RI Hands and Voice for the 5th Annual Fall Bash!

 

Dr. Temple Grandin “Autism: The Way I See It”

 

 

Norwood, MA, October 16th, 2026, with the League School for Autism. The Speaker Spotlight or the Autism Empowerment Gala will feature special guest Dr. Temple Grandin, leading autism advocate and renowned animal scientist. Dr. Grandin is a leading autism advocate and one of the first autistic people to document the insights of her own experience. 

To learn more visit the link below:

https://spedchildmass.com/event/dr-temple-grandin-autism-the-way-i-see-it/ 

 

6th Annual Sensory Friendly Truck & Treat with the Public Safety Special Needs Coalition (PSSNC)

 

(Fall ~ October 2026) Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

Checkout these fabulous sensory friendly programs for children, teens and adults happening at the Rhode Island Public Libraries this month (October 2026). Yay!!! Come visit us....

 

 

(Fall ~ September 2026) Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

   Checkout these fabulous sensory friendly programs for children, teens and adults happening at the Rhode Island Public Libraries this month (September 2026). Yay!!! Come visit us....

 

 

 

 

Think smart with your community to transform small spaces (Webjuction August 2026)

Communities rely on their libraries to offer dynamic spaces that can meet their needs. But in a small library, space can be at a premium. Enter design thinking. Design thinking is an iterative, people-centered mindset that helps solve everyday challenges by approaching them from a fresh perspective. It can be a meaningful way to engage the community in solving a problem, including making decisions about space. What does that look like in practice?

Creating a dot board at the local high school to ask about what kind of space you would like at the library. Visiting the local farmers market to talk about what folks are hoping the library can offer. Using Legos to build prototypes and then asking the community for feedback. These are all examples of different tools libraries have used in their journeys to create smart spaces. 

Here's the link to learn more:

https://tinyurl.com/mrjnvh4p 

(Summer~ August 2026) Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

  Checkout these fabulous sensory friendly programs for children, teens and adults happening at the Rhode Island Public Libraries this month (August 2026). Yay!!! Come visit us....

Summer Fun Passes!!

 

 

To fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdbpcTajuf.../viewform... 

 

(Summer~July 2026) Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

 Checkout these fabulous sensory friendly programs for children, teens and adults happening at the Rhode Island Public Libraries this month (July 2026). Yay!!! Come visit us....

Sensory Playtime at the Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library (Harrisville, RI)

 

This inclusive program can be enjoyed by all children, but is especially designed for children with sensory integration challenges.

 

Open to kids in grade 5 and under with an adult caregiver. 

 

Families are invited to visit the library in a low stimulation environment. Children can engage in free play and sensory stations designed for their enjoyment. A calm atmosphere will be created for your child to feel at ease while experiencing the library.

 

Please note: Activities may include small objects that can be choking hazards for kids under 3 years old.

No registration needed. Drop-in style program. 

 

Held in the Community Room (1st floor) of the Jesse Smith Library.

Questions? - Contact the Children's Librarians at 401-710-7800 or jmschildrenslibrary@burrillvilleri.gov

(Summer~June 2026) Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

Checkout these fabulous sensory friendly programs for children, teens and adults happening at the Rhode Island Public Libraries this month (June 2026). Yay!!! Come visit us....

 

ASL Interpreted Storytime at the Weaver Library (East Providence Public Library, RI)

 

 

 

Join us for a special ASL interpreted Storytime! Toddlers/preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to read, sing and play along with library staff and a professional ASL Interpreter as well as a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI). Special guest Dr. Torri Woodruff-Gautherin of the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Connecticut will also be there to share info and provide resources.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10. 10:30am. Weaver Library

 

(Spring~April 2026) Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

 

 

Checkout these fabulous sensory friendly programs for children, teens and adults happening at the Rhode Island Public Libraries this month (April 2026). Yay!!! Come visit us....

 

 

2026 Opening Ceremony Parade of Champions ~ Buddy Ball Program (Cranston, RI)

 

ASL Family Movie Series at the East Providence Public Library, RI (April 2026)

 

To learn more visit the link below:

https://eastprovidencelibrary.org/
 

Lego Club at the Woonsocket Harris Public Library (RI) 2026

 

2026 Stars of the Spectrum: Concert for Autism Acceptance

 Join us at STARS of the Spectrum: Concert for Autism Acceptance on April 19, 2026 at Big Night Live in Boston, MA with special guest Kodi Lee.

As a celebration of Autism Acceptance month, this event is a powerful culmination of autistic voices, stories, and talent. As the nation’s largest concert series performed entirely by autistic artists, every performer takes the stage to share their lived experiences and advocate for autism acceptance and inclusion through the power of music.

Let’s come together amplify autistic voices, embrace inclusion, and honor the brilliance of the autism community.

April 19, 2026
12–3 PM ET
Big Night Live | 110 Causeway St, Boston, MA
FREE for the autism community

Secure your ticket today: https://secure.qgiv.com/.../starsofthespectrumconcertfor.../

Inclusive Storytime at the Weaver Library ~ East Providence Public Library (RI)

 Our new Inclusive Storytime is geared to those on the Autism Spectrum or have sensory processing differences- though all are welcome. Come play and socialize your way. For families with children ages 2+.

Saturday, March 7. 10am. Weaver Library. 

https://www.eastprovidencelibrary.org/

 

 

FAMILY MAGIC at PPAC is the sensory-friendly magic show for all!

 

 

 

This sensory-friendly show is brought to us in collaboration with The Autism Project , and features:

- Lowered house lights
- Adjusted sound levels
- Designated quiet area in Lobby
- Sensory support staff from The Autism Project

Learn more and purchase $6 tickets at ppacri.org/sensoryfriendly

T-Mobile’s Accessibility Team Tools

 

Sensory Sunday at Chuckie Cheese

 

 

Please join us for Sensory Sensitive Sunday at Chuck E Cheese this upcoming Sunday, March 1st and for Homeschool Play Day Tuesday, March 10th. See event flyers below!

 

Sensory Sunday is 9am-11am on the first Sunday of every month for all families with children with special needs. We’re able to offer families a quieter dining and entertainment environment, dimmed lighting and a sensory-friendly arcade experience. All family members are welcome, and admission is always free- families would just purchase the points to play games. The full menu is also available for purchase.

 

Homeschool Play Day is 11am-4pm on the second Tuesday of every month. Homeschoolers can get a 90-minute play card and a drink- all for $11.99 per kid. The full menu will be available to order too. We look forward to seeing you there .

 

**All New England Locations are Participating in both**

Sherlock Center ~ 2026 Access for All Abilities Mini Grant Program

The Access for All Abilities Mini Grant program supports businesses, nonprofits, schools and city/town agencies that want to improve accessibility so people with disabilities can participate in social, leisure, recreational and cultural activities alongside other community members. 

 

The Sherlock Center has awarded more than $180,000 in grants since 2009. This funding comes from the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 

 

Apply by April 9, 2026.

 

To learn more click on the link below:

 

https://sherlockcenter.ric.edu/resources/mini-grants 

(Spring~March 2026) Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

Checkout these fabulous sensory friendly programs for children, teens and adults happening at the Rhode Island Public Libraries this month (March 2026). Yay!!! Come visit us....

 

(Winter~February 2026) Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

 

 

 

Checkout these fabulous sensory friendly programs for children, teens and adults happening at the Rhode Island Public Libraries this month (January 2026). Yay!!!

Come visit us....