The Spring 2012 edition of our newsletter Signs of Independence is now available.

Click here to download a copy. 

If you would to be added to our mailing list to receive a copy by mail,

please email us at info@oscil.org.

 ************

(To reach OSCIL's Bilingual (Spanish) Independent Living Specialist, call 738-1013 extension 26 to speak to Betty. 

Her office hours are usually Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

************

Do you need a Voter ID?

 

Beginning this year, poll workers will ask you for ID when you vote.  If you do NOT have a valid RI Driver's License, US Passport or other photo ID, you will need a Voter ID.  Any registered voter who does not have one of those types of IDs can get one free of charge.

 

You must bring your Social Security Card, Medicare Card or other acceptable form of ID.  For more information and   list of acceptable documents, check the Secretary of State's Website at www.sos.ri.gov . 

 

Are you registered to vote?

If not, you may print out a registration form by clicking  here

 

 

************

Please click the icon above and "like" us on Facebook!

************

If you would like to be added to our email list to receive notifications about upcoming events and information, please send an email to us at email.list@oscil.org.

************

To view a video on how to use the AutoMark Voting Machine,

please click here.

*************

RHODE ISLANDERS WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS

URGED TO ENROLL IN REGISTRY

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) urges those with special healthcare needs to enroll in the Special Needs Emergency Registry. Enrolling in the Registry does not guarantee assistance, but it does allow local and state emergency officials to plan for, respond to, and care for Rhode Islanders with disabilities, chronic conditions, and other special healthcare needs in an emergency such as Hurricane Irene.  HEALTH is working with municipalities to provide as close to real time information as possible in advance of hurricanes.

People with life-sustaining equipment that need electricity should contact their electricity provider and inform them of specific needs, if they haven't already done so.

Should someone with life-sustaining medical equipment need to go to a shelter, emergency medical assessment teams will be available to create a care plan for that individual. Those planning to go to a shelter should bring at least a three (3) day supply of medications.
 

WHO SHOULD ENROLL                         
Any Rhode Islander, regardless of age, who has a chronic condition, disability, special healthcare need, or may require additional assistance during a time of emergency. These include:

* Those on home oxygen, a respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker, or are insulin dependent;
* Those with mobility issues: use a wheelchair, walker, or cane;
* Those that are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or Deaf;
* Those developmental or mental health disabilities; or
* Use assistive animals or a prosthesis.

HOW TO ENROLL
Visit www.health.ri.gov/emregistry to complete an enrollment online, where the information is added into the registry immediately. A printable form is available on the website and can be returned by mail.
If an individual cannot complete the enrollment form themselves, a family member or caregiver can enroll the individual on their behalf. Strict confidentiality is maintained at all times and only emergency management and response agencies have access to the information in the Registry.