Executive Summary
Rhode Island's 2008-2010 State Plan for Independent Living
Access this web site in French, German, Italian, Portuguese Spanish Alta Vista Translator - Click Here
In accordance with federal law, the Rhode Island Statewide Independent Living Council and the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services within the Department of Human Services develop, implement, and monitor Rhode Island's State Plan for Independent Living. The plan will be reviewed and revised not less than once every three years, to ensure the existence of the appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address, on a statewide and comprehensive basis, the needs in the State for:
(I) The provision of State independent living services;
(II) The development and support of a statewide network of centers for independent living; and
(III) Working relationships between programs providing independent living services and independent living centers, the vocational rehabilitation program, and other programs providing services for individuals with disabilities.
MISSION STATEMENT: To improve the lives of individuals with significant disabilities through implementing the Independent Living Philosophy.
Two goals will direct the State's independent living efforts through federal fiscal years 2008 through 2010.
Goal #1: Increase access to least restrictive environment, based on informed choice of consumer.
Objectives include:
a. to transition 75 individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes or other restrictive environments to community living.
b. to participate in the development of the Rhode Island Olmstead plan for least restrictive environment.
c. to increase access to community and achieve independent living goals though removing physical barriers in residences and though increasing access to assistive technologies.
Goal #2: Increase access to independent living services including health care for individuals with significant disabilities.
Objectives include:
a. to outreach to non-English speaking Hispanics with significant disabilities and their families.
b. To address barriers to independent living through the provision of Centers for Independent Living core services and increase access to transportation, communication, assistive technology, personal care assistants and other support services.