RIPIN

06/23/2026

Call Congress on June 25! Tell Rhode Island’s delegation to protect special education and keep OSERS in the U.S. Department of Education.

Last week, we shared concerns about moving OSERS, which oversees IDEA, out of the U.S. Department of Education. Your rights have not changed, but this shift could disrupt services and weaken protections for students with disabilities.

📢 Be ready to call on Thursday and share this post to help spread the word.

📞Sen. Reed: (401) 943-3100
📞Sen. Whitehouse: (401) 453-5294
📞Rep. Magaziner: (401) 244-1201
📞Rep. Amo: (401) 729-5600

🔗Full message and suggested script: bit.ly/4eLqhOa

06/19/2026

This Juneteenth, we honor the enduring legacy of freedom, resilience, and joy in the Black community. At RIPIN, our Racial Justice Steering Committee remains committed to advancing equity and inclusion in everything we do, through ongoing learning, meaningful action, and the support we provide every day.

As we commemorate this important day, our offices will be closed in reflection of our shared history and our continued responsibility to build a more just and equitable future for all. ✊🏾

06/17/2026

With the 2026 legislative session wrapping up, thank you to everyone who spoke up and took action to strengthen the systems that so many of our friends, neighbors, and families rely on.

Together, we secured key wins, including funding for the Duals Ombudsman, expanded Early Intervention access, improved health coverage affordability, and protecting critical programs in the state budget.

Special thank you to the sponsors of RIPIN’s legislative priority bills, and to Speaker Christopher Blazejewski, Senate President Valerie Lawson, and Governor Dan McKee for championing the interests of Rhode Islanders.

We’re also grateful to: Representative Evan Shanley, Senator Louis DiPalma, Senator Bridget Valverde, Representative Tina Spears, Representative Teresa Tanzi, Senator Pamela Lauria, Representative Susan Donovan, and Representative June Speakman.

06/17/2026

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.

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

As RIPIN celebrates 35 stories for 35 years, we’re spotlighting leaders shaped by lived experience. June is all about parent leadership through RIPIN’s Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) — where lived experience becomes action.

Mallory’s story shows what’s possible when parents step into leadership. “Seeing my cohort move forward empowers me to think, ‘I can do hard things too.’” — Mallory Pacheco

🚨 The next PLTI cohort is now accepting applications (in partnership with Rhode Island Department of Health).
Take the next step — apply today: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/T1qQa1aTmS

Deadline July 15 | Starts August 15

06/14/2026

RIPIN’s Falls Prevention Program helps Rhode Islanders build strength, improve balance, and stay independent. Our video series shows simple exercises and safe fall recovery techniques you can use at home.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more and enroll in the program today.
🔗 Learn more: ripin.org/fallsprevention
▶️ Watch the videos: youtube.com/

06/09/2026

For 35 years, parents have led change through RIPIN — and we’re celebrating 35 stories for 35 years. This month, we’re highlighting parent leaders through RIPIN’s Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI).

Diane’s journey shows how advocacy can become action — advancing dignity and accessibility across Rhode Island.

“PLTI helped me find my voice and understand just how important that voice can be.”
— Diane Silva

🚨 The next PLTI cohort is now accepting applications (in partnership with Rhode Island Department of Health). Turn your experience into impact: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/T1qQa1aTmS

Apply by July 15 | Cohort begins August 15

RI Head Start Association

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month from RIPIN! 🏳️‍🌈 This June, we celebrate the resilience, joy, and advocacy of LGBTQ+ communities and honor the ongoing work toward equality and belonging for all. Together, we celebrate inclusion and stand with PRIDE this month and every month.