Believe in Possibilities, Navigating Life as an Adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism Society of Oregon‘s fall Conference will be for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their parents/caregivers and professionals working with the adult population.
The conference will be on Friday, October 1st at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR (more details here).
There will be several break out sessions on various topics and an exhibition hall of agencies and non-profits who supports adults with ASD.
TheDowntown Compassion Connect Clinicinvites you to a FREE CLINIC providing Medical, Dental, Vision, Social Services and more on September 18th from 9am – 3pm at the Portland Memorial Coliseum. Other services offered include bicycle repair, haircuts, chiropractic and a clothing bank.
Doors open at 9am
The Downtown Compassion Connect Clinicis focused on providing basic medical, dental, vision exams to meet the needs of the residents in the Central City and downtown Portland neighborhoods. They focus on people who do not have insurance or have enough insurance to cover needed services.
Free parking at the Garden Garage courtesy the Portland Trail Blazers.
The July Headline from the Emergency Board “Legislature Prevents Cuts to Senior In-Home Care and Services to People with Disabilities”, is actually a very partial truth: HERE’S THE REST OF THAT STORY — “Emergency Board Will Restore $17 Million out of $158 million in DHS Cuts”.
While the restorations to some limited services for people with disabilities by the Emergency Board were welcome, it is critical to note that only about 10% of the cuts were restored. People with developmental disabilities (DD) who receive 24 hour support from community nonprofits are getting substantial cuts in October.
In total, over $33 Million will be slashed from DD budgets. Some of Oregon’s most vulnerable people (over 3,000) will find that their support workers wages and benefits have been cut. Many of these jobs are being eliminated completely and monitoring and quality assurance personnel are being cut as well.
The legislature simply did not have the funds to protect vulnerable people from these serious cuts. Adding insult to injury, every dollar cut from state funds triggers the loss of two additional dollars in federal match.
Community nonprofits are under contract to deliver services that meet federal and state guidelines for health and safety. Those requirements are not changing with these cuts, but the rates paid for their delivery are being reduced by 6%. Providers have no choice but to reduce their labor costs, as over 80% of their budgets go directly to labor.
Will the system survive these cuts? In the main, yes, although organizations may refuse to serve people who simply cost too much at these reduced rates – these nonprofits have nowhere else to go, as state rates are their primary (or only) source of support.
Our major concern is that these reductions have cut the DD system to the bone. Following years with no cost-of-living increases, providers have already made the efficiency and other adjustments possible while maintaining the integrity of the DD system. Any further cuts, like those predicted for the coming biennium, will result in a general system collapse, forcing the state to step in and provide these services itself at far greater cost than current expenditures. Oregon has closed its state institutions; further reductions will destroy a community infrastructure of nonprofits built over the past forty years that would take decades to replace, if indeed it ever could be.
These people will not disappear; they will be cared for by the state, whether it is through contracts with the existing cost-efficient nonprofit system or a hastily thrown-together patchwork of very expensive public supports.
We urge the legislature and Governor to carefully consider long-term implications of any further reductions to services to people with developmental disabilities.
Questions? Contact Tim Kral, Executive Director or Nan Heim, ORA Lobbyist, 503 585 3337.
From an email distributed by UCP’s Family Support Program:
When: August 23rd, 2010
Where: Portland School District Administration Office
501 N. Dixon
Portland OR 97086
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A broad coalition of parents, educators, advocates, and non-profits have coalesced around the budget cuts to Special Education (SPED) recently announced by Portland Public Schools. This evening they will turn out in full force to support equity in education for ALL students in PPS, give testimony and request that the Superintendent and PPS Board reconsider their decision to cut SPED resources.
On June 30th, 2010 PPS announced a $3.3 million reduction from the previously approved budget for SPED, eliminating approximately 20 teaching positions and 51 paraeducator positions. While PPS claims they can provide Maintenance of Effort (MOE) despite these cuts, many parents and staff question how this is possible when they are already struggling to adequately serve students receiving special education services.
You’re invited to the 2010 Annual Brokerage Resource Fair presented by Community Pathways (formerly The Arc Brokerage), Independence Northwest, Inclusion Inc and Mentor Oregon Brokerage.
Come learn about resources and activities in your community, network with providers and meet new people. There will be food, activities and plenty of people at the BBQ. Bring your provider, learn something new and make some connections.
Parking is limited – consider taking the yellow line MAX to the Overlook Park stop or TriMet.
Friday August 13th
1:00pm to 5:00pm
Kaiser Permanente Town Hall
3704 N. Interstate Ave, Portland
BBQ: 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Overlook Park (directly across the street)
N Fremont & Interstate
The Oregon DD Coalition has recently posted a training by disability advocate David Pitonyakon their website. The training is called “The Importance of Belonging” and it is from June of 2008. Check it out here.
The largest part of David Pitonyak’s work involves meeting individuals who are said to exhibit “difficult behaviors.” Most of these individuals exhibit difficult behaviors because they are misunderstood and/or because they are living lives that don’t make sense. Often they are lonely, or powerless, or without joy. Often they are devalued by others, or they lack the kinds of educational experiences that most of us take for granted. Too often their troubling behaviors are the result of an illness, or even a delayed response to traumatic events.
