Community Provider Network of RI

He turned his biggest #challenge into his greatest success. Meet Mickey Rowe, a Broadway actor with autism. ⭐ Growing up on the autism spectrum, Mickey struggled to connect with others and often felt invisible. Then, he found a safe space in the theater. Determined to change perceptions, Mickey advocated for representation in the arts. Despite many people doubting him, he booked a LEADING role on Broadway. He was the first EVER autistic actor to play the lead role in the award-winning play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Today Mickey fights to show others that our differences can be our greatest strengths. 💚

Employee #recognition matters now more than ever. We recently held the largest Direct Support Professional celebration yet. For the first time EVER, we captured the magic of the celebration through the official aftermovie. Get a never-before-seen glimpse into an unforgettable event. ✨ We hope you can feel the emotion from the morning:

Did you know 1 in 4 of today’s 20-year-olds will have a disability before #retiring? Having a disability is a group that anyone can join at any time. If we design a world that is inclusive for people with disabilities, we are creating a world that is accepting for all of us now…and in the future. 📈 Source: Social Security Administration

Hiring people with disabilities works. This man is 1 of just 7 employees at a local bakery. As the owner put it: “Everyone who’s here HAS to be productive or we can lose a lot of money.” For Muhamet, throwing on a Michael Jackson song increases morale, productivity...and dancing! It’s something you need to see. 🕺 A reminder to all employers, that if you open your mind, it can change your business. Thank you The Arc of Bristol County proAbility for letting us share this story and your impactful support of Muhamet.

Animals can change lives. We got to see this up-CLOSE during horse therapy for people with disabilities. 🐴 While the 1,000 pound horses were intimidating at first, the bond that forms by the end is truly special. We think this video will leave you smiling:

People with disabilities make great employees. From bakeries to science labs, dedication and unique talents are shining through. As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are reminded of the power of an inclusive workplace. Employers across the country are realizing that an inclusive workforce creates a productive workplace. 💚

What is your plan for 2027? And how does THIS picture relate to that? #Leadership isn’t always about day-to-day actions. Sometimes we have to pause, take a step back and reevaluate who we want to be in the future. 🔎 That is what we are currently doing with the guidance of Dirigo.  Our strategic planning process has involved a lot of great conversations. But sometimes it involves teamwork with golf balls and pipes! This has been a great process and we are excited for our future! 💚

A #leader who cares can change the course of your organization. Sail to Prevail was founded in 1982 with one goal: Make sailing accessible to everyone. ⛵ 15 years later, the organization had to close its doors. That’s when Paul Callahan, a quadriplegic with a passion for sailing, took over. Today, the organization is thriving and changing lives for people like Julie and Morgan. We recently hopped on board to see how this organization is changing thousands of lives:

Small businesses NEED to hire great employees. Resources are limited and staff productivity is prioritized. That’s why Muhamet, who has a disability, has been a great fit at Gingersnaps Bakery. 🍪 Bakery owner, Kayla (right), says he is productive and brings a positive attitude to the workplace. Kayla was concerned about bringing in another employee as a small business. But today, with the support of his job coach Nelson (left), Muhamet is thriving. A reminder of what an inclusive #workforce can do. 💪

Congratulations to Rhode Island’s Employer of the Year! 👏 Marshalls & Homegoods of Narragansett employs four people with disabilities supported by Avatar Residential. Jeff Sardinha (store manager pictured right) has created an inclusive and productive workplace. “Jeff isn’t just an employer, he has built relationships with individuals that go beyond the workplace.” - Erica Middleton, Avatar Residential Marshalls & Homegoods is one of hundreds of employers in Rhode Island realizing the power and productivity of an inclusive #workplace. 💚