Self-Directed Support
The RIPIN Self-Directed Support Program (SDSP) provides resources and support for eligible consumers with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, their families, and trusted allies utilizing the self-directed model for lifelong services through Rhode Island’s Division of Developmental Disabilities.
RIPIN’s SDSP will provide training, education, and resources to help consumers navigate the self-directed system and make informed decisions about their services. The program will also work to build infrastructure and support to make the self-directed system more transparent and consistent while continuing to foster the philosophy of self-determination inherent to the model.
2025 Self-Direction Learning Opportunities
Join the RIPIN Self-Directed Support Team for an ON THE RHODE summer gathering where good vibes are on the menu! Whether you’re here to scoop and snack on something sweet or chat and chill with friends old and new, this event is all about connection and community.
This event is for:
- Individuals who self-direct
- Their family members, caregivers, and direct support staff
- Please note: This event is not intended for professionals unless they are attending to directly support a self-directing individual.
🍨 Light refreshments will be served
📝 Space is limited & registration is required for all who plan to attend. Please RSVP by June 23rd.
Let’s come together to celebrate the self-directed community with conversation, laughter, and a little something sweet.
Check Out Our Monthly Newsletter – The Navigator!
Meet us in your inbox monthly as we share engaging information, resources, and events about our program and self-direction in Rhode Island.
This newsletter began in May 2024 in English. In September, a Spanish version was also created.
En Septiembre de 2024 se puso en marcha una edición en Español.
Read Previous Issues
To view an issue from the past, click on the month you want to see.
English
Self-Direction Resources
Explore our newest resource: The Self-Directed Toolkit
This is a practical guide designed to inspire you to get started or gain additional ideas and solutions for self-directing your services.
It contains:
- Printable and downloadable scheduling templates
- Resources for community activities and social opportunities
- Inventive ideas for documentation and important reporting information
- Tips and samples of job postings and other staffing and recruiting ideas
- And so much more!
Our Webinar Library
The RIPIN Self-Directed Support Team produces monthly live webinars on topics to help you understand and enrich your experience with self-direction.
They cover important areas such as employment, natural supports, preparing for a Support Intensity Scale (SIS) meeting, and writing and Individualized Service Plan (ISP). They also feature interviews with guests from Rhode Island’s Fiscal Intermediaries, Support Brokers, our partners from Advocates in Action and The Paul V. Sherlock Center On Disabilities, and the participants in Self-Direction themselves!
To view the growing list of these informative presentations, please click the button below to be taken to our library of recordings from these sessions.
Recursos en Español
Haga clic en el texto en azul para acceder a estos recursos.
Auto dirección 101 [PDF PowerPoint]
Oficina de Servicios de Rehabilitación: “Somos sus Especialistas en Empleo” [Vídeo]
Que is ISP? [PDF PowerPoint]
Check out RIPIN’s Link With Your Community Guide!
This guide can be a tool for finding meaningful and fun activities in your community and beyond. It’s a great way to connect with new people and find natural supports, too!
Link With Your Community Guide
News
Articles
Two articles were published about our program and the success of our first-ever Self-Directed Support Conference in Impact, a publication from the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota.
The first article highlights an overview of the conference and how the feedback received from the day is shaping the future of self-direction. Read HERE.
The second article shares a reflection from one of the consumers who participated in the conference and his experiences with self-direction. Read HERE.
Presentation with Applied Self-Direction
Our team presented our signature workshop, “Natural Supports: Who’s in Your Circle?” on March 12, 2025, at the Applied Self-Direction Virtual Conference. View HERE. To learn more about Applied Self-Direction, visit their website HERE.
Podcast Episode
The “Disability News You Can Use” Podcast interviewed RIPIN’s Sue Donovan, Senior Program Director, and Sharon Kochan, Program Manager, about RIPIN’s Self-Directed Support Program. Listen HERE [AUDIO]
Our Partners
Advocates in Action RI is Rhode Island’s premiere statewide Self-Advocacy organization. As an independent, 501(c)3 organization, our mission is to empower people who have a developmental disability to advocate for themselves and others, to support and strengthen the Self‐Advocacy movement and raise awareness about disability issues in the community. We strive to help people become educated about their options, aware of available resources, able to make informed decisions, in control of their own lives, and involved within the community.
If you or a family member in Rhode Island uses self-directed supports or services and want to access helpful information, get updates, and connect with others, consider joining the Self-Directed Supports Network, coordinated by the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities.
This network includes an email list of individuals, families, and professionals who support those using self-directed services. It’s a safe place to share, discuss ideas and concerns, ask questions, and learn from others.
You can also take part in our regular Self-Directed Support Network meetings. These meetings cover important topics related to self-direction, where speakers discuss key issues, and attendees can ask questions, voice concerns, and meet others using self-directed supports. These meetings take place via Zoom, typically from 7-8:30 p.m. on the third or fourth Wednesday of each month.
For more information, visit www.sdsri.net. If you have questions, please get in touch with Crystal Cerullo at [email protected].
To learn more about our partners, click here to watch this video recording of our webinar “Partner Showcase” to learn more about the resources they offer for those who self-direct.