News

On June 13, 2013, the U.S. Department of  Justice (DOJ) announced that it had entered into an interim Settlement Agreement with the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence that will resolve violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for approximately 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The landmark agreement addresses the rights of people with disabilities to receive state and city-funded employment and daytime services in the broader community, rather than in segregated sheltered workshops and facility-based day programs exclusively with other people with disabilities. DOJ launched an investigation in January 2013 into Rhode Island's day activity service system for people with IDD. The department's initial investigation found that the majority of people receiving state and city-funded employment and daytime services through segregated programs can and want to work and receive services in more integrated community settings. Under the ADA people with disabilities have the right to receive services in the most integrated settings appropriate for them. 

Read the DOJ Press Release

Read the Settlement Agreement