by independencenw | Apr 28, 2011 | advocacy, budget cuts
Alright Clackamas, Lane and Washington, it’s your turn to advocate for services as we near deep cuts to brokerage services in the very near future.The House Democrats are sponsoring three additional public meetings in Washington, Lane and Clackamas counties to give folks more opportunities to speak with their state representatives and continue the budget discussion as we lead up to the revenue forecast. Rep. Buckley has agreed to make a budget presentation at all of these events.
(4755 SW Griffith Dr. Beaverton, OR 97005)
Thursday, May 5th, 7:00pm
Forum (Building 17) in Rooms 308 and 309.
(4000 East 30th Avenue. Eugene, OR 97405)
Wednesday, May 11th, 6:30pm
Rex Putnam High School auditorium
(4950 SE Roethe Rd., Milwaukie, OR 97267-5798)
Take a couple of hours out of your day to advocate for services that matter to you, your family and your community.
by independencenw | Apr 28, 2011 | advocacy, aging into adult services
You are invited to attend the Emerging Leaders Northwest Dream It Do It Academy for Youth With Disabilities & Chronic Illness Ages 18 –25 on July 25 – 29th, 2011 at Shriners Hospital in Portland.
At the Dream It Do It Academy, you will learn to:
Live a Healthy Lifestyle!
Be More Independent!
Eat Right!
Develop Your Own Exercise Plan!
Take Charge of Your Healthcare!
Make Friends!
Become a leader!
For application and registration information:
Chuck Davis: 503.494.3281, davichar@ohsu.edu
Sponsored by: Emerging Leaders Northwest
http://www.emergingleadersnw.org
by independencenw | Apr 27, 2011 | advocacy
The Oregon Support Services Association (OSSA) was recently formed with representatives from all thirteen Oregon support services brokerages.
Check out the current discussion on their Facebook page regarding current moves to unionize support services providers statewide. Log on and join the conversation.
To learn more about House Bill 3618 and unionization efforts, check out INW’s HB3618 page here.
by independencenw | Apr 25, 2011 | advocacy, resource
Access to Recovery is a program that connects people to addictions services. Participants must be: 18 or older, have a history of alcohol/drug dependence and live in Multnomah County.
Priority populations include: Veterans, Child Welfare involvement or Criminal Justice involvement. This program allows you to CHOOSE what services you want and where you will receive them. All services are free to the participant.
Contact: Impact Northwest Recovery Management Center
10055 E. Burnside St. Portland, OR 97216
(503)988-6000 ext. 254
- Acupuncture
- Transportation for recovery-related activities
- Family and marital Counseling
- Spiritual and faith-based support
- Education/GED support
- Parent education/child development
- Substance abuse outpatient treatment
- Pastoral family/marital counseling
- Employment services and job training
- Child care
- Housing assistance
- Peer recovery coaching
- Life skills training
by independencenw | Apr 25, 2011 | advocacy
Please join the National Council on Disability at a Town Hall on Community Living
Friday, May 6
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
1404 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR 97201
About NCD The National Council on Disability (NCD) is a small, independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities. NCD is comprised of a team of fifteen Senate-confirmed Presidential appointees, an Executive Director appointed by the Chairman, and eleven, full-time professional staff.
More about the Town Hall In order to be effective in its capacity as an advisor to the President, Congress, and other federal agencies, NCD relies upon frequent and timely input from its diverse stakeholders, including people with disabilities, parents or guardians of people with disabilities, groups and organizations representing a broad range of people with disabilities, and providers and administrators of services to people with disabilities. NCD welcomes its stakeholders to participate in the town hall as an opportunity to provide public consultation to the agency to help inform the work it does. Specifically, NCD will take the testimony given at the town hall and use it as it writes its annual mandated “Progress Report,” which is a big picture assessment of the “state of the disability community” and the effectiveness or inadequacy of the policies affecting it. NCD’s “Progress Report” is a report to the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress.
