The Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College is soliciting applications from organizations and businesses offering social, leisure, recreational and cultural activities in Rhode Island for "Access for All Abilities" (AAA) mini-grants.

The Sherlock Center, named for the late Warwick Representative for his work with those with disabilities, will award four mini-grants in 2018. Organizations may apply for a grant of up to $2,500. Since the inception of the grants in 2009, 40 businesses and organizations have been awarded approximately $98,000 in grant funding.

The grant program's purpose is to increase access for people with disabilities to social, leisure, recreational and cultural activities offered to the general public. Non-profit organizations, businesses and city and town government organizations are encouraged to apply.

"This grant is a small, yet meaningful, way to break down barriers," said Mary Anne Pallack, associate director of the Sherlock Center. "Grant funding has supported a broad range of activities in the past. Some have used the funds to buy equipment, implement technology or conduct staff training to help their businesses or organizations open the door to people with disabilities. This grant is a small way to break through those barriers."

For more information or to obtain an online application, visit www.sherlockcenter.org or call 456-8072. The deadline for applications is Friday, Sept. 21.

The mission of the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities is to promote membership of individuals with disabilities in school, work and community. The Sherlock Center, Rhode Island's University Center for Excellence, receives funding for this initiative through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities.