Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities / RI College

10/08/2026

We took community mapping to the streets of Apponaug at our September Self-Directed Supports Network meeting! In partnership with RIPIN, we met at the Warwick Center for the Arts to learn how to discover resources in the local community, then headed out into the neighborhood to explore.

The community mapping walk gave participants a chance to put the ideas from the meeting into practice. We wrapped up the day at Warwick City Hall Plaza for the city’s Fall Apple Fest.

Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make it a fun day of connecting with the community!

09/19/2026

🎬 What can a community do when someone is struggling to find a sense of belonging?

Join us next week for an in-person screening of “Lars and the Real Girl” as part of the Building Networks for Life Series.

Starring Ryan Gosling (pictured here at the film’s 2007 premiere), Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner and Patricia Clarkson, this film explores loneliness, connection and the unexpected ways a community can make space for someone who experiences the world differently.

📅 Thursday, Sept. 24 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.

The movie is rated PG-13 and is open to everyone; you don’t need to attend the workshops to join us for the film. Popcorn and light refreshments will be served.

Directions and a parking pass will be provided to those who register here: https://bit.ly/3UPeoQZ

09/16/2026

Join us at the National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island’s 56th Annual State Convention next month in Warwick.

The Sherlock Center is one of many exhibitors participating in a resource fair from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. It’s free to attend, but registration is required. A workshop tailored for those who own smart glasses will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Events on Saturday, Oct. 3, run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include workshops, presentations on travel and accessible street crossings, voting rights information, technology demonstrations and more. Attend in person for $45 or on Zoom for $10.

Learn more and register for both days here: https://bit.ly/4xy4L6O.

09/15/2026

Join us in Apponaug this Saturday for a community mapping experience! Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/46D2Na0

This month, we’re taking the Self-Directed Supports Network into the community!

Join us, in partnership with RIPIN, to explore the people, places, services and resources that make up our communities and learn how to find and build connections in the places where we live.

📅 Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10 a.m.–noon

We’ll spend the first hour in learning about community mapping in person at Warwick Center for the Arts (pictured) and on Zoom. Then, our in-person group will hit the streets of Apponaug to put it into practice. We’ll wrap up our morning at Fall Apple Fest at Warwick City Hall Plaza, with live music, vendors, children’s activities and food trucks.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/46D2Na0

09/09/2026

Youth ages 5 to 17 with visual impairments are invited to participate in new pilot program focused on adaptive surfing run by a professor at University of Rhode Island.

The free, five-week adaptive surf therapy program will run on Saturdays from Sept. 12 to Oct. 10 at Narragansett Town Beach. No swimming experience is required, and individualized support, wetsuits and safety equipment will be provided.

Participants will:
• Take part in adapted surf therapy
• Complete physical movement and activity assessments
• Share their experiences through questionnaires and reflection

Volunteers are also welcome. Learn more about the study and how to participate below.

KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 9, 2026 – A surf therapy program run by a University of Rhode Island professor is inviting young people with blindness or visual impairment to join a study looking at the impact of surf therapy. Emily Clapham, an associate professor of health and physical education in URI....

09/03/2026

This month, we’re taking the Self-Directed Supports Network into the community!

Join us, in partnership with RIPIN, to explore the people, places, services and resources that make up our communities and learn how to find and build connections in the places where we live.

📅 Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10 a.m.–noon

We’ll spend the first hour in learning about community mapping in person at Warwick Center for the Arts (pictured) and on Zoom. Then, our in-person group will hit the streets of Apponaug to put it into practice. We’ll wrap up our morning at Fall Apple Fest at Warwick City Hall Plaza, with live music, vendors, children’s activities and food trucks.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/46D2Na0

09/02/2026

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.

08/31/2026

Sharing this inspiring story from the National Family Association for DeafBlind: Next month, a father of five will take on IRONMAN Chattanooga to raise awareness and support families of people who are DeafBlind. Take a look at his story and learn more about the effort below. 👇

08/27/2026

Thank you to all who attended and hosted informational tables at yesterday’s DDO Services Provider Fair, which we co-hosted with RI Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals.