Disease/Disability Information

Services Provided:

• Technical assistance and training in the areas of Early Intervention Early Intervention, infant mental health and trauma-based care practices, inclusive practices in schools, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports in schools, learners with low incidence disabilities (vision, hearing, deaf-blindness) Dual Sensory, transition from high school , and community-based employment strategies for youth and adults.
• Services include:
o Instruction and mobility services to children who are blind or visually impaired.
o Educational Advocates for students with disabilities who are in state care.
o Benefits counseling and assistance for Social Security beneficiaries.
o Family support and navigation of services.
o Support group for self-directed support users (DDD)
o Plan writing for self-directed support users (DDD).
o Support for parents with intellectual disabilities.
o Support to students in post-secondary education.

Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, founded at Rhode Island College in 1993, is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). UCEDDs are evidence driven and designed to advance policies, practices, and research that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of people with disabilities, their families, and their communities. There are 67 UCEDD programs in the United States. This national network is administered through the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
The Sherlock Center partners with state and national agencies, schools, institutions of higher education and community providers to implement its core functions: preservice preparation, services (including technical assistance, community education, and direct services), research, and information dissemination. As of 2016, the Sherlock Center is a LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Program.
Areas of Emphasis:
Early Childhood and Education
Inclusion and Community Membership
Low Incidence Disabilities
Self-Determination
Transition, Employment and Adult Life
Workforce and Professional Development

• Professional Training Program, classroom and individual consultation
• Parent Education Series and Support
• Grandparent Support Groups
• Social Skill Groups
• Respite Information
• Summer Camp WANNAGOAGAIN
• Advocacy
• Instructional videos

The Autism Project is a ‘Hub of Hope’ that connects people—with a spectrum of needs—to the available resources and education that support independent and purposeful lives.
Autism Project
1516 Atwood Avenue
Johnston, RI 02919

TALC is a program for adolescents (age 13-18) who live with chronic  medical illness and their families.  We provide year-round programming focusing on support, advocacy, and healthcare transition skills.

• Monthly Council Meetings for members
• Parent Group
• Mentors age 18-22
• Leadership Opportunities TALC is also the official youth advisory council for Hasbro Children's Hospital. TALC members provide leadership to the hospital for issues related to the patient experience.  

See website for video of members explaining how the program works and why you should join TALC!

Transitioning from childhood to being a teenager, to the independence of young adulthood is challenging. Consider what it would be like to cope with typical teen angst and have to manage a chronic illness as well.

For teens with a variety of chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lupus, cancer, sickle cell anemia, Crohn’s disease, and epilepsy, they don’t have to do it alone. The Adolescent Leadership Council (TALC) provides a forum for adolescents ages 13-18 who are managing a chronic illness to interact with peers who are going through similar experiences and to meet college-age mentors who also have a chronic illness. Through programming, TALC members gain insights and perspective along with the confidence and advocacy skills needed to navigate their medical circumstance in the short- and long-term.

TALC teens meet monthly during the academic year, participate in social and art-related events, attend an annual team-building retreat and an annual overnight summer leadership camp. TALC also serves as the official “Youth Advisory Council” for the hospital.

Contact Erin Scott, TALC Program Coordinator, at erin.scott@lifespan.org

Partial Hospital Program link

Inpatient Hospital Program ages 12-17 link

The Medical Psychiatric Program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital addresses the needs of children and adolescents who are struggling with psychiatric and medical illness at the same time. Patients we care for may have gastrointestinal illnesses, eating disorders, diabetes, asthma, seizures, pain syndromes, somatoform disorders, and complex presentations that require diagnostic evaluations.

Ours is the only program in the region designed to provide family-based integrated care for young people with these health challenges. Inpatient and partial hospital levels of care are available. 

