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5/19/2017
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Rep. Ruggiero honored by Groden Network
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 STATE HOUSE – Rep. Deborah Ruggiero has been honored by The Groden Network for her work advocating for and advancing services provided to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Representative Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) was presented with the Groden Network’s Advocacy Award at its Secret Garden Fundraiser at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center earlier this month. The Groden Network supports children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to lead productive, dignified and satisfying lives.
“I was delighted to present The Groden Network’s Advocacy Award to State Representative Deborah Ruggiero. Representative Ruggiero was selected on the basis of her dedicated to and support of the work of organizations such as The Groden Network, which provides services to children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges. We are tremendously appreciative of her tireless efforts on behalf of our clients and their families. We are thankful for her past efforts and look forward to working with her in the future,” said Dr. Janice DeFrances, President/CEO of The Groden Network.
Ruggiero has championed the inclusion of more funding for services for the intellectually and developmentally disabled, and also successfully fought last year on the legislative level for hourly wage increases for the providers who care for people with disabilities.
“I’ve learned that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or any disability, want exactly what someone without a disability wants — to be independent, to be loved, and to have a meaningful life. And as life expectancy increases, the services and support needs to expand,” said Representative Ruggiero. “It’s about fairness and that’s why I advocated for better compensation for the direct-care workers who provide comfort and support to some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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