By Gina Macris

Two advocacy groups for Rhode Islanders with developmental disabilities will sponsor a legislative forum Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Newport campus of the Community College of Rhode Island.  

As of Sept. 28, seven candidates, including four state senators , two state representatives and one challenger, had confirmed their attendance, according to a spokesman for Rhode Island FORCE and the Newport County Parents Advocacy Group.  

The seven candidates are: Sen. Louis DiPalma, D-Middletown, Newport, Little Compton, and Tiverton; Sen. James Seveney, D-Portsmouth, Bristol, and Tiverton; Sen. Dawn Euer, D-Newport and Jamestown; and  Sen. Deborah Ruggiero, D-Jamestown and Middletown.  

The candidates for state representative are: Rep. Dennis Canario, D-Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton; Rep. Kenneth J. Mendonca, R-Portsmouth and Middletown;  and Mendonca’s Democratic challenger, Terri Cortvriend, who chairs the Portsmouth School Committee.  

Christopher Semonelli, spokesman for the two advocacy groups, said the forum will run from 5 to 7 p.m. RI FORCE, which stands for Families Organized For Reform, Change, and Empowerment, plans to stream the session live on its Facebook page here.  

For an hour prior to the session, various organizations will hold an information fair geared to families supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Semonelli said anyone planning to attend is asked to sign up at Eventbrite.