First Ever State-Wide Summit on Inclusion - We are about to find out how accessible our public spaces are in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is becoming a hub in a rapidly developing national dialogue on access, and it will take one big leap toward inclusion this week when it hosts its first-ever state-wide summit on inclusion.
This meeting of policymakers, urban planners, disability advocates, and community members alike hopes to answer what many may consider a simple but complex question: how accessible are our public spaces in Rhode Island?
Some of the key drivers behind this summit have come out of a surprising factoid: over 50% of all residents in Rhode Island require access-related support, either mobility aides, visual accommodations, or other forms of support.
This number transforms what has historically been seen as an isolated concern into something that touches nearly 1/2 of the population of Rhode Island.
A lot of the discussions during the summit will likely revolve around the types of practical solutions needed, such as improved sidewalk infrastructure, making public transportation more user-friendly, and thinking differently about how larger venues (stadiums/civic centers) accommodate individuals with disabilities.
But there is more to the discussion than simply looking at new ways to build and create public places.
There is a greater cultural transformation taking place as well. Advocates are calling for accessibility to be taken into consideration early on in the design phase and not merely thought of as an afterthought or compliance requirement.
If these ideas are transformed into policy, they can lead to long-lasting results.
Changes made today will help dictate how future buildings are built, how public funds are allocated, and ultimately make Rhode Island a more inclusive community to live and work.
In essence, this summit is not solely about determining where we go wrong; it’s about charting a course for comprehensive change.
Researcher: Edith Hills
Writer: Edith Hills
Reporter: McKalah Gaine
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
How Many Self Check Out Lanes Do You Need? - Lawmakers are looking into a bill that limits amount of self check-out lanes stores can have
Lawmakers are looking into a bill that will put limits on how many self-checkout lanes you can have in grocery stores and also require a larger number of staffed register lanes. Those who support the bill believe that by limiting the use of automated checkout lanes, they can improve the accountability of employees as well as increase the quality of customer service. They also state that having staffed lanes will help cut down on shoplifting, allow customers to get better service, and help create new employment opportunities.
However, opponents of the bill view things much differently. Grocery retailers, along with other consumers, feel that using self-checkout systems is convenient and efficient. By limiting their use, they fear that it will result in longer lines for consumers, which will cause additional frustration to those trying to shop.
Another issue is from an economic standpoint. If businesses are forced to hire and pay employees to man a greater number of lanes at the checkout area, these increased labor costs may be passed on to the consumer.
Additionally, the potential fine imposed for failure to comply with this law — starting at $100 plus one dollar per day thereafter — adds yet another layer of pressure and makes this more than just a symbolic policy.
Ultimately, this debate represents a broader struggle that exists within our society today between the use of automation and human labor. As technology has the ability to shape how we live every day, lawmakers are continually being asked to determine when and/or if to set boundaries.
Researcher: Edith Hills
Writer: Edith Hills
Reporter: Edith Hills
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
Gray Seal released on Block Island after Rehabilitation - Mystic Aquarium released rescued gray seal, Rocky
A gray seal named Rocky has been released back into the ocean near Block Island after spending several weeks in rehabilitation.
The seal was originally rescued after showing signs of illness, including symptoms consistent with pneumonia. Marine experts provided treatment and closely monitored its recovery, making sure it regained enough strength to survive on its own in the wild.
Before the release, Rocky was fitted with a tracking device. This allows researchers to follow their movements and better understand how rehabilitated seals readjust to their natural environment. The data collected can also help improve future rescue and treatment efforts for marine animals along the region’s coastline.
Rehabilitation cases like this are fairly common in New England, where marine life is regularly affected by illness, injury, and environmental changes. Each successful release is an indicator that intervention efforts are working and that animals can return to normal patterns in the wild.
For researchers and conservationists, Rocky’s return to the ocean represents both a successful recovery and an opportunity to learn more about how these animals survive after rehabilitation.
Researcher: Edith Hills
Writer: Edith Hills
Reporter: Edith Hills
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
Meet Carsie the Capybara - The Roger Williams Zoo is welcoming a capybara to their rainforest exhibit
I’m Elizabeth Chant, and I am here at the Roger Williams Park Zoo checking out Carsie, their new capybara.