Our specialists provide evaluation and treatment to children with a range of acute and chronic respiratory conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Interstitial lung disease
• Congenital lung and airway abnormalities
• Respiratory disease associated with gastroesophageal reflux
• Ventilator dependence
• Tracheostomy
• Primary ciliary dyskinesia
• Sickle cell lung disease
• Vocal cord dysfunction
• Tracheomalacia
• Respiratory disease associated with neurological and neuromuscular disorders
• Chronic cough

We provide the following services:

• Cystic Fibrosis Center
• Flexible Bronchoscopy Service
• General Pediatric Pulmonary
• Pulmonology Function Test Lab
• Ventilator Integration Program (VIP)

Information on members of the Pediatric Pulmonology Care Team Link 

The Cystic Fibrosis Center is certified by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Additional Office Locations

Lifespan Ambulatory Care Center
East Greenwich Specialty Clinic
1454 South County Trail
East Greenwich, RI 02818

East Providence Offices
900 Warren Avenue, Suite 201
East Providence, RI 02914

Outpatient care for specialized behavioral health needs of individuals ages 5-21 with developmental challenges , including Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, mood dysregulation, ADHD, adjustment problems, aggression and oppositional behavior as well as challenges to parents and families.

The clinic offers Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Parent Training in behavior management, group therapy, Medication management, psychiatric consultation, and genetic psychiatry consultation

Clinical staff includes:
psychologists
social worker
psychiatrists

West Bay Regional Transition Center
Therese Curran
Director of Transition & Vocational Services
144 Bignall Street
Warwick, RI 02888
phone: 401-941-8353 x124
fax: 401-941-8535
email: tcurran@westbaycollaborative.org

Southern RI Regional Transition Center
Kerri Collins
Director of Regional Transition – Southern Region
859 Nooseneck Hill Road
West Greenwich, RI 02817
phone: 401-481-5161
email: kcollins@westbaycollaborative.org

Northern RI Regional Transition Center
Jennifer Doucette
Director of Regional Transition – Northern Region
51 Intervale Avenue
North Providence, RI 02911
phone: 401-465-2466
fax: 401-941-8535
email: jdoucette@westbaycollaborative.org

East Bay Regional Transition Center
Joanne DelAngelo, Coordinator
200 Metro Center Boulevard, Suite 5
Warwick, RI 02886
phone: 401-862-4133
email: jdelangelo@fedcap.org

Additional information on Rhode Island Secondary Transition and Employment First

link

In order to assist Local Educational Agencies in meeting the secondary transition requirements, West Bay Collaborative maintains four Regional Transition Centers (RTCs). These centers assist middle and high schools regionally and statewide through coordination of the four Regional Transition Coordinators.

The services provided through the RTCs include service to public, non-public and charter schools serving youth eligible under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and work in partnership with adult service agencies, higher education institutions, training programs, and parent advocacy organizations serving young adults with disabilities.

Addresses the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. See also Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity at https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/112/2/424/63348/Prevention-of-Pediatric-Overweight-and-Obesity?redirectedFrom=fulltext.

Provide callers with fact sheets, resources and referrals to other organizations and agencies. Topics include hearing, balance, smell and taste, voice, speech, and language disorders.

Serves children, individuals and families affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS) and other tic disorders. Provides comprehensive online information including six online CME/CNE programs, programs on Recognition, Diagnosis & Treatment, and training for Allied Professionals and Educators. The website also contains resources for patients and families.

Find a Provider: Directory of experts in Tourette Syndrome that can be filtered by age group, clinical expertise (specialty), and location.

Tourette Syndrome Centers of Excellence: List of Centers of Excellence in the care of Tourette Association, recognized by the Tourette Association of America as promoting the highest level of care, research, education & training, and advocacy & awareness for these conditions.

Educates patients, professionals, and the public concerning the nature of depressive, bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) or mood disorder. Provides online support groups and parent community options across the country.

National

A multidisciplinary scientific society devoted to the study of cerebral palsy and other childhood onset disabilities, to promoting professional education for the treatment and management of these conditions, and to improving the quality of life for people with these disabilities. Provides the Drooling Impact Scale at https://www.aacpdm.org/UserFiles/file/The-Drooling-Impact-Scale.pdf.

AACPDM Medical Professional Directory offers patients and families the option to search for members by locations, specialty and/or patient type.

The website also offers continuing education for professionals and educational resources for individuals and families.

Funds research to improve treatment and find a cure for Propionic Acidemia. Offers educational resources for families and patients, a patient registry, conferences and trainings, online support groups, and more.

Works to cure cystic fibrosis and provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives. Conducts research on cystic fibrosis.

The CF Foundation funds research and drug development and provides CF-related resources for families and medical providers.