If you are interested in participating in the town hall, please limit your comments to the topic of community living for people with disabilities. The following issues are specific topics on which the Council would appreciate receiving testimony:
- Effects of budget cuts on community living for people with disabilities
- Availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing
- Availability and adequacy of community supports for people with disabilities
- Transition experiences of people with disabilities joining or rejoining the community
General Guidelines
- Sign In: Those who plan to provide testimony will be asked to provide their name and contact information for possible follow-up. Please be sure to sign-in when you arrive.
- Introduce Yourself: Tell us who you are. Say whether you are commenting as a private citizen, representing other people, or on behalf of an organization.
- 5 Minutes: Individuals providing testimony will be limited to five minutes. Gentle reminders will be given as an individual’s time is nearing an end.
Additional Suggestions
- Successes, problems and solutions: Testimony can involve identification of successes, problems, and/or proposed solutions. Ideas from the community help inform the recommendations NCD makes to the President and Congress.
- Provide evidence: Testimony supported by evidence or information is especially helpful to the Council as it prepares its Progress Report.
- Focus on what is most important to you: Consider beginning your comments with a statement about what is of the greatest concern to you regarding the topic, to ensure your most important point(s) aren’t lost because time is up.
by independencenw | Apr 18, 2011 | advocacy, budget cuts
On April 19th from 5 – 7pm, you have an opportunity to make a short statement to legislators about your concerns over proposed budget cuts.
Get there early, sign up and inform lawmakers about what these cuts really mean to you and your community.
PCC Sylvania is located at 12000 SW 49th Avenue in Portland. Bus lines 44 and 78. Parking pass on campus is three bucks.
by independencenw | Apr 14, 2011 | advocacy, aging into adult services
Planning Meeting to Discuss Transitional Programs after High School
Please join us for a meeting to discuss ideas and options for our special need students that are transitioning from high school to adult life.
When: April 21, 2011 5:00pm-6:30pm
Where: Tigard High School Library
Topics for Discussion:
- Day Programs
- Respite Care
- Employment
- Alternatives to Employment
- Housing/Group Homes
- Transportation
Representatives from The Edwards Center, Washington County ARC and Quiet Waters are planning on being there to give a presentation about their programs. Please contact Ed Casuga at 503-314-7089 or Danielle Johnson at 503-431-4580 with any questions.
by independencenw | Apr 12, 2011 | advocacy, customers, faces of independence northwest
Shelby Brakken’s beautiful images keep coming as part of the Faces of Independence Northwest project. Check out the latest photo shoot with INW’s very first customer, Katy Kitchen.
by independencenw | Apr 12, 2011 | advocacy, mental health
 Rethinking Psychiatry Two-Day Symposium
Friday and Saturday, May 13 & 14, 2011
First Unitarian Church of Portland • 1011 SW 12th • Portland, OR
$5 – $20 Donation • No one turned away for lack of funds • No reg. necessary
Featuring Robert Whitaker
Author of Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America
Friday, May 13, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Creating a New Paradigm of Mental Health Care: What needs to be done? And why?
Join Robert Whitaker as he facilitates a conversation with the audience and a panel of mental health care providers and peers on the current national movement to create a mental health care system that is more holistic, effective and humane.
Saturday, May 14, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Building Strong Communities: New Tools for Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health
Join us Saturday with Robert Whitaker for workshops, open microphone, round table discussions and a community resource fair as we highlight the array of ideas, actions and activities that are helping to create the new paradigm of mental health care for all.
Do you want to get involved? There are many ways to participate including:
Conversation Café: Apply to host a topic of conversation and round table discussion on Saturday in a larger area with tables, large paper and markers.
Community Resource Fair: Apply for a table highlighting your organization.
Workshop: Apply to present a workshop, facilitate a discussion or provide a creative or healing experience.
For more information: Call Marcia Meyers at 503-665-3957 Email: healthymindshealthyhearts@gmail.com
See http://www.facebook.comevent.php?eid=138437579559635
|
by independencenw | Apr 12, 2011 | advocacy
Join Self-Advocates Taking Action, a NEW self-advocacy group in Portland for people with developmental disabilities who want to speak up.
