, RI 02804   Phone: (401) 364-0598

minharmony@aol.com

www.inharmonyri.org

  • Turning Pointe Therapeutic Riding

40 Collins RoadAshaway, R.I. 02804

Phone 401.364.0598

email: staff@turningpointeri.org

  • Teaberry Knoll Academy of Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

201 Miller Street, Seekonk, MA 02771 (508) 336-6555

www.teaberryknoll.com

 

Therapeutic Recreation

 

  • American Camp Association

Directory for New England, accreditation information, schedule for camp fairs, and calendar of events.

http://acane-camps.org/

  • Challenged Athletes Foundation

Foundation helps pay for a number of different needs, including adaptive equipment and training, so that people with disabilities can be involved in organized sports or go to summer camp.

www.challengedathletes.org

  • Best Buddies

Best Buddies Rhode Island is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.

http://www.bestbuddiesrhodeisland.org/site/c.boIKLQOqGnF/b.1194559/k.BF7E/Home.htm

  • First Swing Rhode Island

First Swing Rhode Island is designed to instruct rehabilitation professionals and golf professionals to teach and encourage the physically challenged individual to learn, or to re-learn, the game of golf. Not only because a physically challenge individual, regardless of age, is able to play, but it also contributes dramatically to the individual’s emotional and physical well being, instilling self-confidence and pride in personal achievement.

www.firstswingri.org

  • Indoor play areas

Public play sites in Rhode, you can search by community or activity. http://rhodeisland.babyzone.com/parentresources.asp?prid=626

  • My Summer Camps

Comprehensive, easy to use summer camps directory for kids, teens and youth. Goal is to help parents find kids and teen summer camps that will meet the needs of their child.

http://www.mysummercamps.com/

  • Providence Journal Camp listing

Newspaper provides information about camps by ages, population, program activities location, schedule and other relevant information. (seasonal listing).

http://www.projo.com/seasonal/camp/ 

  • Purple Piano music and arts program

Program provides private music instruction for all ages and levels as well as special needs students. Workshop musical endeavors and weekly group music are also offered  for children from 9 months old to 5 years old, group art classes. The program also hosts birthday parties for all ages.

http://www.thepurplepiano.com/default.php

  • Rhode Island Beaches

Provides information, including accessibility for beaches in Rhode Island.

www.visitrhodeisland.com/what-to-do/beaches/

  • Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council on-line resources for athletic opportunities for people with disabilities:

Information about Special Olympics, therapeutic horseback riding, sailing and other therapeutic activities.

http://www.riddc.org/athletics.shtml  

  • Rhode Island Family Guide

Offers comprehensive resources for families in the community, including information about the following: adoption, foster care family services, health care, education, outdoor fun, entertainment, shopping, family events…

www.rifamilyguide.com 

  • Rhode Island State Parks Website

Provides information about RI State Parks, including accessibility.

www.riparks.com/access.htm

  • RI Mentor List

The Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership, affiliated with the National Mentoring Partnership, is dedicated to increasing the number of mentors for children and adults throughout Rhode Island, supporting school-based and community-based mentor programs. 

http://www.rimentor.org/Feinstein_Network.htm    

  • Riverz Edge Arts Project

Arts program for teens with digital photography, graphic design, silkscreen and painting studios. The program also offers services in editorial, portrait and product photography.

http://www.riverzedgearts.org/

  • Summer Camp Directory:

Website starting in April of each year for the available camps for the following summer:

www.rifamilyguide.com

  • Shake a Leg

Shake-A-Leg’s mission is to support individuals who experience spinal cord injury and  other disabilities to develop the skills needed to live up to their highest potential. Shake-A-Leg operates three major programs: Whole Life Therapy (for Adults and Teens), Adaptive Sailing, and the Confidence Is Cool Children's camp.

www.shakealeg.org

  • Special Olympics

Providing year round sports opportunities to more than 2.25 million people with intellectual disabilities world wide.

National: www.specialolympics.org

Rhode Island: www.specialolympicsri.org 

  • The Autism Project

The Autism Project of Rhode Island is a dedicated group of parents, teachers, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and other related professionals.It remains our mission to create a comprehensive system of services to support  individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

www.theautismproject.org

  • The Children’s Physical Development Center

Unique physical, motor and recreation program designed to enhance perceptual-motor, gross motor, sport, aquatic and leisure skills, as well as social development to children and youth with disabilities, ages 18 months to 18 years.  The clinic is held in the John J. Kelly Gymnasium on the campus of Bridgewater State College.  The clinic uses the Olympic size swimming pool, two gymnasiums, and early childhood intervention center and a physical fitness training room.  Undergraduate and graduate students serve as clinicians and group leaders in the program.

www.bridgew.edu/cpdc

  • VSA Rhode Island

VSA arts of Rhode Island is a statewide, nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to providing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to actively participate in the arts.

http://www.vsartsri.org/index.htm 

 

Transportation

 

  • Accessible Rhode Island

Organization provides a list of restaurants, libraries and cultural sites in Rhode Island, rating the degree of access based on Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. Also provides link to RIPTA bus routes for people with disabilities.

www.AccessibleRhodeIsland.org 

  • Accessing Community Transportation (ACT):

act.ri@verizon.net

  • Angel Flight of New England, Inc: Nonprofit organization providing air transportation to those whose medical problems require travel that is otherwise not affordable

http://www.angelflightne.org/

  • Ocean State Center for Independent Living

www.oscil.org

  • PARI Independent Living Center

www.pari-ilc.org

  • RIPTA Ride Share Program

www.ripta.com

  • RIte Care Transportation for Medical Appointments

 

 

 

 

NON-WEB COMMUNITY RESOURCES

 

Accessible Playgrounds

 

  • Coventry Greenway & Crosstown Bike Path: Accessible bike path with picnic tables, hiking paths and horseback riding.
  • Glocester Memorial Park: Accessible playground and other recreation facilities located on Adelaide Road, Chepachet.

·         Hanaford School: Accessible, large, community-built playground with Kids Castle located on LeBaron Drive, East Greenwich

·         Hasbro Boundless Playground: At Hasbro Boundless Playground at Roger Williams Park in Providence, children with physical disabilities can enjoy at least 70% of the play activities without having to leave their support equipment behind.  Equally important, the equipment is designed to be sensory rich and developmentally appropriate, so children with all types of abilities can play. Also, a 3,500 square foot sensory garden houses over 500 plants.

·         Herbert F. Payne Memorial Park: Accessible park with picnic tables, playground, and recreation center located at 1277 Main Street, Coventry.

·         Impossible Dream Playground: Site is owned by non-profit organization devoted to granting dreams to chronically ill or needy children in Rhode Island.  Kids can be a train engineer, castle dweller, backhoe operator and more, in addition to enjoying the variety of contraptions to swing, climb or ride on. The playground is located at 575 Centerville Road, Warwick and also includes a min-golf area.

·         Jamestown Community Playground: Accessible playground made entirely from recycled materials includes a clatter bridge, the SS Jamestown boat, a sea monster and picnic tables.  The playground is located at 26 North Main Road in Jamestown.

·         Matty’s Place: Accessible playground at Hazard School on Columbia Street in Wakefield. The playground features modern apparatus accessible for those with special needs, and a rubber-based ground cover to ensure safety.

·         Peck Center Playground: Large wooden and accessible playground located on County Road in Barrington.

·         The Sarah Jane McCullough Handicapped Play Area: Handicapped accessible playground located off Main Street (Route 3) in Hopkinton.

·         Tiverton Town Recreational Area: Sandy accessible playground for all ages located on Main Road in Tiverton.

·         Tuckertown Park: Accessible park with playground and picnic area located on Tuckertown Road in South Kingstown.

·         West Kingstown Park; Accessible park with playground and picnic area located on Route 138 in West Kingstown.

 

 

 

Churches with social services/assistance throughout the State

Charlestown
  • St Mary-St James                                                                    364-9413
Chepachet
  • Union Church                                                                         568-2518

East Providence

  • St Martha’s Church                                                                 434-4060

Foster

  • St. Paul the Apostle Church                                                   647-3664

Glendale

  • Burrillville United Baptist Church                                          568-5373

Hope Valley

  • Church of St. Joseph-SVDP                                                   539-8311

Jamestown

  • St Mark’s Church                                                                    423-1421

Johnston

  • St. Rocco’s Church                                                                 942-5203

Lincoln

  • St Jude’s Church                                                                     721-8540

Providence:

  • South Providence Ministries                                                   461-7509
  • St Vincent’s de Paul                                                               941-8096
  • Assumption Church                                                                941-1248
  • St. Francis Food Center                                                          455-3740
  • Victory Assembly of Good                                                    455-0060
  • Inter Faith Dire Emergency Fund                                           421-7833
  • Camp Street Ministries                                                           421-5474
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church                                                        351-1368
  • St. Patrick’s Church                                                                274-6286
  • St Charles Borromeo Church                                                  273-1108
  • St. Raymond’s Church                                                           273-2393

N Providence

  • St. Alban’s Church                                                                 231-4016

Pawtucket

  • St. Matthew’s Church                                                             723-5632
  • Living Assembly of God                                                        723-2038

Smithfield

  • Ocean State Baptist Church                                                   231-1980
Warwick
  • Johah Joining our Neighbors and Help                                   739-2219
  • First Baptist Church                                                                732-4660

West Warwick

  • Sts. John and James                                                821-7323/821-7661

Woonsocket

o       First Baptist Church                                                                769-6175