STATEMENT OF PRIORITIES
FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2011

(October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011)

Priorities are numbered only for the purpose of identification and the numerical value of a priority is no indication of its significance in relation to any other. Priorities One through Six are the major systemic activities contemplated for Fiscal Year 2011; these priorities were developed in response to issues identified as broad concerns to the disability community and are not issues on which we have the capacity to provide individual representation. Only Priorities Seven (individual legal representation) and Eight (information/referrals and legal trainings) are activities contemplated for Fiscal Year 2011 undertaken in response to individual or organizational requests for assistance.

PRIORITY ONE:

Ensure that reports of abuse or neglect of persons with disabilities in public or private facilities and in the community are responded to, investigated, and addressed in a timely and effective manner by the appropriate authorities.

PRIORITY TWO:

Collaborate with the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council and the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities toward achievement of the following:

a. Implementation of a state policy to eliminate seclusion and restraint in schools for students with behavioral challenges;
b. Promotion of autonomy and alternatives to guardianship; and
c. Development of appropriate state services for parents with disabilities to preserve or reunify families.

(Note: Priority Two will be modified in November 2010 based on feedback received from the 2010 Developmental Disabilities Network Forum.)

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