OLMSTEAD UPDATES

News blog follows implementation of landmark 2014 federal consent decree that requires Rhode Island to remedy violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Supreme Court's Olmstead decision. Over ten years, Rhode Island must reinvent state services for citizens with developmental disabilities to give them opportunities for supportive employment and meaningful activities in their communities.

Rhode Island’s Advocates in Action, a non-profit educational organization aimed at empowering adults with disabilities to advocate for themselves, will sponsor a free informational session Thursday, March 30, on “Frequently Asked Questions” about federal and state-funded Medicaid services offered through the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Members of the organization’s current leadership class have surveyed recipients of developmental disability services on their primary concerns and will share the top questions and answers during the session, from 7 to 9 pm. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, according to a spokeswoman. The leadership class includes recipients of developmental disability services and individuals who support them.

Topics on the agenda include applying for services, finding a place to live, looking for a job, planning for supports, appealing decisions made by the state, and living in the community.

Pre-registration is not required, but those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by phone to 877-532-5543 (toll free) or by email to aina@advocatesinaction.org