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IMPORTANT UPDATE: Correction

Previously the Zoom links to register for Transforming Schools on 11/21 and Journey with Jennings on 12/18, provided in the newsletter and social media encountered an error. Anyone who registered before 11/14/24 needs to register again. We apologize for the inconvenience.

New Zoom Registration Links are provided below.


Welcome to the November 2024 edition of our Newsletter! As we embrace the spirit of awareness and inclusion this month, we shine a spotlight on crucial topics that impact the lives of individuals with disabilities. From celebrating the achievements of those who break barriers every day to discussing the importance of accessibility in public spaces, we aim to foster a community of understanding and support.


This edition delves deeper into mental health resources, highlighting the importance of accessible mental health care and support networks tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.


**Happy Thanksgiving!** 🦃🍂 As we gather with loved ones to give thanks, let's also remember the spirit of generosity that this season brings. **Giving Tuesday** is just around the corner, and it's a wonderful opportunity to support our mission of creating a more inclusive world. Your contributions can make a significant impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities, helping us to continue our advocacy, provide essential resources, and foster a community of support.


Join us as we explore these vital issues and work together to create a more inclusive world for everyone.


- The Arc Rhode Island Staff

Giving Tuesday is a wonderful opportunity to support The Arc Rhode Island, our organization is dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider donating:

  1. Empowering Individuals: Your donation helps provide essential services and support, enabling individuals with disabilities to participate fully in their communities.
  2. Educational Support: Contributions can fund initiatives like the annual backpack drive, ensuring that children have the necessary supplies to succeed in school.
  3. Building an Inclusive Future: The Arc Rhode Island works tirelessly to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, from work and play to worship and travel.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact.



Respond to our poll, we want to hear from you!

How do you feel about supporting such a cause?
I feel great about supporting!
I feel unsure about supporting.
I feel uninspired about supporting.

November Awareness Topics

National Family Caregivers Month

Top Caregiver Tips for

Caring for a Loved One

As a family caregiver, your health and well-being is important. But how can you find ways to care for yourself and juggle your role as a caregiver? These tips can be used on daily basis to make your tasks easier and make sure you're not neglecting your own needs.

Read More

Month

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month​​

​Diabetes Awareness Month

Epilepsy Awareness Month

Lung Cancer Awareness Month​​

National Family Caregivers Month

National Native American Heritage Month

Prostate Cancer / Men’s Health Awareness Month

Transgender Awareness Month


Days

November 11 – Veterans Day​​

November 13 – World Kindness Day

November 14 – World Diabetes Day

November 16 – International Day for Tolerance

November 18 – World COPD Day

November 21 – Pancreatic Cancer Day

Things to Know

Department Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals

Services for Adults - BHDDH

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have many services they can choose. Review this page for a list of services and service providers. There are a few residential support options, including: Employment supports are DD services that focus on work. These services help adults with I/DD find meaningful jobs in the community.

Read More

Equipment and Home Modifications - BHDDH

The Access to Independence Program is a collaboration between The Department of Behavioral Healthcare Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), and RI Housing. More information can be found in...

Read More

INTEGRATION FOR ALL - Mental Health Association of Rhode Island

For too long in Rhode Island, people with serious mental illness; physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities; older adults and youth have been needlessly institutionalized or isolated. Many have been educated in segregated schools and classrooms, lost their children when they could parent, spent their days in day programs instead of being gainfully employed, or have been arrested and incarcerated for behavior related to their mental illness or cognitive disability, especially people of color.

Read More

Disability short stories by disabled writers and illustrators

Disabled writer Hayleigh Barclay and disabled illustrator Philip Hoare have come together for Disability Horizons to create a series of drawings and short stories where a disabled person is the lead. "We don’t think that there are enough books with disabled characters as the hero or heroine. So, we’ve decided to create some of our own."

Read More

Adults With Special Needs

RI EOHHS and Medicaid are in the process of establishing a new managed care contract. If you or a loved one currently have health coverage through RI Medicaid, it's important to know that you don't need to take any action at this time.

Read More

Local businesses adapt to meet accessibility needs with a RAMP 'stamp of approval'

'Nothing to lose, everything to gain. Why wouldn't a business want to increase their bottom line?' BURRILLVILLE - In...

