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Use the "Days 'til Christmas" button to watch the countdown!!
It will be here before you know it!

We are in the Christmas spirit and are hoping you are too! The music, lights and the feeling of love and compassion are in the air. All of us at The Arc Rhode Island have been supporting the community all year long and are excited about our 2024 plan to continue offering resources and programs that benefit Rhode Island.

Our Mission, promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
With your help, we are working every day to build an inclusive future.

Our goal, to advocate, positively impact Rhode Island and spread awareness alongside you, your family, caregivers and friends.
Our organization relies on the community's generosity, donations and every newsletter and social media share!

Our wish, everyone subscribed to our newsletter will donate $10?
That amount donated by each of you will support our ability to communicate new and vital resources and programs, promote local partnerships, and share success stories from the community.

If every one of our 3,500+ subscribers donate just $10
we can continue sharing in the New Year 2024!
We are counting on all of you, please donate today!

During the holidays people come together to make a difference and grant Christmas wishes.
Please help make our wish come true! All of us at The Arc Rhode Island are passionate about what we do and showing us your Christmas spirit with a donation and a share lets us know we are included in your holiday thoughts, as you are in ours.
May all your Christmas Wishes Come True!

Sincerely and with gratitude,

- The Arc Rhode Island Staff
December
Bristol Santa House

For families, especially those with special needs, the Bristol Santa House provides a unique opportunity to make cherished memories. By creating an environment where children, regardless of any physical or mental challenges, can share their wishes with Santa Claus.
Wickford Village, RI

Story Time with Santa!
December 22 at 9:30am or 10:15am
December 23 at 10:45am or 11:30am
$12.00 per child
Spots are limited 🎄🎅

Holiday Light Shows - Multiple Dates in December!


Santa's Workshop at Pump House Music Works

December 23rd, 12:00pm to 4:00pm - Wakefield, RI 
Ornament and Cookie decorating, Face painting & meet Santa and his workshop elves!
Snowball Fight Dance Party for children 2-4pm.
Please bring non-perishable food items for our Jonnycake Center food drive!
Free entry, donations accepted ($5 suggested) Facebook Event Page

Mystic Village, CT




Holiday Flicks Streaming Now

This is a great link to find all the movies you and your family love to watch during the holidays... AND where they are streaming.
Spend less time searching and more time watching!
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Here are some fun worksheets for the kids!
We'd LOVE to see what you all create!
Snap a pic and post it to our social media.
Stay connected
with family and friends
this holiday season!
Take a look at the resources you may be eligible for that can help you save money and spend time connecting with your family and friends!
Learn More About Our Resources
What are the program benefits?
Service discount up to $30/month.
Service discount up to $75/month on qualifying Tribal lands.
Device discount up to $100 for a qualifying device.

How can I qualify?
You, or your child or dependent are enrolled in government programs like Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, or others, or,
based on your household income.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) launched on December 31, 2021, by the FCC. This longer-term program replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
Contact us for program information or
help with the application process.
(401) 294-2342 * www.ri.thearc.org
 Assistive Technology with ATAP
The Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) is designed as a statewide partnership of organizations, each with a targeted assistive technology focus, working together to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.
ATAP's main initiatives include:

  • Device Demonstration
  • Device Loan
  • Device Re-Use
  • Training, Public Awareness, Collaboration, Information & Referral

ATAP Partners include Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL), East Bay Educational Collaborative (EBEC), Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL), and TechACCESS of RI. Please take a minute to visit their websites listed to the left to see what services they offer.

Please visit their website at About ATAP | RI DHS Office of Rehabilitation Services, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the ATAP Program Director, Jennifer Fiske @ [email protected].
Follow Us!
College is possible for students with intellectual disability!
Learn more at the “Think Higher. Think College.” public awareness campaign website (www.ThinkHigherEd.net).
There’s a new video and extensive resources to support and expand college options for students with ID. The “Think Higher. Think College.” campaign is part of the Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network’s work to promote inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) opportunities for students with intellectual disability.
The goals of the campaign are to increase knowledge of inclusive college options, share information about the benefits and outcomes of students with intellectual disability attending college, and offer people ways to spread the message: “Think Higher. Think College."



Find & Follow
on Facebook
Since its founding, The Arc has advocated for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to have access to educational supports and services. The Arc was a driving force in the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975, which required schools for the first time to educate all students with disabilities. Now, through The Arc@School, The Arc provides training, and resources to help families and other stakeholders navigate the special education system.
Special Education Advocacy & Reform 
This group of volunteer parents are working with the Rhode Island Generally Assembly to make sure every child gets their entitlements.
Their focus is to support parents and help eliviate struggles many have within the school systems. The goal is to see every child benefit from: 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, (IDEA)
Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA)
Make Some Noise!
SPEAR is asking for a show of support. They are planning a HUGE rally to show the legislators we need to hear some good news! For the families and children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, (IDD) it is well overdue!
Parents and children who live this frustration everyday need all of us to
MAKE NOISE, the kind that legislation can't ignore!
Save the date January 17th @3:30
to rally at
The RI State House
for special education in RI

OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD!
For more information on the rally, gain parental support,
or to join SPEAR please Email SPEAR
OCR - Office for Civil Rights,
a division of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

This department enforces civil rights laws and health information privacy laws. A useful resource you may use to file a complaint with OCR if you feel that your rights were violated by a health care provider or government agency. You can find more information about filing a complaint with OCR by clicking the link below. If you need assistance, please email The Arc RI or SPEAR.
According to the OCR website, a complaint must:
-Be filed in writing by mail, fax, e-mail, or via the OCR Complaint Portal
-Name the health care or social service provider involved, and describe the acts or omissions, you believe violated civil rights laws or regulations.
-Be filed within 180 days of when you knew that the act or omission complained of occurred. OCR may extend the 180-day period if you can show “good cause.”