§ 16-24.1-4 - Implementation. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-24.1-4

   § 16-24.1-4  Implementation. – To implement the state's autism public policies, the following steps should betaken:

   (1) The department of health shall develop a coordinated planfor collecting prevalence data and reporting it;

   (2) The department of human services shall continue to raisepublic awareness especially among families regarding the need for earlyintervention and how to access it;

   (3) The department of human services shall continue itscurrent practice, to raise awareness of early intervention providers andfamilies for earlier assessment and intervention;

   (4) The department of human services will increase thecapacity and improve consistency of early intervention programs and providers;

   (5) The department of education shall develop a "NeedsAssessment Document" to perform a random sampling in the public schools todifferentiate between what student needs are being met and what needs are notbeing met. This information will be used to identify how needs are currentlybeing met and how that information can be used to develop a way to meet theunmet needs; identify ways the existing system could be modified to support theunmet needs;

   (6) The department of education in conjunction with RhodeIslandCollege shall produce a series of instructional modules that could beembedded into existing pre-service courses in multi-disciplines; and

   (7) The department of education in conjunction with RhodeIsland College shall develop a continuing education certificate in autismspectrum disorders at Rhode Island College (to be offered jointly with SalveRegina University and the University of Rhode Island).