What: April meeting (we meet the 4th Friday of every month)
Agenda: Talk about the vision and mission of our group
When: Friday April 22nd from 4:00-6:00pm
Where: 1511 SW Park Ave, Portland (in courtyard near McMenamins)
Call Jaime at 503-319-6630 for help with directions
Why: Meet new friends, share ideas, learn new things, and have fun
Transportation: Near stops for the Portland Streetcar and TriMet bus 6, 38, 43, 45, 55, 58, 68, 92, and 96
Refreshments provided
For more information, contact Gayle (503-222-5287) or Hannah (503-725-9609)
by independencenw | Feb 16, 2011 | advocacy, domestic employees, house bill 3618
The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 3618 during the February 2010 special session. This bill was signed into law. HB 3618 is directed to “Personal Support Workers” who are defined as persons who are hired by the client or the client’s family or guardian and paid by public funds. We have historically referred to these workers as Domestic Employees in the brokerage system. For reference purposes, this bill can be viewed at: http://www.leg.state.or.us/10ss1/measpdf/hb3600.dir/hb3618.en.pdf
The bill changed the employee designation so that they became eligible for workers’ compensation as of January 1, 2011. The Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC) has arranged for Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage and will facilitate the processing of Workers’ Compensation claims on behalf of the client/employer. SAIF Corporation is the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
The OHCC and SAIF have developed a “What to do If You are Injured on the Job” handout to help inform employees of their rights and responsibilities with regard to to workers’ compensation insurance coverage. You may view that document here: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/adv/hcc/docs/pswhcw.pdf?ga=t
Because of House Bill 3618, Independence Northwest and other brokerages became legally mandated to give a list of all the domestic employees working with our customers to the State of Oregon Department of Human Services, who in turn were mandated to give this list to anyone interested in organizing this group of workers into a union. This occurred in October of 2010 and SEIU has legitimately acquired domestic employee names, phone numbers and addresses. We informed customers of this happening about the same time.
Presently, domestic employees should not be surprised when individuals or groups of individuals from SEIU knock on your door. You have every right to sit down with the representatives of SEIU and discuss the benefits of unionization. You also have the right to refuse to talk to them.
When representatives from SEIU visit with you, you may be asked to sign a union card. If enough domestic employees working with brokerage customers sign a card (30% of the total number of workers) then there will be a vote in which all domestic employees working with brokerage customers will get to decide if they want a union or not. The choice is yours and yours alone.
Independence Northwest has chosen to hold a public neutral stance on organizing efforts. We cannot advise you on whether or not to sign a union card.
by independencenw | Feb 16, 2011 | advocacy
Join Washington County advocates as they look for innovative ways to “Keep the Boat Afloat” during difficult economic times.
Please reserve the evening of Monday, April 11th for a county wide community forum to discuss creative ways to address Oregon’s budget plight, and seek proactive solutions in our com-munity to address the housing and service needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Washington County is known for bringing parents, local and state officials, brokerages, schools and service providers together to build innovative models that support community inclusion. Working together we can stay afloat.
When: Monday April 11th, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Beaverton City Hall.
Participating agencies include:
Families for Independent Living
Daytime Enrichment and Recreation
Washington Developmental Disabilities Council
Housing Independence
Self Determination Resources Inc.
The Edward Center
Independence Northwest
Mentor Oregon
by independencenw | Jan 31, 2011 | advocacy, resource
OHSU is looking at health care for people with disabilities who are from underserved racial or ethnic groups, focusing on people with physical, sensory and/or intellectual disabilities. They will study problems with getting health care, and look for ways to help solve these issues. This project will take three years to finish.
One part of this project is to conduct national focus groups to learn about problems people of color with disabilities have when trying to get the health care they need. They are conducting the first focus group here in Portland with African Americans, Asians, and Latinos with disabilities so they can share their experiences with accessing health care.
Focus Group Participants Needed
Are you a Person of Color with a Disability?
Who: Persons of color with a disability – Age 22 to 65 (vision, hearing, physical, or cognitive)
What: Focus group about your experiences with trying to get the health care you need.