[https://www.cff.org/Assistance-Services/About-Compass/What-Is-Compass/ Compass] is a personalized one-on-one service to help with the insurance, financial, legal, and other issues faced by people living with CF, their families, and their care teams.

The [https://www.cff.org/ccd/ CF Care Center] finder is a web-based location finder for cystic fibrosis accredited care centers nationwide. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provides funding for and accredits more than 110 cystic fibrosis care centers and 55 affiliate programs nationwide, including 96 programs for treating adults with CF.

Offers online courses, resources, advocacy, and support groups for professionals, parents, and others interested in helping individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder.

Provides information about Fabry disease, support group, discussion page, information about research, links to resources, and more.

Supports research, public health education, professional health education, patient services, community services, and global organizations. National nonprofit with chapters in multiple states. 

Advocates for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure.

Offers support to children and families through interdisciplinary research, technical assistance, professional development, and implementation science. FPG is one of the nation's oldest and largest multidisciplinary centers devoted to the study of young children and their families.

Online Resources Include:

• A variety of clinical and patient resources
• Educational events for clinicians
• Find a Pediatric Endocrinologist: Search the Pediatric Endocrine Society membership list.
• Upcoming Camps: Directory of specialty camps for kids, including Diabetes Camps, Turner Syndrome Camps, and Transgender Youth and Teen Camps. Not run or endorsed by the Pediatric Endocrine Society.

Supports people living with epilepsy, families, friends, and caregivers. Many programs, including support groups, are available through local Epilepsy Foundations, which can be located here.  

Services Include:

• Education materials about epilepsy, types of seizures, triggers, diagnosis, treatment, etc.
• National policy and legal advocacy
• Research and funding
• Public awareness
• Training programs
• 24/7 information helpline
• Kids Crew- for kids ages 14 and under
• Summer Camps

Provides training and education on hearing, hearing loss, and hearing aids.

• Disease/Disability Information
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Protects America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and within the U.S. Conducts critical science and provides vital information that protects the nation against dangerous health threats, and responds to emergencies when they arise. Visit website for the most up to the minute information on COVID-19.COVID-19 UPDATE: The Vaccine Finder website is a free, online service where users can search for locations that offer vaccinations. The Website was developed by CDC and partners such as clinics, pharmacies, and health departments to provide accurate and up-to-date information about vaccination service. There is now a texting option and Hotline number in both English and Spanish for finding a vaccine. The Hotline number is in place to ensure that people who aren't online (as well as people who don't speak English or Spanish) have access to all the information they need.

• Communicable Disease Control
• Vaccine Information

• Internet Information Resources
• Disease/Disability Information
• Specialized Information and Referral
• Medical Information Services

• Specialized Information and Referral
• Medical Care Expense Assistance

NIDDK research creates knowledge about and treatments for diseases that are among the most chronic, costly, and consequential for patients, their families, and the Nation. Offers clinical trials, financial assistance for researchers, health information, and publications.

Provides programs to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through research, education, support and advocacy. The Foundation makes continuous updates to its COVID-19 vaccine and lupus FAQ and COVID-19 and lupus FAQ pages.

• Health/Disability Related Support Groups
• Disease/Disability Information
• Voluntary Health Organizations

Chapter Finder: Find support and connection in your community.

Provides information for individuals, families, and professionals regarding heart-related concerns. Includes general health information, information regarding specific conditions, and information about CPR and First Aid training.

The American Stroke Association (https://www.stroke.org/) is a division of the American Heart Association focused on stroke prevention and treatment.

Works to ensure the best quality of life for those coping with MS by providing comprehensive support and educational programs.

Disease/Disability Information
Information and Referral
Specialized Information and Referral

Nationwide community-based voluntary organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health risk through research, education, advocacy.

Provides advocacy, education, information and referral, support for the Autism community at national, state and local levels through a nationwide network of Affiliates.

Provides ongoing support and direct services to individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Services Include:

• Individual Advocacy
• Information and Referral
• Equipment Distribution Program by application

Supports people with inherited blood disorders through research, education, and advocacy. Provides chapters throughout the US.

Services Include:

• Information about bleeding disorders, blood types, and blood safety
• Online and in-person educational events and workshops
• Advocacy information
• [Camp Locator] helps families find a camp for a child with a bleeding disorder, siblings, or the family.

