Professional & Social Organizations
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf
Iraida Williams, President
Rhode Island Chapter
20 Maribeth Drive
Johnston, RI 02919-5229
Email: riagbell@yahoo.com
Web site: www.riagbell.org
Summary: The Rhode Island Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the Rhode Island state chapter of a national organization supporting the development and use of aural/oral communication in deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Alumni Association of Rhode Island School for the Deaf
c/o Mary Lomastro
96 Rawlinson Drive
Coventry, RI 02816
(401) 828-6076 TTY
Email: lomastro@cox.net
Summary: The Alumni Association of Rhode Island School for the Deaf preserves the influence and prestige of the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, promotes closer ties between school and the alumni: scholarship fund to the Rhode Island School for the Deaf students.
Hearing Loss Association of Rhode Island
Tina Thompson and Ed Rawlings, Co-Coordinators
Sargent Rehabilitation Center
800 Quaker Lane
Warwick, RI 02818
(401) 886-6600 Voice/TTY
Email: CThom27062@aol.com
Web site: www.shhhsargent.org
Summary: Sargent Chapter, local affiliate of the Hearing Loss Association of America dedicated to the well-being of people of all ages and communication styles who do not hear well; holds monthly meetings designed so that participants can share social and communication experiences with one another.
Rhode Island Deaf Senior Citizens
Kevin Litif, President
Silver Lake Annex Community Center
529 Plainfield Street
Providence, RI 02909
(401) 944-8300 Voice
Email: shamrock4849@comcast.net
Patti Litif, Secretary
Summary: Rhode Island Deaf Senior Citizens provides and exists for the mutual association and social enjoyment of it members. The organization will support measures to better their condition and standing in society at large, and to strengthen their union and fellowship.
Providence Deaf Club
Allen E. Bradley, President
44 Owens Street
Warwick, RI 02889
Email: Boxerali97@aol.com
Summary: Providence area Deaf Club for social and recreational opportunities.
Rhode Island Association of the Deaf, Inc.
Todd Murano, President
P.O. Box 40853
Providence, RI 02940-0853
Email: riadprez@gmail.com
Web site: www.riadeaf.blogspot.com
Summary: The Mission of the Rhode Island Association of the Deaf is to advocate and facilitate changes in the quality of life for the Rhode Island Deaf community by working to improve awareness, conditions, and opportunities in these aspects of life: Civic, Economic, Social, Academic and Recreational.
Rhode Island Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RI RID)
Mary Ellen Baxter-Breen, President
PO BOX 20056
Cranston, RI 02920
Email: ririd_us@yahoo.com
Web site: www.ririd.org
Summary: The Rhode Island Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf provides international, national, state, and local forums and an organizational structure for the continued growth and development of the profession of interpretation and transliteration of American Sign Language and English.
Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Alan Gravell, President
P.O. Box 9241
Providence, RI 02940
(401) 455-7472
Email: ajceg@aol.com
Web site: www.risha.info
Summary: The Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association is a professional non-profit organization of Speech-Language Pathologists and audiologists. Our members work in schools, medical facilities, rehabilitation centers, early intervention programs, private practice, and universities, serving people of all ages who have communication disorders. Our membership is also open to interested professionals in related fields and students in communication disorders.
Employment Organizations
Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)
Stephen Brunero, Administrator
Vocational Rehabilitation
40 Fountain Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-7005 Voice
(401) 421-7016 TTY
(401) 222-3574 Fax
Email: steveb@ors.ri.gov
Web site: www.ors.ri.gov
Summary: The Office of Rehabilitation Services provide statewide vocational rehabilitation program to assist people with disabilities to choose, prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.
Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island
Jan Luby, Coordinator of Services for the Deaf
100 Houghton Street
Providence, RI 02904-1014
(401) 861-2080 ext 112 Voice
(401) 331-2830 TTY
(401) 454-0889 FAX
Email: JLuby@goodwillri.org
Web site: www.goodwillri.org
Summary: The Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island provides the following Deaf Vocational Programs/Services: Vocational Evaluation, training, referral to training, job search assistance, job coaching/interpreting and work related support services.
Independent Living Organizations
The Corliss Institute
Mary Wambach, Executive Director
292 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
(401) 245-2223 TTY
(401) 245-3609 Voice
(401) 245-9565 Fax
Email: mewambach@corliss.org
Web site: www.corliss.org
Summary: The Corliss Institute provides social and rehabilitative services to deaf persons with diverse disabilities in a manner which empowers them to live, learn and work successfully as integrated members of community.
Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
Lorna Ricci, Executive Director
1944 Warwick Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
(401) 738-1013 Voice
(401) 738-1015 TTY
(401) 738-1083 Fax
Email: lricci@oscil.org
Web site: www.oscil.org
Summary: The Ocean State Center for Independent Living provides peer support and counseling services, advocacy, skills training, information and referral to disabled individuals. Citizenship training for the Deaf and/or non-verbal. Smoke detector Program, Literacy Education.
PARI
Leo Canuel, Executive Director
Independent Square
500 Prospect Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 725-1966 Voice/TTY
(401) 725-2104 TTY
Email: leocanuel@pari_ilc.org
Web site: www.pari-ilc.org
Summary: PARI provides information and services to persons with disabilities, their families, service providers and the general public. The services included Information and Referral, Skills Training, Peer Counseling, Advocacy and Direct Service.
Perspectives Corporation
James Simon, LICSW
Clinical Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Perspectives Corporation
1130 Ten Rod Road
North Kingston, RI 02852
(401) 583-0086 TTY
(401) 294-8181 Voice
Email: Jsimon@perspectivescorportation.com
Web site: www.perspectivescorporation.com/dhoh.asp
Summary: Perspectives Corporation is a multifaceted, dynamic agency that has been providing support to people with disabilities since 1977. While the main office is located in North Kingstown, they support adults and children throughout the state of Rhode Island. Their creativity, flexibility, and commitment to providing excellent services have helped to make them one of the largest human service agencies in the state of Rhode Island.
Assistive Technology
Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL)
Denise Corson, Program Coordinator
Office of Rehabilitation Services
40 Fountain Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1679 TTY
(401) 421-7005 ext. 357 Voice
Email: DCorson@ors.ri.gov
Web site: www.RIATELprogram.org
Summary: The Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program provides equipment to Rhode Island residents who have hearing, speech, or neuromuscular impairment. All devices are loaned from the state free of charge.
State Agencies
Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Steve Florio, Executive Director
Department of Administration Building
One Capitol Hill, Ground Level
Providence, RI 02908-5850
Voice: (401) 222-1204
TTY: (401) 222-1205
Videophone: (401) 256-5511
Fax: (401) 222-5736
Email: cdhh@cdhh.ri.gov
Web site: www.cdhh.ri.gov
Summary: To provide innovative leadership in public policy, advocacy, service delivery and accessibility throughout the Ocean State, RI CDHH ensures opportunities for every deaf and hard of hearing person to become an empowered and contributing citizen.
Governor's Commission on Disabilities
Bob Cooper, Executive Secretary
John O. Pastore Center
41 Cherry Dale Court
Cranston, RI 02920-3049
(401) 462-0100 Voice
(401) 462-0101 TTY
(401) 462-0106 Fax
Email: disabilities@gcd.state.ri.us
Web site: www.disabilities.ri.gov
Summary: The Governor's Commission on Disabilities is responsible for ensuring state agencies comply with the state/federal disability rights laws. It is willing to be a mediator in solving disability discrimination complaints and to explore options for resolving the complaint.
Rhode Island Department of Health, Dept. of Licensure and Regulation
Mike Martineau, Administrator
Interpreter Licensure and Regulation
3 Capitol Hill- Room 104
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2828 (phone)
(401) 222-1272 (fax)
email: jmichel.martineau@health.ri.gov
Summary: The Board of Examiners for Interpreters for the Deaf acts in an advisory capacity to the Department of Health and to the Director of Health in all matters pertaining to the practice of the profession. The Board is responsible for the review and approval of applications for initial licensure, the formulation and promulgation of Rules and Regulations pertaining to the practice of the profession and for the overall exercise of disciplinary authority over all persons regulated under the statute.
Rhode Island State Courts
Gail Higgins Fogarty, ADA Deputy Coordinator
5 Hill Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 722-4059 Voice
Use 7-1-1 for Deaf users
(401) 721-2653 fax
Web site: www.courts.state.ri.us/ada/defaultada.htm (access to courts)
Web site: www.ricourts.com(general info about RI courts)
Summary: Rhode Island State Courts' Web site is to ensure everyone is able to participate in any legal proceedings in Rhode Island. Please check Web site above for Court Access.
Education
Rhode Island School for the Deaf (RISD)
Lori Dunsmore, Director
One Corliss Park
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3525 Voice
(401) 222-3888 TTY
(401) 222-6998 Fax
Web site: www.rideaf.net
Summary: The Rhode Island School for the Deaf provides a variety of professional services that enhance the fine educational program. The special services staff work with the teachers to help assess the needs of the students and implement the appropriate programs.
