Disability Rights
We actively work for a Rhode Island where people with disabilities have full and equitable access to education, health care, employment, voting access, and other types of civic engagement. We are also committed to ensuring that people with disabilities are treated fairly in regards to the criminal legal system.
Explore our work to protect disability rights in Rhode Island.
The Latest
REPORT Remote Access to Public Meetings (2026 Update)
A review of Rhode Island City and Town Councils and School Committees virtual accessibility practices. Our government is more transparent and our democracy is stronger at every level when we ensure everyone can be involved.
Letter to Department of Education Calls for Immediate Action to Address Providence School Bus Transportation Fiasco
Responding to a “catastrophic” failure of school transportation services in Providence that left many students with disabilities stranded in getting to or from school last week, the ACLU of Rhode Island, joined by the R.I. Center for Justice, today sent a letter to state Dept. of Education.
Legislative Session Dashboard
Learn more about some of our priority bills this Legislative Session, with resources to take action!
Advocates Respond to State/DOJ Consent Decree Addressing Services to Certain Children with Behavioral Health Disabilities
Last month, in response to years of glaring failures in Rhode Island’s behavioral health system for children and youth, Disability Rights Rhode Island, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, and Children’s Rights filed a class action lawsuit against the State
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
Mar 26, 2026
Hospital Language and ASL Interpreters (H 7931, H 7932)
Status:
Held for Further Study
Position:
Support
Jul 3, 2026
Parente v. Lefebvre
This "friend of the court" brief was submitted to challenge the RI Attorney General's position that state officials are immune from ever being sued in federal court under one of RI’s key anti-discrimination civil rights statutes.
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.