INFORMATION and RESOURCES
Parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs have a passion for obtaining the information they need to support their children's learning and improve their health and education outcomes. RI Parent Information Network has been a  critical resource to parents for over twenty-five years . This monthly email provides details to upcoming events, workshops, articles and website links, along with transition to adulthood and military resources. We're centrally located at  RI Parent Information Network, 1210 Pontiac Avenue in Cranston, RI.

We are thankful to our sponsor who supported RIPIN's 3rd Annual Breakfast which took place on June 1st. Please visit our Facebook page for a video of the awards ceremony and photos from the event.
Parent Leadership Training 
Providence Public Schools

For the 4th year in a row, RIPIN had the wonderful opportunity to offer our Parent Leadership Training (PLT) in collaboration with Janet Pichardo, Director of Family and Community Engagement and the Providence Public School District (PPSD). Director Pichardo's overall goal is to increase parent engagement in PPSD by identifying and developing parent leaders at all 41 schools in the district. These leaders then work with their district and community to help parents become more engaged with their schools.
 
For districts interested in more information about RIPIN's Parent Leadership Training, please contact Lori Barden, Community Education Coordinator, by email or call 401-270-0101 x154.
Special Education Advisory Committee 
Parent Leadership Training

S ince 2011, RIPIN has offered an exciting training opportunity for school districts. Rhode Island has always valued home and school collaboration at the local level and shows its commitment to parent involvement by mandating the establishment of local special education parent advisory committees through state statute. Rhode Island's legal requirement gives all districts the responsibility and authority to ensure parents have the opportunity to be involved.  
  
If you're able to answer "yes" to the following questions, please contact your district's Special Education Director and learn how to become involved with your Local Advisory Committee on Special Education:
  • Am I able to set aside the needs of my own child and look at the "big picture" in my district?
  • Do I have strengths or skills that would be valuable to this committee?
  • Can I commit the necessary time?
  • Am I able to help lead a group that advises and provides guidance to my district in helping children with disabilities?
  • Could my participation make a difference for children with disabilities and their families in creating a collaborative school environment in my district?
For more information, Special Educators are encouraged to  contact us.
Great Online Resources! 

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RIPIN offers a wide variety of interactive workshops and training opportunities. Our experienced presenters offer information and support to all Rhode Islanders and the professionals who work with them.
RIPIN provides direct assistance to families and youth with disabilities of transition age (14-26) in understanding the transition process and their rights. Providing resources, education and training, RIPIN helps youth in transition understand their rights and the process of moving to new programs and services.
RIPIN offers both  national and state resources,  along with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), reference guides, and tool kits for families of students with disabilities and the professionals who work with them.
Established over 25 years ago, RIPIN a 501(c)3 non-profit helps thousands of Rhode Islanders every year turn challenging situations into opportunities to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. Through health care coordination, health and education programs, and community outreach services, RIPIN peers work side by side with individuals and families to help them navigate complex systems of care.  
Rhode Island Parent Information Network
1210 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920 | 401.270.0101 | www.ripin.org
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