Sargent Center provides specialized educational and support services for students with disabilities, aged 3-22, from preschool through transition-age programming. Educational offerings include preschool, elementary, middle and high school programs, transition and community-based vocational training leading to a high school diploma, and post-secondary preparation.
Over the years, our expertise has expanded to include behavioral and mental health services for school-aged students. We offer short-term step-down services that support successful return to the school community, as well as longer-term placements for diagnostic evaluations or classroom alternatives from a public-school setting.
Our interdisciplinary approach integrates educational, behavioral, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services to help students develop the skills they need for lifelong learning, independence, employment, and community participation.
Supporting this mission is the Regional Resource Center (RRC), which provides professional learning, consultation, and resources to educators, school districts, and professionals throughout Southern New England.
History
For more than 100 years, Sargent Center has been dedicated to improving the lives of children, young adults, and families through education, rehabilitation, and specialized support services.
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1910s |
The Sargent Center traces its roots back to 1917, when 25 pioneering women opened the Providence School of Lipreading. It was originally incorporated as the Providence League for the Hard of Hearing and later became the first rehabilitation technology program offering assistive listening devices.
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1950s
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As the organization grew, it became a leader in hearing rehabilitation by developing Rhode Island's first rehabilitation technology program offering assistive listening devices, remaining committed to improving the lives of individuals with hearing disabilities.
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1960s
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The organization expanded its services by introducing speech-language pathology services and establishing the state's first outpatient clinic for adult stroke survivors. In 1969, under the leadership of former CEO Marilyn Serra and a team of medical and rehabilitation professionals, the organization opened a speech and language preschool center.
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1970s
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In 1975, the organization expanded its educational programming to serve older students through a comprehensive school program.
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1980s
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The organization continued to pioneer rehabilitation services by developing the first aural rehabilitation program for older adults and the first occupational health and safety industrial audiology program. In 1986, it launched the brain injury program, followed by the addition of an adolescent brain injury program in 1988.
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1990s
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In 1997, Sargent Center relocated to its current three-acre campus at 800 Quaker Lane in Warwick, Rhode Island, providing space for continued growth and expanded programming
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2010s
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In 2012, Sargent opened the Regional Resource Center (RRC), Rhode Island's first statewide comprehensive resource center dedicated to professional learning, collaboration, and sharing best practices in special education and related services. In 2017, Sargent Center proudly celebrated 100 years of serving children, young adults, and families.
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2020s
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In 2024, Sargent Center acquired a two-acre commercial property across the street from its main campus which now houses the organization's administrative offices.
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