My wallet containing my RI license was lost or stolen. Going to the DMV’s telephone prompts I arrive at the extension for “Duplicate Licenses.” It states that I must appear in person at DMV or AAA but don’t have license to get me there???

Gordon, you can drive yourself to a DMV or AAA office and apply for a duplicate. It costs $26.50. You will be given a temporary license to carry until your new one arrives in the mail.

First of all you are still a licensed driver you should bring your birth certificate and a couple of other IDs you'll be able to get your duplicate made for you at any DMV And there's also Uber and the bus