Mayor Scott Avedisian and Lorna Ricci, executive director of the Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL), are encouraging residents to attend the Wednesday, July 24 forum being hosted as part of a series of public meetings being conducted by the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities. The meeting will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane. 

The forums are meant to provide an opportunity for all people with disabilities and their families to voice their concerns and offer ideas before a panel of representatives from several state agencies and community-based organizations. The forums, being held throughout Rhode Island during the week of July 22, coincide with the 23rd anniversary celebration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

“These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for those with disabilities to ensure that their voice continues to be heard and that their concerns are addressed,” Avedisian said in a statement.

Ricci noted that all testimony is recorded and that transcripts are provided to state legislators for review. All testimony is important.

“Through the years, some substantive changes in Rhode Island law have begun with testimony at these forums,” she said. “People can be assured that all testimony that is being provided will be reviewed carefully by the Commission’s Legislative Committee, which then prioritizes issues of concern.”

Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning will be used at the meeting. Assistive listening systems will be available upon request at the forum. Requests for other language interpreting should be made at least three business days in advance by calling 462-2130.

In addition to testimony at the meeting, comments will also be accepted through Aug. 8 via fax (462-0106), e-mail (disabilities@gcd.ri.gov) or by mail (Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, John O’Pastore Center, 41 Cherry Dale Court, Cranston, RI 02920-3049). For additional information or accommodation requests, call 462-0100 or 462-0101.