This has been a year of growth and some monumental achievements for Rhode Island’s disability community. From legislative investments, large events and even a new website, we reached new heights as a community.
Our 2024 Annual Report will be released in February. Until then, this is our year in pictures and videos. Enjoy!
January
We started off the year telling a story that touched the hearts of many parents. MJ (pictured above) is hard of hearing and had surgery to insert a device called cochlear implants that help him hear. MJ and his mom, Cora, let us into their home to tell their story. You can watch it here.
February
We launched the brand new website you are on now. After months of hard work, a new website was revealed with improved design, accessibility and features.
March
We attended a ball for people with disabilities. Escorted by local police and military, 250 people enjoyed a night full of dancing and laughter. A big congratulations to our friends at the James L. Maher Center, AccessPoint RI and Looking Upwards for a great event. You can see highlights here.
April
We fought for the future of accessible housing. We released the video above to show you what the future could look like. While the bills mentioned in the video were not passed in 2024, we are hard at work to pass something similar in 2025.
May
Surprise! In May we were finally able to reveal a secret we have been hiding for months: CPNRI is on the new Monopoly Newport Edition. We are proud to be the only nonprofit on this board and to represent the disability community. If you would like a copy, please reach out to us as they are still on sale!
June
State legislators invested $160 million dollars into services impacting thousands of Rhode Islanders because of your advocacy. This is the largest single-year Medicaid investment in state history. Over recent years, state leaders have worked to stabilize the health and human service industry.
July
It was really hard to pick just one video from this month. We also released an educational video on disability services in Rhode Island and a video with GRAMMY-winning singer Jason Mraz.
The video we have chosen is Autism on Broadway: His Journey to Break Barriers. We chose this production because no video received as much feedback as this one did. If you watch it, we think you will understand why. 💚
August
This month you met the amazing smile of Julie. She was sailing with Sail to Prevail and supported by the James L. Maher Center. If you want to see more click here.
September
It was time to celebrate Direct Support Professionals. This was our 36th annual event – the largest one yet – with over 350 people in attendance! If you missed the event you can watch highlights here.
October
Have you ever met a dancing baker? We have! Muhamet works at Gingersnaps Bakery in Lincoln, Rhode Island. When you follow him for a shift you don’t just get yummy baked goods, you get a show!
November
We prepared, and you registered for, a professional development conference. With hundreds of people in attendance, it was a day of learning and connecting.
December
How do you put an entire year into five minutes? We gave it our best shot with our 2024 Year in Video! In the meantime, we prepared for 2025 this month including our annual report that will be released in February.
Thank you for being a member of the community. We are proud of what we have accomplished together this year and are motivated for what’s ahead. Together, we are stronger than ever. See you in 2025. 💚
