Check Out Our New Websites!

Published on Friday, June 25, 2021

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is excited to announce we have updated the DHS, Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), and Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) websites! The families and individuals who need DHS and the partners who help amplify and extend our critical services, programs and benefits across Rhode Island were at the forefront of the redesign decisions of all three websites that re-launched on Thursday, June 17th.  

There are a wide range of user-friendly features that improve the overall customer experience. Across each website, customers can now change the font size for better readability; convert the page to light or dark mode based on user preference; and find needed program details, documents, and forms easier due to each website’s streamlined approach.

In redesigning the DHS website, DHS leadership took the initiative to build out key pages. Notable highlights include an Overview page of programs and services; an all-inclusive Apply Now page that serves as a one-stop shop for all DHS programs and services; a Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) dedicated page that addresses common questions and concerns; a revamped Child Care section that reflects the Office of Child Care’s growing significance to Rhode Island families; and the sharing of our DHS legislative priorities in the About Us section.

The OCSS website was also overhauled to meet the needs of the DHS division’s various constituents. Visitors will now find pages for the type of visitor (custodial, non-custodial, attorney and employer) seeking information. Since visiting the OCSS website from a mobile device is common, improving how the Case Information and Contact Us pages — some of the most visited pages – was prioritized.

The ORS website’s most significant change is the inclusion of the Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) and the Rhode Island Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL) websites into its website. Previously, ATAP and ATEL had their own website addresses. Please note that if someone has the old addresses linked as favorites on their desktops or laptops, they will be redirected automatically to the new homes of ATAP and ATEL.

In addition, ORS also built out its Programs page, which is a top visited section of the website, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program section as well as made overall changes to streamline all its information.   

It is our hope that the updates to these websites will improve the customer experience for everyone.