Services

Information & Referral (I&R)

DRRI operates nine (9) federal programs and provides a range of services from information about disability rights, referrals to other resources and legal advocacy within its mandates focus areas and available resources. If we cannot assist a caller with a specific issue because it is not one we handle or does not fall within our established priorities, we will provide information and referral resources.

Information and Referrals are provided to individuals who request assistance on disability-related issues that DRRI does not handle, have the resources to take, or are not within DRRI priority areas.

Please click here for Getting Help.  Click here for our Focus Areas.

Advocacy Assistance

Some callers may request advocacy assistance, in which a higher level of service is provided by DRRI than information and referral. Staff may provide short-term advocacy assistance and technical assistance to persons with disabilities.

Legal Representation

DRRI also provides representation to individuals to pursue legal remedies to advance and protect their civil and constitutional rights. Legal services are provided consistent with DRRI’s focus areas, objectives and selection criteria. Legal services include legal and administrative proceedings in state and federal courts. The emphasis of DRRI’s legal representation is on systemic change so as to benefit the most individuals.

Monitoring and Investigations

As the Protection and Advocacy system for Rhode Island, DRRI can investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities and monitor places where people with disabilities live, or receive services or education. This means DRRI has the right to go to these places and interview people with disabilities. DRRI can make sure their rights are being respected. If necessary, DRRI may investigate abuse and neglect.

If you would like to report an incident of abuse or neglect, on behalf of yourself or someone else, please click here for our online reporting form. Please note you can report abuse or neglect anonymously if you choose.

Training and Education

DRRI provides training and education for groups and organizations in Rhode Island on multiple topics pertinent to the rights of and protection for individuals with disabilities. These may include:

• DRRI’s Programs and Services
• Supported Decision Making
• Voting Rights and Registration
• Rights Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• The Client Assistance Program
• Assistive Technology
• Reasonable Accommodations in Employment and the Community

Training and Education on prioritized issues are available in response to requests made by organizations associated with the disability community, as resources permit.

Training and Presentation Evaluation Form

This is not an exhaustive list.  Please contact our office for your training or educational needs. We can also provide table materials and resources for your conference.