Substance Abuse/Treatment
Bridgemark Addiction Recovery Services
(Formerly Kent House)
Christine Harkins, Executive Director
2020 Elmwood Avenue
Warwick, RI 02888
Phone: 401-781-2700
Videophone: 1-866-730-9573
Email: info@bridgemark.org
Summary: Bridgemark Addiction Recovery Services offers Outpatients, individualized treatment, and Residential programs including comprehensive, individualized treatment with emphasis on 12 Step recovery involvement. Bridgemark also offers various recovery services for the D/deaf.
Hearing Screening
Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program (RIHAP)
Dr. Betty Vohr, M.D., Director
Women and Infants' Hospital
134 Thurber Avenue, Suite 215
Providence, RI 02905
(401) 277-3700 voice
(401) 277-3701 TTY
(401) 276-7813 fax
Web site: www.wihri.org
Email: rihap@wihri.org
Summary: RIHAP has provided state mandated hearing screenings for every infant born in Rhode Island. Every birthing hospital in Rhode Island participates in this program.
Rhode Island Department of Health's Hearing Assessment Program
Department of Health
Division of Family Health
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-4601 voice
Web site: www.health.ri.gov
Email: EllenA@health.ri.gov
Summary: RI Dept of Health provides resources on infant hearing screening programs.
Religion
Alpha & Omega Assembly of God
Reverend Seth Sorbal
13 Vandewater Street
Providence, RI 02908-1623
(508) 222-4422 TTY
(401) 751-0452 TTY Church
Summary: Alpha & Omega Assembly of God provides Sunday school, Worship service and Bible study.
Rhode Island Catholic Deaf Community Center
Rev. Joseph J. Bruce, SJ
1 Cathedral Square
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-5240 TTY
Email: jbruce@dioceseofprovidence.org
Summary: Rhode Island Catholic Deaf Community Center provides Sunday service and holds monthly social/meetings.
Deaf Dimensions, Inc.
Mary Earl, Producer
226 Villa Avenue
North Providence, RI 02904
Email: Deafdimensions@yahoo.com
Web site: www.deafdimensions.com
Summary: Cable television program.
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf
Iraida Williams, President
Rhode Island Chapter
20 Maribeth Drive
Johnston, RI 02919-5229
Email: riagbell@yahoo.com
Web site: www.riagbell.org
Summary: The Rhode Island Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the Rhode Island state chapter of a national organization supporting the development and use of aural/oral communication in deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Alumni Association of Rhode Island School for the Deaf
c/o Mary Lomastro
96 Rawlinson Drive
Coventry, RI 02816
(401) 828-6076 TTY
Email: lomastro@cox.net
Summary: The Alumni Association of Rhode Island School for the Deaf preserves the influence and prestige of the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, promotes closer ties between school and the alumni: scholarship fund to the Rhode Island School for the Deaf students.
Hearing Loss Association of Rhode Island
Tina Thompson and Ed Rawlings, Co-Coordinators
Sargent Rehabilitation Center
800 Quaker Lane
Warwick, RI 02818
(401) 886-6600 Voice/TTY
Email: CThom27062@aol.com
Web site: www.shhhsargent.org
Summary: Sargent Chapter, local affiliate of the Hearing Loss Association of America dedicated to the well-being of people of all ages and communication styles who do not hear well; holds monthly meetings designed so that participants can share social and communication experiences with one another.
Rhode Island Deaf Senior Citizens
Kevin Litif, President
Silver Lake Annex Community Center
529 Plainfield Street
Providence, RI 02909
(401) 944-8300 Voice
Email: shamrock4849@comcast.net
Patti Litif, Secretary
Summary: Rhode Island Deaf Senior Citizens provides and exists for the mutual association and social enjoyment of it members. The organization will support measures to better their condition and standing in society at large, and to strengthen their union and fellowship.
Providence Deaf Club
Allen E. Bradley, President
44 Owens Street
Warwick, RI 02889
Email: Boxerali97@aol.com
Summary: Providence area Deaf Club for social and recreational opportunities.
Rhode Island Association of the Deaf, Inc.
Todd Murano, President
P.O. Box 40853
Providence, RI 02940-0853
Email: riadprez@gmail.com
Web site: www.riadeaf.blogspot.com
Summary: The Mission of the Rhode Island Association of the Deaf is to advocate and facilitate changes in the quality of life for the Rhode Island Deaf community by working to improve awareness, conditions, and opportunities in these aspects of life: Civic, Economic, Social, Academic and Recreational.
