Community Forum

Community Forum is a program presented by the The Rhode Island Developmental Disability Council (RIDDC), hosted by Kevin Nerney, the Executive Director of the Council.

The goal is to share news, information and insights on key topics that impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocacy and Education are primary missions of the RIDD Council.

Episode 4: How Bills become Law; How to Testify at State House
In this segment of Community Forum, RIDDC Executive Director, Kevin Nerney hosts an informal discussion on the process by which a bill is handled through the House and Senate, including the process of testifying as an advocate for an organization, such as the RI Developmental Disabilities Council. Guests Robert Marshall, government/public affairs consultant, and Christina Battista, Supported Employment Skills Coordinator, discuss the entire process from idea to draft legislation to final vote. For a behind the scenes look at the legislative session, including the logistics and practical tips you may want to know before you arrive to testify, watch this segment of Community Forum and learn about the legislative process and how to more effectively make your voice heard.

Episode 3: Networks
Kevin Nerney, Esq., Executive Director, Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council, hosts the Community Forum as this program focuses on the Developmental Disability network in RI. Joining him were Morna Murray, J.D., Executive Director, Disability Rights Rhode Island and Dr. Amy Grattan, Executive Director, Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities. Advocacy, policy and legislation are among the RIDDC missions. Included in their goals are: housing, voting, self-employment and supported decision making , as well as training leaders and families in their efforts to provide support. With website and information from each presenter regarding DRRI and the Sherlock Center, host and guests informally interact as they provide background and relevant info for people within the I/DD community and their families.

Episode 2: Voting Rights
In this segment of Community Forum addresses Voting in RI, from the latest news, legislation and trends to the accessibility issues facing people within the developmental disability community. Featured guests are: Kate Bowden, senior Attorney for Disability Rights RI (DRRI.org) and state representative Katherine Kazarian, a leader in developing the current legislation. The informal conversation led by host, Kevin Nerney, Executive Director of The RI Developmental Disabilities Council provides a wide range of useful information.

Episode 1: Supported Decision Making
The topic of the first program is Supported Decision Making, a new way for people to ensure that they retain all their rights and autonomy. The guests interviewed on this topic are: Kathleen A. Sherlock, Esq., Consultant Sargent Rehabilitation Center’s Regional Resource Center; Susan Birch, Advocates in Action; and Andrew McQuaide, Individual & Family Supports Coordinator from the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College.