RIDDC

10/08/2025

Rhode Island has passed the Purple Alert Bill. Similar to an Amber or Silver Alert, it notifies the public to help quickly locate a missing adult with developmental disabilities.

You can read more here: https://riddc.org/rhode-island-passes-purple-alert-law-to-protect-adults-with-disabilities/

09/25/2025

Check out the highlights of last night's RIDDC quarterly meeting...or see what you missed.https://riddc.org/riddc-quarterly-meeting-highlights-innovative-peer-supports-program/

09/25/2025

Our Executive Director Kevin Nerney was the special guest on Law Matters, with attorney David Bazar and host Deb Morais. They discussed the critical tools families can use to protect the financial security and public benefits of loved ones with disabilities.

The episode covers:

- The role of Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) in preserving benefits while providing for supplemental needs.
- The differences between SSDI and SSI and how asset rules affect eligibility.
- The distinctions between First-Party, Third-Party, and Pooled Trusts, and when each may be appropriate.
- How the SECURE Act affects retirement accounts and how planning with an SNT can preserve tax advantages.
- The growing importance of ABLE Accounts as a flexible, tax-advantaged savings tool for people with disabilities.

Whether you’re a parent planning for a child’s future, an individual with a disability navigating benefits, or a professional advising families, this episode provides clear guidance on complex but vital planning strategies.

You can watch the full episode here:

09/16/2025

Read the follow-up story on the Citizens' 2025 Champion in Action Award in Providence Business News here:

KEVIN NERNEY is the executive director of the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council, a Warwick-based disabilities and support services nonprofit that was recently named Citizens Bank N.A.’s 2025 Champion in Action. The council was recognized for its work in building career pathways for i...

09/10/2025

Stay tuned! Our executive director, Kevin Nerney, will be on an episode of "The Law Matters" in the discussion about Special Needs Trusts and the value of Able accounts. We'll post as soon as the episode is available.

07/25/2025

A heartfelt thank you!!! The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC), and its Self-Employment Business Incubator are proud to be the selected recipient of a $50,000 grant from Citizens through their Champions in Action program, in conjunction with NBC 10 WJAR . The unrestricted funding, volunteer and promotional support will enable us to provide direct mini-grants to entrepreneurs with disabilities to support the start-up and growth of their small businesses, create and launch an elevator pitch contest, track and share data on the economic contributions of entrepreneurs with disabilities through a public infographic, and support essential staffing and administrative needs - all to help build a more inclusive workforce and improve the financial futures of people with disabilities across Rhode Island, creating meaningful change for the individuals and communities we serve We’re thrilled to continue working together to create positive change!

Watch for more highlights of the event- coming soon!

07/08/2025

Happy to share the news - there's a party, and you're invited.

Don't forget. There's a party. Saturday, July 12, 6-9pm.

06/16/2025

Happy to share news of the upcoming RAMP event. For more information about and buy tickets for Accessibility is Beautiful Event JULY 26, check out this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/accessibility-is-beautiful-2025-tickets-1273674928999

06/12/2025

At last night's Quarterly Council Meeting, we welcomed guest speakers Allegra Scharff Rhode Island Department of Health's Chief of Healthcare Equity and James Rajotte, Director of Strategy & Innovation at Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services for a presentation and update on the Olmstead Plan, followed by a lively Q&A. And, Katie and Claudia Lowe Cheetah Greetings shared the highlights of the National Down Syndrome Society Conference they participated in on April 30. Executive Director Kevin Nerney presented the reorganization structure of the council...followed by an invitation to join ad hoc committees. As always, food and fellowship followed. See more...

05/27/2025

All of us are so proud of Deanne!

04/30/2025

Following up on the RIDDC's Washington trip to meet with our legislators, Rep. Seth Magaziner held a press conference at OSCIL to continue the discussion onthe importance of Medicaid. Watch here:

Following the RIDDC's efforts in Washington to promote awareness of the critical importance of continuing Medicaid, RIDDC invited Rep. Set h Magaziner to spe...