In 2012, the Sargent Center completed the construction of the first statewide Regional Resource Center (RRC) designed to support the medical rehabilitation, education and behavioral mental health professions. The Regional Resource Center (RRC) is one of a series of program expansions at the Sargent Center whose history of providing quality and innovative programs for individuals with disabilities dates back to 1917.
The facility is equipped with state of the art technology and the space capacity for meetings, classroom, and seminar or conference presentations. The Center is intended to serve Southern New England with Rhode Island as its home. The center’s unique mission is to convene knowledge. Contributions from families, education, and medical rehabilitation experts will provide the leadership fund of knowledge to advance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through consultation, training, advocacy and influencing public policy.
- Parent, family and professional seminars, coursework, workshops direct service and technical assistance through the RRC, SRC and Community partners.
- Professional Development - Customized professional development available for schools, parent organizations, professions and the general public in R.I. and throughout the U.S. The RRC has successfully provided professional development to public and non-public schools as well as state departments of education and professional organizations throughout the United States.
- RRC Publications such as RRC eNews & Education Journal, the Educator’s Resource Guide Handbook, the Educator's Toolbox and You Decide Guide for Supported Decision Making/alternatives to Guardianship.
- A network of community partners (i.e., PSN-RI, URI, Roger Williams University School of Law) have joined with the RRC to develop a network of referral services and as primary sponsors in family and professional training and conferences.
- A Center for Public Policy will provide a round table think tank combining legislators, families and professionals to advance and influence public policy affecting the lives of persons with disabilities.
Building Specs and Capabilities
- 150 person seated capacity with table configurations for up to 76 people. Can be divided into two rooms for breakouts or smaller workshops.
- State of the art technology includes:
- A total video conference solution in a compact multi-touch design. Multiple video conferencing and white board capability.
- Two motorized drop down projection screens 12ft and 20ft respectively. The 20ft screen has a three projector array for multi-screen presentation.
- A complete Microsoft package, with videoconferencing and worldwide web capability. The projectors can accept multiple media based presentations and are also compliant as WIFI capable devices.
- Kitchen accommodations for food preparations, storage and serving.
The RRC’s unique mission is to convene knowledge. Contributions from families, education, medical and rehabilitation experts provide the leadership to advance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities of all ages and all abilities. The convening of community members supporting one another forms the basis of the Public Policy Institute existing within the RRC; ready to respond to the changing needs of society. Family focused activities are supported by our Roy T. Morgan Family Institute. Public, non-public, private and charter schools receive direct support from the RRC’s Supporting Schools Project. Ongoing professional development, seminars attracting national speakers and local experts represent the RRC’s commitment to ongoing education realized through our Professional Development Academy. Continuing education I supported by the RRC’s University and College Affiliates. Professionals from education, medicine, rehabilitation and law converge at the RRC to exchange knowledge, share ideas and receive professional development including CEUs, CLEs, MCLEs, and PLUs (professional learning units).
The RRC is designed to serve New England with Rhode Island operating as its home.