An advocacy, education and support organization for individuals with X and Y chromosome variations and their families. This includes those with Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), Trisomy X (47,XXX), 47,XYY, 48,XXYY, 48,XXXY and related genetic conditions.

Provides free online resources, services and support to those who stutter and their families as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering.

Provides support and funding for type 1 diabetes research. Local JDRF chapter serves as the hub of JDRF information and events.

Services Include:

• Informational Guides
• Virtual community
• Local chapters
• Fundraising and social events

National Eye Institute is the principal agency for conducting and supporting vision research aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of diseases that affect the eye and vision.

The MSUD Family Support Group membership includes families and professionals worldwide.

Services Include:

• Provides opportunities for support and personal contact for those with MSUD and their families.
• Distributes information and raising public awareness of MS
• Strengthens the liaison between families and professionals.
• Encourages newborn screening programs and research for MSUD.

Educates health professionals and families who deal with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndromes (AMPS) such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), RSD, RND, neuropathic pain and myofascial pain.

Services Include:

• Educational materials about a variety of pain issues
• [https://stopchildhoodpain.org/faqs/what-hospitals-offer-this-treatment-program/ Directory of pediatric AMPS treatment programs.]

Provides online resources and information related to Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD and ADHD) for children, adults, parents, schools, and more.

Provides resources for individuals with thinking and learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. Information for parents, educators, and young adults. Also offers a workplace program for individuals in the workplace.

Offerings include articles and online resources, information about how to get assistance, and an online community.

Provides resources, information, and support groups for families and individuals with Urea cycle disorders (UCDs).

UCD Family Camps: Hosts annual camps for families affected by a Urea Cycle Disorder. UCD Family Camps are held in different locations across the US so that all families around the country may have an opportunity to attend. Camps are 100% free of charge to UCD families and siblings (any age). All costs of foods (low-pro), lodging, and shuttling to and from airport to camp site is provided as well.

Offers support groups for families, friends, clinicians, researchers and others whose lives have been touched by a Fatty Acid Oxidation disorder. Provides education, grief support, and networking forums.

Helps patients and families affected by Homocystinuria (HCU), Methylenetetra hydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and selected cobalamin deficiencies by providing educational resources and community connections.

Provides information about PKU, research, advocacy, and resources.

Services Include:

• Find a PKU Clinic by state, zip code, or map.
• PKU Guide for New Parents
• PKU Patient Registry
• Clinical Trial Locator
• Support Programs
• Educational Videos
• Insurance Coverage 101
• School Information
• Cooking & Food

Provides guidance and information to families and others affected by urea cycle disorders. Creates a caring community, networking families together for support. Educates healthcare professionals on the identification, diagnosis and treatment of UCD.    

Provides awareness, prevention, and treatment. Under its guiding principles - Education, Advocacy, Research, and Support - the ATA offers prevention programs in schools, urges governmental and private organizations to support hearing conservation, funds the nations brightest researchers, and facilitates self-help groups around the country.

The Foundation aims to improve outcomes for individuals with OCD and related disorders by:

• Providing resources and support for those affected by OCD, including individuals with OCD and related disorders, their family members, friends, and loved ones.
• Promoting awareness about OCD and related disorders to the OCD community and the general public.
• Increasing access to effective treatment through:
  • Educating mental health professionals about evidence-based treatments.
  • Providing a forum for professional collaboration and networking.
  • Supporting research into the causes of and treatments for OCD and related disorders.

Visit https://iocdf.org/find-help/ for help finding providers for patients with OCD,

Provides education for families in identifying development milestones in children from birth to 5 years old. Provides resources and supports (WIC, Early Childhood Intervention, Home-visiting, and Education Materials) for families who may have concerns and how to reach out to a local healthcare provider. See the Pediatric Developmental Screening Flowchart at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/documents/Screening-Chart.pdf .

Involved in the research and development of evidence-based behavioral interventions and measurement tools designed to improve care for families and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Provides the RUBI Autism Network Parent Training program.

Raises awareness of 24 hour posture care management, as a non-invasive, caregiver and family empowering approach improving the quality of life for persons with neuromuscular impairments affecting their motor control and posture. 

Tamara Kittelson, MS, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Executive and Project Director