RIPIN

RIPIN RIPIN helps Rhode Islanders of all ages and abilities access health care and education. This peer model continues to be at the heart of our work.

RIPIN was established in 1991 by a passionate group of parents of children with special needs. These parents recognized that by sharing key information and supporting each other, they could help each other find the resources they needed for their loved ones. Today, more than three-quarters of our staff are PEER PROFESSIONALS who have personal experience caring for a loved one with special health c

are or education needs. RIPIN’s programs and services are rooted in the peer-to-peer model of support, education and empowerment, where a professional peer with personal experience assists others in the capacity of a mentor, advocate, and motivator. RIPIN has certified 67 employees as Community Health Worker(CHW), representing over 75% of certified CHWs in the state. With national recognition for its model, RIPIN’s peer CHWs are part of patient-centered medical home settings, physicians’ offices as well as primary and secondary educational settings across the state.

09/09/2026

What does it take to build a life filled with friendship, belonging and meaningful connection?

Join PLAN RI and the Sherlock Center for Building Networks for Life, a new workshop and film series exploring loneliness, belonging and relationships for people with disabilities.

Through interactive workshops and films, we’ll talk about what makes connection meaningful and explore practical ways to build friendships, strengthen social networks and create more opportunities to participate in community life.

🎬 First up:
“What’s Worth Doing” Workshop
📅 Thursday, Sept. 10 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
This hybrid workshop explores what makes activities and relationships meaningful and how we can create more opportunities for people with disabilities to connect and participate in their communities. Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/3V7Xc97

“Lars and the Real Girl” Film Screening
📅 Thursday, Sept. 24 | 5:30–9 p.m.
Join us for a screening of this PG-13 film about loneliness, connection and the ways communities can respond when someone is struggling to find a sense of belonging. Everyone is welcome, even if you didn’t attend the workshop. Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/45XvzlB

The series is designed for people with disabilities, family members, caregivers and professionals who support individuals and families with disabilities.

Falls can happen to anyone, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and stay independent. When you particip...
09/02/2026

Falls can happen to anyone, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and stay independent. When you participate in RIPIN's Falls Prevention Program, you'll receive a FREE toolkit designed to help you:
✅ Understand your fall risk
✅ Set personal goals
✅ Access practical safety tips and resources

Using the Ready, Steady, Go! approach, the toolkit supports a safer, stronger, and more confident lifestyle.

Learn more: ripin.org/fallsprevention

09/01/2026

Join our FREE Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy webinar on September 10 at 6 PM and gain practical tools to navigate special education, communicate with school teams, and support your child's success.

✨ Free to attend ✨ Recording available for registrants

🔗 Register here: https://ow.ly/CkBn50ZHhJ5

Your experiences matter. If you're a parent or caregiver of a child with special health care needs or disabilities, we'd...
08/27/2026

Your experiences matter. If you're a parent or caregiver of a child with special health care needs or disabilities, we'd love to hear from you. Take a few minutes to share your experiences, priorities, and ideas through our Family Engagement Survey.

Take the survey in English: https://ow.ly/R32r50ZFFry

en español
Tus experiencias son importantes. Si eres padre, madre o cuidador de un niño con necesidades médicas especiales o discapacidades, nos encantaría conocer tu opinión. Dedica unos minutos a compartir tus experiencias, prioridades e ideas a través de nuestra encuesta sobre participación familiar.

Rellena la encuesta en español: https://ow.ly/GNht50ZFFru

08/26/2026

As part of RIPIN's 35 stories for 35 years, we're highlighting staff whose lived experience shapes the way they support families every day. 💙

As back‑to‑school season begins, Katie's story reminds us why special education advocacy matters. She came to RIPIN nearly 8 years ago — and it was here that she learned her own daughter had a disability. Walking through the 504 process herself gave her firsthand understanding of how overwhelming it can be.

Now, she helps other parents and caregivers do the same.

"I'm really grateful that I have the opportunity every day to support parents and my colleagues as they navigate the same systems."
— Katie Conti

This is what lived experience in action looks like.

08/25/2026

A sweet break for an extraordinary team. 🍦

Celebrating National CHW Awareness Week with Palagi Brothers Ice Cream & Frozen Lemonade Trucks and Jack Reed ⚓️ while recognizing the RIPIN CHWs who support Rhode Islanders every day.

Celebrating National CHW Awareness Week at RIPIN with Palagi Brothers Ice Cream & Frozen Lemonade Trucks and special gue...
08/25/2026

Celebrating National CHW Awareness Week at RIPIN with Palagi Brothers Ice Cream & Frozen Lemonade Trucks and special guest Jack Reed ⚓️. 🍨

Thank you CHWs for showing up, building trust, and helping Rhode Islanders connect to the care and resources they need.

08/25/2026

Rhode Island families: Did you know there are new changes to the IEP process? Watch the highlights and download our fact sheet for more information.

📄 https://ow.ly/hkYI50ZEXQH

Looking for tools that can make self-direction a little easier? Join us for Inside the Self-Directed Support Toolkit on ...
08/24/2026

Looking for tools that can make self-direction a little easier? Join us for Inside the Self-Directed Support Toolkit on August 25 at 6 PM on Zoom and discover updated resources, forms, templates, and practical tools that can help you stay organized and navigate common self-direction challenges.

Register here: ripin.tfaforms.net/5131978?campaignnumber=701Qk00000oU92h

08/18/2026

As part of our 35‑story journey, we’re highlighting staff who bring empathy and experience into their work.

Cris knows what it means to be in crisis — and now walks alongside families facing the same challenges with compassion and strength.

Address

300 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 300
Warwick, RI
02888

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14012700101

Website

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