When: You will attend on one of the following days: Thursday, February 17th from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM or Friday, February 18th from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Independent Living Resources 1838 NE Couch Street Portland, OR 97232 (Light refreshments will be offered)
You will receive a $40.00 Fred Meyer gift card for your time
Accommodations will be provided with at least 1 week advance notice
To see if you qualify for the focus group or to ask questions:
Please call Danielle Bailey at 503-494-4858 or
email at baileyd@ohsu.edu
by independencenw | Jan 24, 2011 | advocacy, budget cuts
From Disability Rights Oregon:
THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE LEGISLATURE MAKE GOOD PUBLIC POLICY
- BE INFORMED: Follow the updates by reading Disability Rights Oregon’s newsletter each week and checking DRO’s Executive Director, Bob Joondeph’s blog at http://www.disabilityrightsoregon.org/the-dro-blog. You can also follow DRO on Facebook and Twitter. Visit www.disabilityrightsoregon.org for links to both. You can follow significant pieces of legislation’s progress here: http://gov.oregonlive.com/bill/
- BE HEARD: Write your legislator about a bill that matters to you. A short handwritten note to your State Representative and State Senator can make a very big difference. Phone calls are also effective. An email to your legislator is another way to get in touch. Be sure to refer to the “bill number” at the beginning of your note. DRO can help get you more information about a particular issue or bill. Find out who your legislative representatives are and how to contact them here: http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/
- BE VISIBLE: Attend an event at the Capitol in Salem. Organizations meet frequently on a variety of issues important to the disability community. There are citizen lobby days and gatherings at the Capitol. Keep an eye on DRO news for updates about events. You can also attend legislative hearings for bills you are interested in. Hearings are open to the public and are also streamed online.
MEET OREGON’S NEW LEGISLATORS
New Oregon House Members:
– Rep. Wally Hicks, House District (HD) 3, Grants Pass, has worked as a Deputy District Attorney.
– Rep. Katie Eyre Brewer, HD 29, Hillsboro, is a Certified Public Accountant.
– Rep. Shawn Lindsay, HD 30, Hillsboro, is an intellectual property, e-commerce and business lawyer.
– Rep. Julie Parrish, HD 37, Tualatin and West Linn, is a small business owner.
– Rep. Matt Wand, HD 49, Troutdale, is an attorney in Gresham.
– Rep. Patrick Sheehan, HD 51, Clackamas, owns an advertising agency.
– Rep. Mark Johnson, HD 52, Hood River, owns a general contracting business.
– Rep. Jason Conger, HD 54, Bend, is a lawyer.
New Oregon Senate members:
– Sen. Chuck Thompson, Senate District (SD) 26, Hood River, is an orchardist and county commissioner.
– Sen. Alan Olsen, SD 20, Canby, owns a general contracting business.
– Sen. Lee Beyer, SD 6, Springfield, is a former legislator who served in the Oregon House and Senate from 1991 to 2001. He also served as Chair of the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
by independencenw | Jan 4, 2011 | advocacy
Do you want to make a difference at the legislature next January? Would you like to make a difference about important things like to…
- Keep more of the money you make working
- Get better health care for everyone
- Help people get jobs
- Help direct care staff have the wages and benefits they need to keep on helping you to live a good life
- Are you interested in telling legislators “No more budget cuts!”
SAAL is looking for 12 self-advocates who are available and ready to work in Salem. WE NEED YOU to help our legislators understand the issues that are important to self-advocates across Oregon.
If you are excited about doing something about these issues then please fill out an application and send it to SAAL.
We will provide you with training and information to get ready for the 2011 legislative session
You will learn how to…
- Talk to legislators
- Attend hearings
- Track bills
- Testify on issues and work with other advocates
- Build relationships with your local legislators
- Help other self-advocates get active in the issues that affect their lives
If this is interesting to you then we want to hear from you! Please fill out an application and send it to SAAL and we will get in touch with you about what happens next. If you have questions, please call Marcie at 503-725-8129 or 1-866-835-0659, or email alvarezm@pdx.edu.
by independencenw | Jan 4, 2011 | advocacy, high school transition
Via Disability Rights Oregon:
Parents of Special Education Students Ages 18 and 19: Is Your Child Receiving Less Than a Full School Day of Services?
