Nick Friend

Director of Comms | Best known as Sage’s Husband | Proud nerd & avid cyclist | Former newsie

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

People with autism can run away.

No warning. No goodbye. Gone in a second.

50% of people with autism will run away at some point. It’s called elopement.

It causes seven deaths per month.

This is autism’s hidden crisis: Running away.

https://t.co/B6DKXnEFit

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

“Your son has autism.”

Patrick was four. It was the day after his birthday.

Then came the running.

His parents had no handbook. But they had each other and a community.

This is life after an #autism diagnosis:

https://t.co/HRtM6usEf3

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

If you’ve never been to the Rhode Island State House, it can be confusing.

You should feel empowered to advocate here! It’s where laws for our state are made.

So this is your tour of the Rhode Island State House:

https://t.co/9Mu9ju6j5M

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

📸 LOOK: The Rhode Island State House is glowing green.

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, you can catch the green glow through March 25.

Thanks to lawmakers & advocates, RI is becoming a place where accessibility isn’t just an idea, but a reality.

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

Inside Rhode Island’s largest indoor karting track.

Joe has a disability and helps keep the racing going.

Oh and by the way also maintains axe throwing, darts and an arcade.

A behind the scenes look at R1 Karting.

https://t.co/wgKV4yTzpw

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

665 of the world’s best athletes are about to compete.

This is the #Paralympics.

The toughest competition in the world for people with disabilities.

Athletes who earned their spot, just like the #Olympics.

The Paralympics start tomorrow.

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

We believe in a world where everyone belongs. 💚

This is how we are making that a reality.

This is our 2025 annual report:

https://t.co/CvJX9o7zkt

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

She won gold after a collapsed lung. 🥇

Leanne Smith was on top of the sporting world. She had multiple gold medals, world records and world titles.

Then everything changed.

This is her comeback story and plans for 2028.

https://t.co/7gLCgooR1A

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

Not inspiring, simply human.

Apple's new commercial on disability has quickly reached millions of people.

It's easy to see why. 💪

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

Service options for disabilities can be confusing and overwhelming for families.

So we made something to try and help.

This is a of guide service options for people with intellectual and developmental disability in Rhode Island.

https://t.co/1GDyu6S6MH

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

He makes something you benefit from, but have never heard of. 👀

This is Noah & he has a disability. What he makes is used to build your car & medical devices.

He just earned a statewide award as an example of what disability employment can look like.

https://t.co/chfac5o86R

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

New England’s disability community SHOWED UP! 💪

Over 350 people came to learn about leadership, technology and human resources. This conference was a reminder that we are stronger together.

Thank you to Dirigo and @USIIns who helped make this happen. 🟢

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

Less than 1 in 4 people with disabilities are employed.

Ruth works in the State House at the West Wing Cafe, serving Governors, the @RIHouseofReps & @RISenate.

During Disability Employment Awareness Month, we applaud employees like Ruth! 👏

https://t.co/0Vj76B0yoN

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

THANK YOU to the people who support those with disabilities. 👏

400+ people showed up to celebrate the heart of disability services — Direct Support Professionals.

Together, we honored 42 DSPs of the Year for their incredible dedication every day.

Thank you! 💚

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

He has down syndrome and just found out he's going to be an uncle. 😊

His reaction is pure joy...

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

Introducing Rhode Island's Direct Support Professionals of the Year! 🎉

This group represents the very best of support to people with disabilities. These 42 DSPs were chosen from thousands across the state.

Let’s send a BIG congratulations to them for their incredible work. 💚

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

THANK YOU to the people who support those with disabilities.

Every day Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work tirelessly to empower people to live their dreams.

Their compassion, commitment & empathy make our world a better place.

Thank you DSPs! 💚

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

📸 @GovDanMcKee has signed the Purple Alert bill! 🟣

The new system will help locate missing people with disabilities. RI Is now the 6th state to create this life-saving alert.

Thank you to our lawmakers for making this happen! 👏

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

✍️ SIGNED: A new alert to find missing people with disabilities has been finalized!

With the Governor's signature, RI is now just the 6th state to have a PURPLE ALERT.

This is a huge step forward for disability rights and safety. 💜💚

[Community Provider Network of RI 💚 @CPNRI]

When people rise together, change follows. 💪

Today, around 300 advocates filled the RI State House to call on lawmakers to protect & fund pivotal human services.

Together, we’re not just calling for change; we’re making it happen.