Rhode Island
Learn more about what Rhode Island is doing to increase opportunities for youth and young adults with disabilities as they transition to employment or post-secondary education!
COVID-19 Response:
COVID-19 Special Education Resources Web Page
Summary: Rhode Island created a comprehensive web page with resources for teachers, families and paraprofessionals. The website includes extensive instructions for teachers providing virtual instruction for students, as well as guidelines for assisting students with disabilities who return to in-person learning. It also lists additional assistive technology accommodations for students with disabilities participating in distance learning, and provides resources for families participating in their special education student’s distance learning experience. It also lists extensive communication methods for parents of children with disabilities.
Operated by: Rhode Island Department of Education
Topic: Assistive Technology, Distance Learning, Family Engagement
Re-Opening Planning Guidance for School Counseling Programs
Summary: This document provides guidelines for school counselors providing school mental health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides counselors a three-stage required reopening process, and it lists best practices and requirements for both in-person and telecounseling mental health services. It also requires Rhode Island school counselors to provide transition-age students with online career counseling and application services.
Operated by: Rhode Island Department of Education
Topic: Mental Health, Transition
RIDE COVID Resources
Summary: This document lists a variety of resources for parents helping with their child’s distance learning experience. It provides resources guiding parents attempting to talk to their child about COVID-19, and it includes both videos and interactive websites to help parents engage their child in educational resources.
Operated by: Rhode Island Department of Education
Topic: Distance Learning, Family Engagement
Tips for Coping With Stress
Summary: This document lists various tips for parents to help them mitigate the negative mental health effects brought about by COVID-19. It also lists extensive resources for mental health crises, community resources and mental health resources specifically for children.
Operated by: Rhode Island Department of Health
Topic: Mental Health
Back to School RI: Reopening Frequently Asked Questions SY20-21
Summary: In the wellness section of this document, the Rhode Island Department of Education provides guidance for students with disabilities as Rhode Island schools reopen. It notes how IEPs can be updated differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and RIDE provides a contact for any IEP-related questions. Additionally, this document discusses the circumstances under which students with disabilities should return to in-person instruction or continue to receive virtual instruction.
Operated by: Rhode Island Department of Education
Topic: IEP, Distance Learning