Rhode Island Hands & Voices

09/25/2026

Due to the storm coming this weekend, we’ve made the decision to reschedule our 5th Annual RI Hands & Voices Fall Bash. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the day safely! Our new date is Saturday, October 17th from 12:00–2:00 PM at Johnston Memorial Park. We’re so sorry for the change and hope to see everyone on October 17th!

09/18/2026

Our Fall Bash is almost here!!

Come hang out with RI Hands & Voices next Saturday! We’ll have a bouncy house, balloon artist, face painting, snacks, and magician Steve Weiner!

This is always such a fun day for our families and a chance for everyone to get together while the kids have a blast.

Saturday, September 26th from 11am-1pm at Johnston Memorial Park.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP. Hope to see you there!!

09/13/2026

What'sUpNewp: Celebrating Rhode Island’s deaf community

09/01/2026

08/13/2026

Mystic Aquarium and the American School for the Deaf are proud to partner for a special day celebrating the Deaf, hard-of-hearing and DeafBlind communities on Sunday, September 13th. Guests of all ages are invited to explore the Aquarium through accessible experiences, ASL interpretation and interactive opportunities designed to make discovery even more meaningful.

Featured accessible experiences include:
Walking ASL Classes
ASL Story Time
The first-ever California Sea Lion Show with live ASL and video interpretation
A live interactive feed of Belugas Count with researchers in Alaska
ASD Student Ambassadors alongside Mystic Aquarium docents
Community resources from organizations serving the Deaf, DeafBlind and hard-of-hearing communities
The unveiling of exhibits with ASL accessibility through QR codes

ASL interpreters will be provided by the American School for the Deaf. Event activities included with Aquarium general admission.

08/09/2026

We are beyond grateful to everyone who joined us for our fundraiser hosted by Terrazza Restaurant. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, we’re one step closer to launching our ASTRA Program, which will give even more support, resources, and opportunities to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing!!!!

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to so many people. To Terrazza Restaurant, for generously hosting this event and supporting our mission. To the amazing volunteer staff, who donated their time and worked so hard to make the day a success. To our talented face painter, for bringing smiles to so many little faces. To Blippi and our wonderful Deaf Princess Belle, for creating such a fun and memorable experience for the kids.

And most importantly, thank you to every single guest who showed up, donated, and cheered us on. Your generosity and kindness are what make this mission possible, plain and simple.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, and for their families too. We truly couldn’t do this without you.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! 🤟

06/27/2026

Hello RI Hands & Voices families & friends!

Join us for a morning filled with magic, delicious food, and unforgettable memories as we welcome Deaf Princess Belle! ✨

Your family will enjoy:
🎀 Meet & greet with Deaf Princess Belle
🎨 Face painting
🥞 Delicious brunch buffet
🌿 Gluten-free & dairy-free options available
🤟 ASL interpreter on site so everyone can fully participate!

📅 Sunday, August 2
🕘 9:00–10:30 AM
📍 Terrazza Restaurant
645 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI

🎟️ Just $20 per person!

Reserve your seats through OpenTable
https://www.opentable.com/restaurant/profile/186019?shareReferrer=ios-share

or text Megan at (802) 745-7383.

💙 Every ticket makes a difference. Proceeds directly support RI Hands & Voices’ mission of empowering families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing through connection, resources, and advocacy.

Can’t attend? We’d be so grateful if you’d consider making a donation linked below or sharing this event with friends and family. Your support helps us continue serving families across Rhode Island.

We hope to see you there for a magical morning! 🌹✨

Donations can be sent here:
https://www.venmo.com/u/Handsandvoicesri

06/20/2026

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it was moving its Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and moving its Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Together, these two federal offices are part of the foundation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). By disrupting that foundation, this action undermines the promise of special education that all children will receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.

While we oppose removing these critical functions from the Department of Education, we want you all to know that special education laws have not changed. The IDEA has not changed. Your rights and your children’s rights have not changed.

RIPIN’s commitment to families has not changed either. We are here for you, providing the same trusted peer support and guidance to help you navigate special education services and ensure your child can thrive. We are fully operational and not going anywhere.

We will continue to monitor developments and share updates as new information becomes available, including potential advocacy opportunities for parents and caregivers who want to bring their voices to the policy table to protect special education.

Thank you, as always, for your dedication to ensuring that all children have the support they need to thrive.