OLMSTEAD UPDATES

News blog follows implementation of landmark 2014 federal consent decree that requires Rhode Island to remedy violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Supreme Court's Olmstead decision. Over ten years, Rhode Island must reinvent state services for citizens with developmental disabilities to give them opportunities for supportive employment and meaningful activities in their communities.

Consent Decree Coordinator Named

Aryana Huskey has been named Rhode Island’s next Consent Decree Coordinator. She will work with multiple agencies of state government to present a coordinated response to the U.S. District Court on the state’s compliance efforts with a 2014 Olmstead consent decree.
Huskey will begin her new role March 29. She comes to the job “with an extensive background in health and human services, with experience in delivering direct services to vulnerable populations in Rhode Island, and a clinical background,” said Secretary Womazetta Jones and Claire Richards, executive counsel to governor, in an email to various state officials.
Huskey will be a “significant asset to the team in working with the stakeholders involved in the Consent Decree,” Jones and Richards said. No other details were immediately available.

Save The Date - Mon. March 22

A virtual public forum hosted by the Rhode Division of Developmental Disabilities will be Monday, March 22, from 3 to 4:30 pm, Advance registration is required with Advocates In Action, which is handling technology and logistics. Participants may register here.

RI Entrepreneur With Autism Competing in FedEx Contest

Michael Coyne, owner of Red, White, & Brew Coffeehouse in North Smithfield and a graduate of the business development program of the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council, is competing for a $50,000 grand prize in a nationwide small business contest sponsored by FedEx. Your vote will help get Michael to the next level!
He is featured in an article in RI News Today, which also includes a link for voting.