FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Laura Hart, 401-456-8977, lhart@ric.edu
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College has awarded a total of $10,000 in Access for All Abilities mini-grants to four Rhode Island organizations.
Recipients of the 2015 grants are: Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Warwick and Youth Pride, Inc., in Providence.
The Sherlock Center’s mini-grant initiative funds projects that increase access and inclusion of people with disabilities to social, leisure, recreational and cultural activities in the community, alongside those without disabilities. Since the initiative’s 2009 inception, more than $67,000 has been granted to 30 businesses and organizations.
- Coggeshall Farm Museum will use its grant to purchase both a permanent and portable ramp to provide access to their 1790s farmhouse and restroom.
- The Norman Bird Sanctuary will use its award to contribute to the creation of an ADA-compliant Universal Trail that will allow access to individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The grant will supplement funding by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to upgrade 1,500 feet of trail.
- Pilgrim Lutheran Church will use its funding to purchase items that address the visual and auditory needs of individuals participating in services and public events, including large print or Braille books, large print programs, and an FM assistive listening system. The grant will also help fund an American Sign Language interpreter for social activities.
- Youth Pride, Inc., a drop-in center dedicated to meeting the needs of young people impacted by their sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression, will use its grant to provide professional development training for its staff to help them better serve youth with autism spectrum disorder.
The Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College, Rhode Island’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, receives funding for this initiative through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The mission of the Sherlock Center on Disabilities is to promote membership of individuals in school, work and community.
For more information, visit www.ric.edu/sherlockcenter.
