Individuals, Family Members and Friends of people with developmental disabilities surround the State House with a Circle of Hope

On October 11, 2011 nearly 4000 people surrounded the RI State House armed with green glow sticks and created a Circle of Hope.

The event was organized to enlighten legislators and the public about the impact of recent funding cuts to people with developmental disabilities totaling over $24 million dollars

Candlelight protest planned Tuesday for RI State House11:42 AM Tue, Oct 11, 2011

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Organizers of a protest against funding cuts to developmental-disabilities services say they expect about 3,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families and friends at the State House today.
Candle-bearing protesters plan to create a lighted "Circle of Hope" around the State House at dusk, demonstrating their concern about $24 million in funding cuts to developmental-disabilities services, according to a news release from PAL, which describes itself as an advocacy organization for families and people with disabilities.
The vigil begins at 4 p.m., assembling at the front of the State House, on Smith Street. The group plans to encircle the State House by 6:30 p.m.

Agencies prepare for drastic cuts to individual funds as a result of the General Assembly's FY12 budget passed in June.
Agencies have already faced $9.5 million in cuts to services, and staff as a result of the Governor's proposed budget savings for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011. But as of October 1st, they are bracing themselves for devastating reductions in funding - an additional $14.5 million in reductions to services, supports and transporation resources. Service organizations say this is a "tipping point" from which they will not rebound. Salary and benefit reductions, layoffs, and program closures are anticipated.

Follow this link for more information:

http://www.projo.com/news/stategovernment/content/DISABILITY_RATE_CHANGE_09-19-11_VAQANL7_v70.689c6.html

The Multiplier Effect

Follow this link for an interesting article on the numbers of Americans touched by the Medicare and Medicaid programs!

These numbers are national but remember the theory applies to Rhode Island too!

http://www.kff.org/pullingittogether/medicaid_medicare_multiplier.cfm

2011 Academy of Country Music Awards - Darius Rucker - Music from the Heart

A colleague shared this with us and we felt compelled to share it with you... Enjoy!

CPN holds Planning Retreat

30 CPN members met on March 17th to develop our priority goals as part of the 2011 Planning Session.

Board members identified the following focus areas for the coming year: increased advocacy and education, collaboration to ensure a sustainable system, enhanced membership benefits and training to support DSP and Administrative staff needs in technical and data management initiatives.