Carsie the capybara is the Roger William Zoo’s newest addition to their rainforest exhibit. A capybara is a semiaquatic herbivore that typically lives in South American savannas and dense forests. Carsie is 4 about to turn 5 years old.
He was bred by humans and previously held in Chicago at Brookfield Zoo with his two sisters. Unfortunately, his sisters were not very kind to Carsie, so he got relocated to Roger Williams Zoo, where he has quickly charmed the staff.
I spoke to the animal care manager, Jenny Theuman, and she told me how surprised she was with Carsie’s ability to adapt so quickly to his new environment. The staff had expected their main challenge to be getting Carsie to be comfortable in his exhibit, but in fact, the challenge seems to be getting him out. He does want to leave his exhibit, which has posed challenges for medical staff who need to perform routine check-ins.
Theuman also said how surprised she was with Carsie’s big personality. After coming from a difficult environment, the staff expected a shy, introverted capybara, and that is far from Carsie. They describe him as mastering the side eye.
Carsie has been receiving a rush of love and enthusiasm from museum guests as Cabypara’s are receiving a surge in popularity in the media.
You can see Carsie in person at the Roger Williams Zoo in the rainforest exhibit from 9-4 pm every day.
Researcher: Elizabeth Chant
Writer: Elizabeth Chant
Reporter: Elizabeth Chant
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
Gas Prices on Local Non-Profits - Rhode Island’s increased gas prices are negatively affecting programs that rely on help from the community
Good afternoon, I’m Roslyn Iaderosa, and this week I wanted to know how the fluctuating gas prices are affecting our local food pantries and programs.
The gas prices in Rhode Island are climbing. According to AAA East, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Rhode Island was $3.98 as of April 14th. That is up 47 cents from a month earlier. Jillian Young, director of public relations at AAA Northeast, says the increase is due to higher oil prices, seasonal demand, and the switch to summer blend gasoline.
For local non-profits, those higher gas prices mean higher prices meaning higher operating costs. At the East Bay Food Pantry, rising gas prices are putting even more pressure on people already facing financial strain.
“The groceries come here needing food. They needed it before the gas prices went up. So, I’m sure it’s hurting them in many ways. “
Young also said pantry volunteers use their own vehicles for delivery. But some vendors include fuel charges, which add transportation costs to daily operations. At Meals on Wheels Rhode Island, driver Roger Martino said the organization covers fuel costs for drivers instead of having them pay out of pocket. He said rising gas prices still affect the non-profit even if drivers are not paying for fuel themselves.
AAA Northeast says that organizations that rely on fleets and large amounts of fuel are spending more on gas than they were this time last year. For non-profits serving people already under financial strain, those added costs can matter.
For Communities of Hope, I’m Roslyn Iaderosa.
Researcher: Roslyn Iaderosa
Writer: Roslyn Iaderosa
Reporter: Roslyn Iaderosa
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
Rent Rising Across Rhode Island - As rent all across Rhode Island is rising, residents are struggling to keep afloat
Rent prices across Rhode Island are continuing to rise, and many residents say they’re struggling to keep up. Across the state, renters are feeling the pressure as housing costs climb higher than ever.
Right now, many renters are spending a large portion on their income just to afford housing.
Residents in Bristol are concerned about the rising rent here. Here is what Tracy has to say about all of this.
“Hi, my name is Tracy. I have two college kids that I rent to. They have separate rooms and they share a bathroom. They have a mini refrigerator and a microwave and all utilities are included. Just to let you know the difference in price in the increase in rents.”
Now let’s hear from another Bristol resident who is in college but paying a different price for her rent.
“Hi, I am Margo, I am a senior here at Roger Williams, and I currently live in downtown Bristol and I pay $850 a month plus utilities. I live with seven other girls so there’s eight of us total in the house.”
Tracy, alongside other Bristol residents, are concerned with the rent rising and are hoping for a solution soon.
I’m McKalah Gaine, signing off.
Researcher: McKalah Gaine
Writer: McKalah Gaine
Reporter: McKalah Gaine
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant