Message From Joseph Murphy, Associate Director

Welcome to the Office of Rehabilitation Services website.  Though COVID concerns seem to be lessening a bit, the health and safety of our customers and employees is important to everyone at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS). To reduce risk of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19), the DHS Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) Reception/Lobby is currently open by appointment only.  Check with your assigned counselor for more information.  In any event:

• ORS staff is still here working on your behalf even though some meetings are still utilizing remote service delivery options.
• Please call your worker directly or call our main ORS number at (401) 421-7005.
• An ORS representative is available Monday through Friday, 8:30AM – 4PM to connect you with the right person to help you.
• Additionally, a list of our VR Counselors and contact information may be found here.

The Rhode Island Department of Health has a 24-hour hotline for anyone with questions about the Coronavirus (401-222-8022) and answers to frequently asked questions as well as guidance on its website (https://health.ri.gov/). Residents can also call 211 after 4:30pm for assistance.

While we hope that the COVID crisis continues to abate, we have been proud of our staff who, despite these unprecedented challenges, have been able to provide service delivery to the maximum level possible either in person or remotely throughout the past two plus years. The pandemic has afforded ORS flexibility to our staff and our provider network as well; we have approved numerous remote service options, and continue to ensure payment for these services are quickly provided.

Additionally, over the past two years, we have been able to completely eliminate our waitlist for those applicants determined eligible in any of our three categories.

Rhode Islanders are a resilient and resourceful community. We look forward to working with our provider network and other State Agencies in meeting the challenges inherent in the new economy.  During these challenging times, let’s make sure we help keep each other safe and healthy.

Thank you,

Joe