This report outlines what it takes to address the needs of kids with disabilities in the state of Rhode Island and what the consequences are for both children and their families when these systems of care fall short.
Disability-specific resources in Rhode Island.
The impact of unaddressed special needs in children.
Where Rhode Island is currently falling short in serving kids with special needs.
Recommendations for improving how the state supports kids with special needs.
Rhode Island is home to nearly 22,000 children with disabilities between the ages of 5 and 20, according to the 2000 census.
Low-income and minority families are more likely to have a child with a disability, yet less likely to contribute to policy and program design.
The Chicago Longitudinal Study found that extended early intervention reduced special education placement for preschool participants by 41% while resulting in a sevenfold return on investment.
During Rhode Island’s 2001-2002 school year, 28% of suspensions involved children with special needs.
Nationally, kids with disabilities are more likely to report feeling sad or depressed compared to their more typical peers (31% versus 17%, respectively).
In Rhode Island, 26% of parents who have a child with special health care needs report cutting work hours to care for their child; 10% quit work altogether.