Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)

12/19/2025

Join RIPIN on January 14 for a virtual workshop on Parental Rights in Rhode Island’s Special Education System. This session will walk parents and caregivers through the special education process—from referral and evaluation to IEPs and dispute resolution—so you can navigate the system with confidence and effectively advocate for your student.

🗓 January 14
💻 Virtual (Zoom)
📝 Registration required: ripin.tfaforms.net/5131978?campaignnumber=701Qk00000Vn3pR

Please share with families who may benefit!

12/19/2025

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

12/17/2025

Join the Protect Independent Living Campaign!

Learn more / donate: https://bit.ly/48HxsoA

For over 40 years, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) has worked to ensure that people with disabilities have the same right as anyone else: to live independently, in their own homes, and as part of their communities.

Today, that right faces new uncertainty. Shifts in federal funding and oversight have created instability for the nationwide network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs).

These organizations provide critical services and advocacy every day, helping people transition out of institutions, securing housing, making homes accessible, providing peer mentoring, and ensuring access to healthcare, education, and employment.

When funding is disrupted, lives are disrupted. Without support, people risk losing their independence, being forced into costly institutions, or going without essential services.

That’s why NCIL is launching the Protect IL Campaign. This campaign will defend the infrastructure that makes supports and service delivery possible and stronger.

Together, we can protect what matters most: the freedom of every person with a disability to live in their own home, make their own choices, and participate fully in community life.

Join us. Protect Independent Living.

Image: Protect Independent Living Logo features a black umbrella. Beneath, the National Council on Independent Living logo features a multi-colored fingerprint.

12/17/2025

Thursday is our holiday event with our friends at Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition and this year joining us is the MAE Organization! Food, gifts, Santa, and community. ❤️

12/17/2025

Self-directed community — we want to hear from YOU! 💬 There’s still time to share your ideas for the 2026 Self-Directed Support Conference. Your input helps us build a conference that reflects real experiences, real challenges, and real strengths within Rhode Island’s self-directed support community.

👉 Take the survey by Dec. 19: bit.ly/sdsconferencesurvey

📅 Save the Date
March 20, 2026 | 10am–2pm
DoubleTree by Hilton, Warwick, RI
Free for individuals, families, caregivers & professionals.

🗓 Registration Opens:
• Jan 2 – for self-directing individuals, families & DSPs
• Feb 2 – for professionals

📣 Exhibitors: Tabling is now open!
Organizations can reserve a table for $100, covering event space and setup — and directly supporting RIPIN’s work with the self-directed community.

Thank you for helping shape a meaningful, empowering 2026 conference! 💙

12/17/2025

Public Update re: Brown University incident

The Commission is aware of the 12:00 PM public update today related to the Brown University incident and continues to monitor accessibility.

We are working with state and city partners to ensure consistent ASL access during public briefings. We will monitor developments over the next 24–48 hours and share updates as appropriate.

12/16/2025

When communities experience loss and tragedy, our support for one another is more important than ever. NAMI Rhode Island is committed to providing support for its neighbors directly and indirectly affected by the senseless acts of violence at Brown University. In addition to our regularly scheduled support groups, we have reached out to trusted partners to provide additional resources to those in need. Visit https://namirhodeisland.org/communitycrisissupport/ for free crisis support resources and links.

12/16/2025

12/16/2025

Come check it out! Ice Skating Schedule School Break Week December 2025 @ the Greenwood Credit Union Outdoor Event Center! Additional skate times have been added for the school break week. Food Trucks will be onsite for purchase of food & hot beverages. Fire pits and space heaters will be roaring to help keep you warm while you watch others skate, wait for your skate time or while having a bite to eat. Please share this schedule with family and friends. Mayor Frank Picozzi Warwick RI Tourism Department Warwick Public Library Pilgrim Senior Center Warwick Figure Skaters Warwick Police Department

12/12/2025

We are sharing information about a free community holiday dinner happening in East Providence!

The 10th Annual Christmas Community Dinner will take place on Wednesday, December 25th from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Santa Maria Club, 846 Broadway, East Providence, RI.

Guests can enjoy a homemade turkey dinner, dessert, and holiday cheer. Donated winter clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation will also be available.

📞 For more information, please contact 401-378-4102.

Please note: OSCIL is not hosting this event, but we are happy to help spread the word about this wonderful opportunity for community connection during the holiday season.