Rhode Island Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RI RID)
Mary Ellen Baxter-Breen, President
PO BOX 20056
Cranston, RI 02920
Email: ririd_us@yahoo.com
Web site: www.ririd.org
Summary: The Rhode Island Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf provides international, national, state, and local forums and an organizational structure for the continued growth and development of the profession of interpretation and transliteration of American Sign Language and English.
Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Alan Gravell, President
P.O. Box 9241
Providence, RI 02940
(401) 455-7472
Email: ajceg@aol.com
Web site: www.risha.info
Summary: The Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association is a professional non-profit organization of Speech-Language Pathologists and audiologists. Our members work in schools, medical facilities, rehabilitation centers, early intervention programs, private practice, and universities, serving people of all ages who have communication disorders. Our membership is also open to interested professionals in related fields and students in communication disorders.
Employment Organizations
Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)
Stephen Brunero, Administrator
Vocational Rehabilitation
40 Fountain Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-7005 Voice
(401) 421-7016 TTY
(401) 222-3574 Fax
Email: steveb@ors.ri.gov
Web site: www.ors.ri.gov
Summary: The Office of Rehabilitation Services provide statewide vocational rehabilitation program to assist people with disabilities to choose, prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.
Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island
Jan Luby, Coordinator of Services for the Deaf
100 Houghton Street
Providence, RI 02904-1014
(401) 861-2080 ext 112 Voice
(401) 331-2830 TTY
(401) 454-0889 FAX
Email: JLuby@goodwillri.org
Web site: www.goodwillri.org
Summary: The Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island provides the following Deaf Vocational Programs/Services: Vocational Evaluation, training, referral to training, job search assistance, job coaching/interpreting and work related support services.
Independent Living Organizations
The Corliss Institute
Mary Wambach, Executive Director
292 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
(401) 245-2223 TTY
(401) 245-3609 Voice
(401) 245-9565 Fax
Email: mewambach@corliss.org
Web site: www.corliss.org
Summary: The Corliss Institute provides social and rehabilitative services to deaf persons with diverse disabilities in a manner which empowers them to live, learn and work successfully as integrated members of community.
Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
Lorna Ricci, Executive Director
1944 Warwick Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
(401) 738-1013 Voice
(401) 738-1015 TTY
(401) 738-1083 Fax
Email: lricci@oscil.org
Web site: www.oscil.org
Summary: The Ocean State Center for Independent Living provides peer support and counseling services, advocacy, skills training, information and referral to disabled individuals. Citizenship training for the Deaf and/or non-verbal. Smoke detector Program, Literacy Education.
PARI
Leo Canuel, Executive Director
Independent Square
500 Prospect Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 725-1966 Voice/TTY
(401) 725-2104 TTY
Email: leocanuel@pari_ilc.org
Web site: www.pari-ilc.org
Summary: PARI provides information and services to persons with disabilities, their families, service providers and the general public. The services included Information and Referral, Skills Training, Peer Counseling, Advocacy and Direct Service.
Perspectives Corporation
James Simon, LICSW
Clinical Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Perspectives Corporation
1130 Ten Rod Road
North Kingston, RI 02852
(401) 583-0086 TTY
(401) 294-8181 Voice
Email: Jsimon@perspectivescorportation.com
Web site: www.perspectivescorporation.com/dhoh.asp
Summary: Perspectives Corporation is a multifaceted, dynamic agency that has been providing support to people with disabilities since 1977. While the main office is located in North Kingstown, they support adults and children throughout the state of Rhode Island. Their creativity, flexibility, and commitment to providing excellent services have helped to make them one of the largest human service agencies in the state of Rhode Island.
Assistive Technology
Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL)
Denise Corson, Program Coordinator
Office of Rehabilitation Services
40 Fountain Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1679 TTY
(401) 421-7005 ext. 357 Voice
Email: DCorson@ors.ri.gov
Web site: www.RIATELprogram.org
Summary: The Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program provides equipment to Rhode Island residents who have hearing, speech, or neuromuscular impairment. All devices are loaned from the state free of charge.
State Agencies
Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Steve Florio, Executive Director
Department of Administration Building
One Capitol Hill, Ground Level
Providence, RI 02908-5850
Voice: (401) 222-1204
TTY: (401) 222-1205
Videophone: (401) 256-5511
Fax: (401) 222-5736
Email: cdhh@cdhh.ri.gov
Web site: www.cdhh.ri.gov
Summary: To provide innovative leadership in public policy, advocacy, service delivery and accessibility throughout the Ocean State, RI CDHH ensures opportunities for every deaf and hard of hearing person to become an empowered and contributing citizen.
Governor's Commission on Disabilities
Bob Cooper, Executive Secretary
John O. Pastore Center
41 Cherry Dale Court
Cranston, RI 02920-3049
(401) 462-0100 Voice
(401) 462-0101 TTY
(401) 462-0106 Fax
Email: disabilities@gcd.state.ri.us
Web site: www.disabilities.ri.gov
Summary: The Governor's Commission on Disabilities is responsible for ensuring state agencies comply with the state/federal disability rights laws. It is willing to be a mediator in solving disability discrimination complaints and to explore options for resolving the complaint.
Rhode Island Department of Health, Dept. of Licensure and Regulation
Mike Martineau, Administrator
Interpreter Licensure and Regulation
3 Capitol Hill- Room 104
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2828 (phone)
(401) 222-1272 (fax)
email: jmichel.martineau@health.ri.gov
Summary: The Board of Examiners for Interpreters for the Deaf acts in an advisory capacity to the Department of Health and to the Director of Health in all matters pertaining to the practice of the profession. The Board is responsible for the review and approval of applications for initial licensure, the formulation and promulgation of Rules and Regulations pertaining to the practice of the profession and for the overall exercise of disciplinary authority over all persons regulated under the statute.
Rhode Island State Courts
Gail Higgins Fogarty, ADA Deputy Coordinator
5 Hill Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 722-4059 Voice
Use 7-1-1 for Deaf users
(401) 721-2653 fax
Web site: www.courts.state.ri.us/ada/defaultada.htm (access to courts)
Web site: www.ricourts.com(general info about RI courts)
Summary: Rhode Island State Courts' Web site is to ensure everyone is able to participate in any legal proceedings in Rhode Island. Please check Web site above for Court Access.
Education
Rhode Island School for the Deaf (RISD)
Lori Dunsmore, Director
One Corliss Park
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3525 Voice
(401) 222-3888 TTY
(401) 222-6998 Fax
Web site: www.rideaf.net
Summary: The Rhode Island School for the Deaf provides a variety of professional services that enhance the fine educational program. The special services staff work with the teachers to help assess the needs of the students and implement the appropriate programs.
Substance Abuse/Treatment
Bridgemark Addiction Recovery Services
(Formerly Kent House)
Christine Harkins, Executive Director
2020 Elmwood Avenue
Warwick, RI 02888
Phone: 401-781-2700
Videophone: 1-866-730-9573
Email: info@bridgemark.org
Summary: Bridgemark Addiction Recovery Services offers Outpatients, individualized treatment, and Residential programs including comprehensive, individualized treatment with emphasis on 12 Step recovery involvement. Bridgemark also offers various recovery services for the D/deaf.
Hearing Screening
Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program (RIHAP)
Dr. Betty Vohr, M.D., Director
Women and Infants' Hospital
134 Thurber Avenue, Suite 215
Providence, RI 02905
(401) 277-3700 voice
(401) 277-3701 TTY
(401) 276-7813 fax
Web site: www.wihri.org
Email: rihap@wihri.org
Summary: RIHAP has provided state mandated hearing screenings for every infant born in Rhode Island. Every birthing hospital in Rhode Island participates in this program.
Rhode Island Department of Health's Hearing Assessment Program
Department of Health
Division of Family Health
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-4601 voice
Web site: www.health.ri.gov
Email: EllenA@health.ri.gov
Summary: RI Dept of Health provides resources on infant hearing screening programs.
Religion
Alpha & Omega Assembly of God
Reverend Seth Sorbal
13 Vandewater Street
Providence, RI 02908-1623
(508) 222-4422 TTY
(401) 751-0452 TTY Church
Summary: Alpha & Omega Assembly of God provides Sunday school, Worship service and Bible study.
Rhode Island Catholic Deaf Community Center
Rev. Joseph J. Bruce, SJ
1 Cathedral Square
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-5240 TTY
Email: jbruce@dioceseofprovidence.org
Summary: Rhode Island Catholic Deaf Community Center provides Sunday service and holds monthly social/meetings.
Deaf Dimensions, Inc.
Mary Earl, Producer
226 Villa Avenue
North Providence, RI 02904
Email: Deafdimensions@yahoo.com
Web site: www.deafdimensions.com
Summary: Cable television program.
Organizational links provided by the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH)
To provide updated information to the links above, please contact ririd_us@yahoo.com
To provide updated information to the links above, please contact ririd_us@yahoo.com