If you are the parent of a special education student under 20 years of age whose services were cut from a full school day to less than a full school day after he or she turned 18, we would like to hear from you. DRO’s special education attorneys are concerned that a new state policy may allow districts to ignore their legal responsibilities by providing less than a full school day of services for special education students who are 18 and 19 years old.
If you believe that your child is being affected by this policy, please call 503-243-2081 to discuss the details of your situation or fill out an on-line intake form.
DRO is committed to taking appropriate action if student rights are being violated.
by independencenw | Jan 4, 2011 | advocacy, training
Quarterly training sponsored by the Tri-County Sexual Assault Task Force:
FREE training for those who work with adult and teen survivors of sexual assault
Sexual Violence and Economic Justice
Presented by: Sailor Holladay & Jessica Gilbertson
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
This workshop will identify the variety of economic issues that impact survivors of sexual violence. We will explore community resources, consider tools, provide information and problem solving so that attendees are able to strengthen their advocacy response to the needs identified by sexual violence survivors.
Monday January 31, 2011
10am-12pm
Multnomah County Southeast Health Center
3653 SE 34th Ave (1/2 block South of SE Powell Blvd)
Basement Training Room
This training is free of charge. Registration is required.
To register for the training, please email your name, agency, and contact information to
Jessica at tcsatf@gmail.com (503-725-5640)
by independencenw | Jan 3, 2011 | advocacy
From the Oregon DD Coalition:
Attention: Individuals with developmental disabilities, families, providers, direct support workers, brokerage staff & advocates!
- Learn about proposed budget cuts to DD services!
- Learn what is being done to advocate for your services!
- Learn what you can do!
Saturday, January 8, 2011 | 10 AM – 12 Noon
Springfield/Eugene – The Arc of Lane County at 4181 E Street, Springfield 97478
Free child care available for those that pre-register by January 5th
Saturday, January 15, 2011 | 10 AM – 12 Noon
Portland – Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Souther Auditorium at 9155 SW Barnes Rd
Saturday, January 22, 2011 | 10AM – 12 Noon
Medford – Community Justice Building at 1103 West Main Street, Medford 97501
Additional Advocacy Events in Salem and via Video Conference Planned
Speakers Include:
MaryLee Fay, Oregon Department of Human Services, Seniors & People with Disabilities, DD Program
Kathryn Weit, Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities
Organizers from your community
For Jan. 8th Child Care: Call Misty at 541-206-7693
Email: info@oregonddcoalition.org
Sponsored by the Oregon DD Coalition | www.oregonddcoalition.org
by independencenw | Dec 16, 2010 | advocacy, budget cuts
Join the DD Coalition GO Project and Adopt a Legislator Today!
As an Advocacy Team Member, you will have opportunities to meet with your legislator, invite him or her to special events, and help nurture interest in developmental disabilities issues throughout the 2011 legislative session. Members of each Advocacy Team will receive special advocacy materials and support from the GO Project; and be able to share activity updates and photos with other team participants. Certificates will be presented to Advocacy Team Members who maintain monthly contact with their legislator throughout this critical legislative session. Do not delay…Adopt your Legislator Today!
Here’s How to Get Started:
- Go to www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/ and type in your home address to find out the District Number under the name of the State Senator and State Representative then reference this directory to see who your recently elected legislators are.
- Select which legislator you wish to adopt and email the GO! Project Coordinator, Cheryl Cisneros at info@oregonddcoalition.org
with your name, role (self-advocate, family member, brokerage/provider or advocacy organization representative), and your legislator’s name.
- Immediately upon receiving confirmation from the GO! Project Coordinator, you will be given special tips that will get you started with writing a personal note of introduction to your newly adopted legislator at their home address.
Now, Let’s “GO!”…
by independencenw | Nov 24, 2010 | advocacy
Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211info, reached by dialing 2-1-1. 211info will be available to identify available shelter and warming center resources between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Multnomah County callers may also contact 211info between 6:00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 8:00am and 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. People should call 211info to be directed to shelter locations.
