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ICI staff were among those who spoke at the College of Education and Human Development Policy Breakfast Series on January 7, 2025. Jessica Simacek, director of the ICI-led TeleOutreach Center, sits on the extreme left. ICI’s Rachel Freeman and Danelle Dunphy are third and fourth from the left, respectively. Amy Esler, a professor in the University’s Department of Pediatrics who works in the TeleOutreach Center, is second from the right.

Cunningham, ICI Staff Spotlight Urgent Mental Health Needs

University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham, ICI researchers, and others recently called on statewide health and education leaders to address critical service gaps in children and youth's mental and behavioral health. "Envision a future where children receive mental health care they need, when and where they need it."

Learn more about protecting mental health.

DSP Dawn Finley is at a library table with Julia and Nick, who are working on their tablets.

Assistive Technology in My Direct Support

For 20 years, direct support professional Dawn Finley (pictured at left with Julia and Nick) has taught people with disabilities to use assistive technology to communicate and connect with their communities.

"Assistive technology and tools have had a big impact on developing Julia and Nick’s communication. They have supported them in learning skills and enhancing their independence. What they want, and what I want for them as their DSP, is to help them better understand their world and community and feel like they are a part of it. Assistive technology helps them do that."

Learn more about assistive technology.

Part of the cover of the Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative report, showing photos of direct support professionals and the people they support.

Reducing Turnover with Better Data

A new data portal developed at ICI is pointing to some relief in the dire shortage of direct care workers who support people with disabilities in their daily lives. ICI’s SupportWise Data allows service provider organizations to analyze and improve workforce recruitment and retention, demonstrating that turnover ratios, vacancy rates, and wages are improving in Rhode Island.

Learn more about Rhode Island stabilizing direct support.