Disability services in Rhode Island
75 Confirmed Profiles and 3,352 Registry Listings across 14 counties, plus organizations that serve the whole country.
Search by area in Rhode Island
Intellectual and Developmental
Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and ADHD.
578listings, 50 Confirmed ProfilesMental and Behavioral Health
Mental illness, PTSD and trauma, substance use, and eating disorders.
1,789listings, 41 Confirmed ProfilesPhysical and Mobility
Spinal cord injury, amputation and limb loss, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, and speech and language.
943listings, 25 Confirmed ProfilesSensory
Blind and low vision, Deaf and hard of hearing, and DeafBlind.
442listings, 22 Confirmed ProfilesNeurological and Chronic Health
Brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, MS, ALS, Parkinson's, dementia, and medically complex needs.
940listings, 22 Confirmed ProfilesVeterans and Military Families
VA health, claims and benefits help, veterans service organizations, Vet Centers, housing, jobs, and military family support.
516listings, 31 Confirmed ProfilesEverything in Rhode Island, on a map
Every listing in the state by county and ZIP code, plus 175 organizations that serve the whole country.
3,427listings in allKey statewide contacts
Agencies and networks that serve people with any disability in Rhode Island. Each area's Resources and data tab lists the contacts for that area.
Protection and Advocacy (1)
The legal advocacy agency for people with disabilities in your state, set up under federal law. Free help with rights, abuse and neglect, and discrimination.
- Disability Rights Rhode IslandCranston · (401) 831-3150 · Website
Vocational Rehabilitation (1)
The state agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job.
Assistive Technology Act program (1)
Try, borrow, or get help paying for assistive technology, from communication devices to mobility equipment.
Centers for Independent Living (1)
Run by and for people with disabilities: peer support, skills training, advocacy, and help moving from an institution to the community.
Statewide Independent Living Council (1)
Plans and monitors independent living services across the state.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (1)
One place to start for long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities.
Parent Training and Information Centers (1)
Free help for families of children with disabilities, including special education rights and IEPs.
Services by county in Rhode Island
Each county page shows what serves that county, your local intake offices, and Confirmed Profiles based there. Numbers are listings that serve the county.
How to get services in Rhode Island
Most long-term supports are paid for by Medicaid, often through a waiver program. Start with Medicaid, then get on the program that fits. Many programs have a waiting list, so apply early.
Start here Rhode Island Medicaid · RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS); applications handled by RI Department of Human Services (DHS)
Apply online (opens in a new tab) · Call (855) 697-4347 · A Rhode Island DHS office.
Rhode Island is a 1634 state, so people who get SSI get Medicaid without a separate application.
Adults who are aged, blind or have a disability can apply with the DHS-2 application. Adults with I/DD who need long-term services also apply to BHDDH.
For children: Katie Beckett: Medicaid for children under 19 with serious medical or functional needs who live at home, based on the child's income, not the parents'. Call 401-462-0633.
If you work: Sherlock Plan: the Medicaid buy-in for adults with disabilities who work; there may be a monthly premium. Apply with the DHS-2 form and mark the Sherlock Plan box. Questions: 1-855-697-4347.
Steps
- Apply online at HealthyRhode.ri.gov, or call 1-855-697-4347.
- For disability, long-term care, Katie Beckett or Sherlock Plan coverage, fill out the DHS-2 application.
- Send medical and disability records with your application to speed it up.
- Answer letters from DHS within the time they list.
- Report changes in income, address or insurance within 10 days.
Have these ready
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income and benefit letters
- Bank and asset statements
- Proof of Rhode Island address
- Medical, school or therapy records
- Other health insurance cards
Intellectual and developmental disabilities, and autism
Rhode Island Comprehensive Demonstration (DD/BHDDH benefit package) No waiting list
Adults with an intellectual or developmental disability that began before age 22 and will last for life, who are approved for Medicaid and meet ICF/IID level of care. You can apply 2 months before age 17.
Start with: BHDDH Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) · 401-462-3421 (Espanol 401-462-3014) · Website (opens in a new tab)
Rhode Island reported no one on any Medicaid home care waiting list in KFF's 2026 state data. DDD decides eligibility within 30 days.
Apply for Medicaid first.
Steps
- Apply for Rhode Island Medicaid if you do not have it.
- Get the DDD application from the BHDDH website or call 401-462-3421.
- Send the application with doctor notes, test results, agency notes and legal papers.
- DDD tells you within 30 days if you are approved.
- Work with DDD on your plan and choose providers.
Have these ready
- Doctor notes and test results
- Agency or school service notes
- Legal papers such as guardianship
- Medicaid card or application number
Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas
Older adults and people with physical disabilities
Rules change. Check with the agency before you rely on this. Checked October 2026.
How Rhode Island pays for services
Rhode Island ranks 21 of 51 on Medicaid waiver funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. See its spending, waiting list, every named program, service rates, and its vocational rehabilitation agency.
How Rhode Island is graded
Rank 3 of 51 on State of Support
ConnectIDD's report card for services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Access to servicesB+
- Community livingB+
- Family supportB+
- Real workB+
- Direct support workforceB
- Quality of lifeB
- State investmentB+
- TransparencyF
A map for every stage of your family's journey in Rhode Island
Eight stages most families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities pass through, from the first diagnosis to planning for the years ahead. Each stage shows what to do now, what to start planning, and the services to look for nearby, with a free printable guide.