Service providers who would like to update information on services they offer during Severe Weather Alerts, please call Troy Hammond at (503) 419-8617.
In addition to existing year-round and winter shelter facilities, the following warming center facilities are available:
Family Winter Warming Center:
12505 NE Halsey Street, Portland Oregon
(on Halsey near 126th Avenue)
This is a Walk-in facility
Call 211 or (503-548-0200 or 503-405-7875) to check for availability
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families with children under 18
Women’s Winter Warming Center:
Check in at Transition Projects, 475 NW Glisan, between 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to reserve a space for the night. Call 503-823-4930 to check availability. Only for single women, up to 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:45 PM – 6:45 AM
Serves: Single women
Men’s Expanded Shelter:
Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny, between 7:30pm and 7:30am. Call 503-239-1259. Provides seating and hot beverages. Only for single men, up 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:30 PM – 7:30 AM
Serves: Single men
Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center (only open when a Severe Weather Alert is issued):
Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center at the Imago Dei Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)
Union Gospel Mission
15 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-228-0319
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 7:30 PM – 6:00 AM
Serves: Adult Males, up to 60 people
The following expanded day center services are available during the Severe Weather Alert.
Downtown Chapel Roman Catholic Parish
601 W. Burnside Street, 503-228-0746
Provides hot beverages, some snacks and movies
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Serves: Adults, up to 100 people
Julia West House
522 SW 13th Street, 503-916-4009
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Serves: Adults age 21 or over
Portland Rescue Mission
111 W Burnside Street, 503-647-7466
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Serves: Adult Males
Union Gospel Mission
15 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-228-0319
Provides hot beverages, some snacks and television
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serves: Adult Males, up to 50 people
Please call 211 with questions regarding other shelter and transportation resources.
Winter service coordination provided by 211info is made possible by a grant from the Portland Housing Bureau. In partnership with other City departments, Multnomah County and community partners, the Portland Housing Bureau coordinates winter and severe weather shelter and day services for homeless individuals in our community.
For the most up-to-date information on shelter or assistance, contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1 or accessing http://211info.org/. In Multnomah County, the call line is open from 8am and 10pm, Monday through Friday; and between 8am to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Thanks to Natasha Roe at Multnomah County for the info.
by independencenw | Nov 16, 2010 | advocacy, budget cuts
On Monday, November 15th, Seniors and People with Disabilities announced the suspension of the Fairview Community Housing Grants program because of Department of Human Services budget concerns.
Fairview Community Housing Grants were funded out of the interest on the Fairview Trust, a trust fund established by the legislature, from the proceeds of the sale of Fairview Training Center. The grants have been used by hundreds of families and individuals to build ramps, improve access to bathrooms, and other modifications that have enabled people to live safely in the community. The agency is taking the money now and will attempt to eliminate the trust in the next Legislative Session.
We cannot let this happen in silence!!! Raise your voice and object to this violation of the Trust and the commitment the Oregon Legislature made to those who once lived in Fairview and the generations of individuals with developmental disabilities who seek to live safely in their own communities.
What can you do?
Email your objections to this action:
ACT NOW!!! DON’T WAIT!!!
For more information on the Fairview Trust, check Fact sheets on the DD Coalition website at www.oregonddcoalition.org
Read the Oregon Perspectives Issues focused solely on the Fairview Housing Trust (below.)
Download: Save the Fairview Community Housing Trust Fund! (PDF: 3.75 MB)
by independencenw | Oct 26, 2010 | advocacy, aging into adult services, high school transition, training
Confused about your rights as a student in transition?
Have questions about school practices, responsibilities and the law?
Looking for resources and contacts?
Need expert opinion and guidance on school-related issues?
Want to connect with other students and families?
As part of its commitment to demystifying the transition process for adults with disabilities, Independence Northwest is partnering with Disability Rights Oregon to bring you a great resource in the month of October. Susana Ramirez, the Special Education Advocate for Disability Rights Oregon, will be presenting “Understanding Your Rights as a Transition Student”. The training is designed for students and their families as well as professionals interested in learning about increasing their advocacy skills.