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We're Family Caregivers of People With Disabilities & Here's What We Want You to Know - The Arc

This November, for National Family Caregivers Month, we're spotlighting seven individuals caring for their loved ones with IDD. Their insights challenge how our society views disability, family, and community.

Read More

The Dancing Baker | Disability Employment - CPNRI

During National Disability Employment Awareness month, we celebrate employers like this bakery.

Read More

Free Zoom Meetings - November

TOPIC: Katie Beckett Application Process Explained


You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 

When: Nov 12, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 


Katie Beckett is an eligibility category in Medicaid that allows certain children under age 19 who have long-term disabilities or complex medical needs to become eligible for Medicaid coverage. Katie Beckett eligibility enables children to be cared for at home instead of an institution. With Katie Beckett, only the child's income and resources are used to determine eligibility.



Register in advance for this meeting:

Register Here!


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

In our meeting we will discuss the application process for this program.Kerri Cassino, a mom advocate, will share insight and supports to help you navigate the application process.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 

When: Nov 21, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time


Register in advance for this meeting with the button below.



After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Transforming Schools: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching, Learning, and Healing


Date: November 21st

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Registration Required

Register Here!



Transforming Schools: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching, Learning, and Healing

Date: November 21st

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Registration Required



"Transforming Schools: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching,

Learning, and Healing"


This book, written by Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, explores how trauma impacts students and offers practical strategies for educators to create supportive, healing environments. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional insights, Ranglin-Vassell provides a pathway for transforming schools into safe havens where all children can thrive. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma and implementing simple, effective approaches to support students' emotional and educational needs, regardless of their background.


New Registration Link Here!

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Previously the Zoom link to register, provided in the newsletter and social media encountered an error. Anyone who registered before 11/14/24 needs to register again. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Free Zoom Meetings - December

TOPIC: Special Needs Trusts


You are invited to a Zoom meeting.


When: Dec 10, 2024, 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)


Register in advance for this meeting.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.


Register Here!


Learning Objectives:

  •  Understand the Purpose of a Special Needs Trust.
  • Types of Special Needs Trusts.
  • Enhanced Understanding of the relationship between government benefits and disbursements from a Special Needs Trusts.

Presenters

Susan Purro


Stacey Purro, Service Coordinator Supervisor, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Stacey graduated from Columbia University earning a MSW in 1992 and has over 32 years of experience working with Adults and Children in varies settings with Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Stacey has Advanced Post Graduate Training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in NYC in Divorce Mediation and Family Therapy.

Joan McGrath


Joan McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, has been with PLAN since 2009. Prior to assuming the role of CEO, in February 2020, Joan was Director of Finance and Administration for PLAN and has more than 25 years of experience in professional accounting and finance. She has been an auditor with a “big four” public accounting firm, where she focused on high growth, emerging business clients. She also led her own private consulting practice, where she worked with nonprofits, service organizations, and venture capital startups. Joan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. Joan is a member of the Boston Estate Planning Council, the Estate Planning Council of Rhode Island, Academy of Special Needs Planners, Alliance of Pooled Trusts, National PLAN and is on the Best Buddies Advisory Board.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 


When: Dec 18, 2024 01:00 PM


Register in advance for this meeting.


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Visit Journey with Jennings

on Facebook

Facebook

Accessible Travel

Journey with Jennings is the passion project of Marissa Jennings, an occupational therapist by trade and a travel planner by choice. Marissa is a lover of all things travel and exploration. Specializing in a variety of travel experiences, including family vacations and generational trips, Marissa brings her enthusiasm and expertise to every itinerary she creates. Marissa’s extensive travels throughout the U.S. and Europe enable her to help families create unforgettable memories together. As a Certified Autism Travel Professional and Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate, Marissa is dedicated to making travel accessible for all.


Click for more Journey with Jennings

Marissa Jennings, OTR/L, CNS

Independent/Accessible Travel Advisor

New Registration Link Here!

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Previously the Zoom link to register, provided in the newsletter and social media encountered an error. Anyone who registered before 11/14/24 needs to register again. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Arc: Programs & Initiatives

The Arc@School

The Arc provides training, and resources to help families and other stakeholders navigate the special education system in two languages.


The Arc of Rhode Island is seeking 50 Spanish-speaking families to take part in the Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum on a first-come, first-served basis. The Arc Rhode Island will lead the review and discussions of the curriculum using the facilitation guide for every two modules in person. This will involve a total of 4 in-person sessions to discuss any parts of the modules that participants may not have understood.  


IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ARC RHODE ISLAND.

www.RI.TheArc.org

401-294-5152

 

The Arc@School thearcatschool.org

The Arc ofrece capacitación y recursos para ayudar a las familias y otras partes interesadas a navegar el sistema de educación especial en dos idiomas.


The Arc of Rhode Island está buscando 50 familias de habla hispana para participar en el Currículo de Defensa del Arc@School por orden de llegada. The Arc Rhode Island liderará la revisión y las discusiones del plan de estudios utilizando la guía de facilitación para cada dos módulos en persona. Esto implicará un total de 4 sesiones presenciales para discutir cualquier parte de los módulos que los participantes no hayan entendido.


SI TIENE ALGUNA PREGUNTA O NECESITA INFORMACIÓN ADICIONAL, POR FAVOR CONTACTA A EL ARC RHODE ISLAND.​

www.RI.TheArc.org

401-294-5152​


The Arc@School thearcatschool.org

Introduction to The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum in Spanish - The Arc

Get a brief overview, in English, or Spanish of our Special Education Advocacy Curriculum. The curriculum provides basic information that parents, educators, and non-attorney advocates need to support students and families in navigating the special ed system. Much of the translation was done by The Arc Rhode Island team members. You can see them in action in the pre-recorded video sessions.

Read More

Introducción al Currículo de Abogacía Arc@School en Español - The Arc

Obtenga una breve descripción general, en Inglés o Español, de nuestro Plan de Estudios de Defensa de la Educación Especial. El currículo proporciona información básica que los padres, educadores y defensores que no son abogados necesitan para apoyar a los estudiantes y las familias en la navegación por el sistema de Educación Especial.


Grabación en español

Read More

Mental Health First Aid Training

The Arc of the United States has selected The Arc Rhode Island to participate in the Navigating Co-Occurring Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Mental Health (MH) Needs Program. This program trains and educates individuals in navigating mental health first aid crises, specifically for those who also have an intellectual or developmental disability.

Read More

Are you looking for ways to connect with others who share similar interests?

Bewildered and need a safe place to find support among your community?

Could you use help with resources or just want someone to listen?



Finding all these supports is as easy as A,B,C!


The Arc RI invites you to join Circles of Connection Networking with your local SELAC Committees!


Circles can provide:

o Care for the Caregiver which is essential

o New friends and an online or in-person

o Advocate and connect to community partners

o A way to make sure you are getting all the services and supports

o Advocacy skills to help you live the life you want

 

SELAC Groups:

o Coventry

o Central Falls/Pawtucket

o Johnston/Providence

o Tiverton

o Warwick/West Warwick

 

People with disabilities, parents and foster parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, and allies are all welcome.

 

Participants will be matched and placed in online groups of 5 – 6 people based on location. Please include your city/town.

 

Contact us, we can help you find your Circle.

 

Registration for this program is open!


Register Here

THINGS TO DO!!!

Newport Art Museum opens new, accessible space for kids to experience art

The Newport Art Museum (NAM) announced the upcoming opening of its new Creative Corner, a designated space within the museum for children and families to engage with and create art in an inclusive and accessible environment. The interactive space focuses on youth and inclusion made possible with support from the Sherlock Center.

Read More

Newport Art Museum

FREE FOR ALL SATURDAY

November 2, 2024

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm


Join us for a day of family-friendly activities inspired by Día de los muertos and Jordan Seaberry’s “We Live Until” exhibition. There will be hands-on art-making, artist demonstrations, scavenger hunts and more.



Venga con su familia a nuestras festividades familiares inspiradas en el Día de los muertos, y la exhibición de Jordan Seaberry, “Vivimos, hasta”. Habrá demostraciones de artistas, proyectos de arte hecho a mano, búsquedas de tesoro y mucho más.


What’s happening:


  • Día de los muertos storytelling with Jesús de la Torre!

 

  • Join Museum Educators and Conexión Latina Newport staff to create traditional decorations.

And more!

Read More

Holiday Lights Spectacular

Bring family and friends to experience 40 acres of festive larger-than-life luminous displays, with more than 3 1/2 million illuminated lights! November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Read More

Sensory-friendly events in Rhode Island:


These events are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you need more information or have specific requirements, please reach out to the event organizers.