Join us Wednesday October 27th from 4 – 6pm at the Independence Northwest office located at 541 NE 20th Avenue Suite 103 in Portland. We’re just off Glisan and 20th in the Jantzen Building.
Please take a moment to RSVP so we know you’ll be joining the conversation. Contact Summer Rose at Independence Northwest via phone (503.546.2950) or email (summer.rose@independencenw.org) to register. You can RSVP via Facebook here. This presentation is FREE and light refreshments will be served.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Susana Ramírez has been advocating for the rights of children and adults with disabilities with Disability Rights Oregon for the last 9 years. Susana brings a skill set combining her personal experiences as a parent advocate at the state and national level and her professional expertise in special education law and community organizing.
by independencenw | Oct 5, 2010 | advocacy, aging into adult services, caregivers, guardianship
Announcing an upcoming workshop for high school transitioning students and their families.
In collaboration with Project Employ, Family and Community Together (FACT) will be hosting “Preparing for Adulthood—SSI/SSDI, Benefits Planning, and Guardianship,” on Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 9am – 1pm, at the Arc of Washington County—4450 SW 184th Avenue in Aloha, 97007.
This FREE workshop is open to ALL interested families in the Tri-County Metro.
- Alan Edwards from the Social Security Administration will be presenting information on SSI/SSDI.
- Eugene Rada from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS), Competitive Employment Project, will speak on benefits planning—preserving an individual’s benefits while pursuing employment.
- A parent panel will share their perspectives as each came to their decisions of pursuing or not pursuing guardianship.
by independencenw | Oct 5, 2010 | advocacy, aging into adult services, asperger syndrome, autism, high school transition, washington county
ARRO Westside Family and Community Center
2360 SW 170th Ave, Beaverton, Oregon
Tuesday, October 12 th
6:30-8:00 PM
ARRO (Autism Research and Resources of Oregon) will be hosting a panel discussion on high school transition for teens with Autism. The panel will feature Jonathan Chase, Peter Fitzgerald, and David Abramowitz, discussing the ins and outs of transition out of high school and into adulthood as it relates to teens with Autism. Topics will include pre-high school planning, writing long-term goals into an IEP, eligibility and services in high school, and how the various agencies and services interact with families and the public school system. The panel will also be taking questions and offering advice specific to the laws in the state of Oregon.
Jonathan Chase is an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome and a member of the Autism Society of Oregon’s board of directors. Peter Fitzgerald works with the Youth Transition Program with the University of Oregon and has over 30 years of experience as a special ed teacher and transition specialist. David Abramowitz also has over 30 years of experience working with transition-age teens and their families in the Eugene school district. Jonathan, Peter, and David all serve on the Transition Subcommittee on the Oregon Commission on ASD.
This event is open to the public and will offer information helpful to parents of children with Autism who are currently in high school or looking ahead to high school in the future. Teens and adults with ASD, service providers, and professionals are welcome to attend and ask questions. The forum will be held at the ARRO Westside Family and Community Center and a $5 donation is suggested, but not required, to help support our efforts to support the autism community and develop resources that meet the needs of our families and individuals with autism throughout their life and throughout the spectrum of ability. Handouts, refreshments, and coffee will be available.
Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVP’s would be appreciated. Please email Jonathan@JonathanChase.Net if you plan to attend or have any questions.
by independencenw | Sep 22, 2010 | advocacy, customers, domestic employees, house bill 3618
Source: DD Coalition
House Bill 3618, the legislation designed to include individuals hired by people with developmental disabilities and mental illness or their families into the Home Care Commission, was passed during the last week of the February Legislative Session. The bill will provide worker’s compensation, training, and a registry for personal support workers beginning in January 2011.
Additionally, the bill would allow for organizing of workers and possible unionization after 2011. The fiscal impact for 2009-2011 is $1 million; for 2011-2013 the fiscal for the workers compensation, training, and registry is projected to be $2.5 million GF (State of Oregon General Fund dollars). This does not include the cost of possible collective bargaining if the workforce chooses to unionize.
More information forthcoming on this important change.