The Arc Rhode Island & The imPOSSIBLE DREAM want to invite you to the 2024 Candyland Event on December 8th @ 6:00 PM

This exclusive time is only offered to us and our special lucky guests!


This year we are excited to announce that we have 30 children's tickets to share with children who have an IDD and prefer sensory friendly events. These tickets will be distributed on a first come first served basis and will go fast! Use the link below to register for the event.

Parents/Guardians: you do not need to request a ticket for yourself. Your child's ticket will automatically include you!

Register Here!

November 23, 2024 - December 29, 2024

A Christmas Carol

Adapted from the novella by Charles Dickens, Original music by Richard Cumming, Directed and adapted by Tatyana-Marie Carlo.


November 23 – December 29, 2024

Celebrating the holidays together 

Everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge, is back! The humbug’s wrenching, covetous, and cares more for money than all else. When the clock strikes midnight one fateful Christmas Eve, the ghost of Scrooge’s old pal Marley pays a much overdue visit. Through a supernatural journey, Scrooge must confront the past, acknowledge the present, and define the future for the good of the community –and Scrooge’s very soul. A timeless holiday tale of redemption and joy, Trinity Rep’s reimagined production of A Christmas Carol has been a beloved New England family tradition for over 45 years. 


Sensory Friendly Performance

Event Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Noon

Where: Providence Performing Arts Center

*Ticket prices are subject to change until added to the cart.


Designed to meet the needs of guests on the autism spectrum, with sensory processing disorders, epilepsy, PTSD, or other sensitivities.


Sensory-Friendly Plus! performances create an inclusive space where everyone can experience the magic of live theater.


Sensory-Friendly Plus! performances feature modified sound, lighting, and other technical adjustments. Patrons are invited to make sounds, enter and exit as needed during the performance, and enjoy the show with their family and community. 

TICKETS

RESOURCES


Children's Mobile Crisis

What is Children's Mobile Crisis?

Family Service of Rhode Island’s Children’s Mobile Crisis (CMC) team provides 24/7 crisis intervention and support for children (ages 2-21) across the state experiencing behavioral or mental health crises.


Crisis Response & Services - Family Service of Rhode Island


El equipo móvil de crisis para niños (CMC) de Family Service of Rhode Island ofrece intervención ante crisis y apoyo las 24 horas del día, los 7 días a la semana, a niños (de 2 a 21 años) de todo el estado que sufren crisis de salud mental o de comportamiento.

When should I call CMC?


Youth is experiencing behaviors that place themselves or others at risk, such as expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Youth is experiencing severe stress, acute depression, or anxiety that may put them at imminent risk of being hospitalized.



• El joven está experimentando comportamientos que suponen 

un riesgo para sí mismo o para los demás, como expresar 

pensamientos de autolesión o suicidio.

• El joven está sufriendo estrés grave, depresión o ansiedad agudas 

que pueden ponerlo en riesgo inminente de ser hospitalizado

How We Help.

The CMC team supports youth (ages 2-21) showing signs of mental or behavioral health needs that pose a risk to stability within the home, school, or community, including but not limited to:

Aggression, Self-injury, Trauma, Acute depression/anxiety, Challenges at school, Suicidal or homicidal thoughts/behavior, Extreme parent/child conflict.


El equipo de CMC apoya a los jóvenes (de 2 a 21 años) que muestran signos relacionados con necesidades de salud mental o conductual que suponen un riesgo para la estabilidad en el hogar, la escuela o la comunidad, incluidos, entre otros, los siguientes:

•Agresión, Autolesión, Trauma

Depresión/ansiedad aguda,

Dificultades en la escuela,

 Pensamientos/comportamientos suicidas u homicidas, Conflicto extremo entre padres e hijos.

The Arc Rhode Island was mentioned in the October Edition!

News and Updates Newsletters

Department of, Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals, State of Rhode Island


Stay in touch, Sign Up!

Read More


Voting Resources

  1. Voter Accessibility Laws - USAGov
  2. Voting and Polling Places - ADA.gov
  3. Voting Rights of Institutionalized People with Disabilities - NDRN
  4. Voting with a Disability - Vote.gov
  5. The Americans with Disabilities Act and Other Federal Laws Protecting Voter Rights - ADA.gov
  6. Disability Voting Guide - U.S. Vote Foundation



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