Another part of David’s practice involves training. He provide’s workshops and seminars on a variety of topics, including supporting people with difficult behaviors and supporting the needs of a person’s friends, family, and caregivers.
In the recent past, he has provided consultation and training for individuals, families and professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He has worked with people in a variety of settings, including: home and professionally-staffed residential settings, schools, supported competitive job sites, sheltered workshops, and day activity programs.
This state program operates year-round for low-income Clackamas County residents who have power bills from Portland General Electric. During the OEAP Summer Outreach, June 1 to September 30, 2010, households that have not received energy assistance are a priority group for this program.
HOW IS ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED?To be eligible, a household’s income must be at or below 60% of Oregon’s median income. The following guidelines are based on total gross household income for all adult members, 18 and older, living in the home and the household size. The household must have an active Portland General Electric account in the name of an adult living in the home. Both homeowner and renter households are eligible.
Size of Household / Gross Monthly Income (before taxes and deductions)
# of people: 1 Income cannot exceed $1757
# of people: 2 Income cannot exceed$2298
# of people: 3 Income cannot exceed $2839
# of people: 4 Income cannot exceed$3380
# of people: 5 Income cannot exceed$3921
# of people: 6 Income cannot exceed $4461
# of people: 7 Income cannot exceed$4563
# of people: 8 Income cannot exceed$4664
Each additional member add $101
HOW TO APPLYApplications are made through Clackamas County Social Services Division. For more information or to apply for energy assistance, call the Energy Assistance Line, 503-650-5640, select English and option 3. Funds are limited, so there may be times when assistance is not available. If you have never received energy assistance before, be sure to say “this is my first time requesting energy assistance” when you call to apply for Energy Assistance.
ENERGY EDUCATIONClackamas County Social Services and Clackamas County Weatherization offer Energy Savings Tips Workshops to help eligible households learn how to reduce their energy usage and improve their economic stability. Be sure to ask about the workshops when calling for energy assistance.
This morning, the Emergency Board voted to restore some of the reductions scheduled to occur in the Developmental Disabilities Program. The restoration is coming from funding currently being held in the Emergency Board Fund. Many self advocates, families, service providers, and others wrote letters, sent emails and talked with legislators and the press about the devastating impact the reductions would have on people with developmental disabilities and their families. Thank you!!! Your voices were heard!!!
In a press release from the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate:
“Some of the restorations will protect services through the remainder of the biennium, ending June 30, 2011. Others will be protected until March 1, 2011. For the latter, restoring these services into next year will allow the Legislature to get at least three more revenue forecasts, determine the level of federal aid that may be available, and immediately ensure the safety of thousands of Oregonians receiving assistance.
“By restoring these cuts now, we’re avoiding higher costs down the road and retaining federal dollars. As we move ahead, we’ll continue to look at these factors along with our priority of protecting the most vulnerable amongst us,” said President Courtney.
“From the moment we received the last forecast and learned of the $577 million deficit, we said we would approach these cuts thoughtfully and carefully; that we would act when we had plans in place to protect Oregonians and that we would be guided by a set of principles that protected the most vulnerable Oregonians and protected our long term investments in the future of Oregon. Thursday’s E-board action is the next step along that path,” said Speaker Hunt.
Restorations specific to developmental disabilities include:
Medicaid Personal Care 20 through June 2011
In-Home Supports for Children / Long Term Care through June 2011
Case Management for Children through February 2011
Targeted Case Management in counties and brokerages through February 2011
DD Family Support Program through February 2011
Reductions that were not restored include:
Reduce county DD Program and brokerage administration by 10%
Eliminate county and brokerage quality assurance staff
Reduce comprehensive services rates by 6%
Reduce DD special projects and training
Reduce DD crisis diversion
Reduce county Regional Programs by 10%
Reduce housing extended maintenance
For a full listing of the reductions and restorations please go to the DD Coalition website at www.oregonddcoalition.org
The latest edition of Oregon Perspectives, a publication of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities, is out now. This season’s issue focuses on The Fairview Housing Trust and what important home improvements have been brought to people as a result of this very important resource. This valued program is now being eyed as a potential budget cut. Read more here.
Bill Lynch’s spot-on opening letter from the issue:
Trust is built on promises kept. The Fairview Community Housing Trust Fund was built on a promise by state policymakers that Oregon would have a sustainable resource to enhance the safety and independence of individuals with developmental disabilities living in their own homes or their family homes. But now the state is openly talking about breaking that promise.
The idea of the trust fund was simple. Take the proceeds from the sale of the Fairview Training Center property and create a fund that would generate interest. Turn the interest into small grants to modify private homes so those homes are more accessible and safe for the people with developmental disabilities who live there. This is not charity; it’s a wise investment that helps keep people in their own homes so they do not have to enter much costlier state services.
They say desperate times call for desperate measures. There’s no question the state budget is facing desperate times, but some of the desperate measures being considered to fill the budget hole are indeed questionable. Even if the entire amount in the Fairview Community Housing Trust Fund were used to balance the state budget, that amount wouldn’t even begin to tip the scales. In the meantime, we would wipe out a self sustaining resource that costs the state nothing but has the potential to make a big difference in the lives of thousands of Oregon households. In fact, it already has for more than 1,000 households.
In this issue of Oregon Perspectives, you will hear from trust fund grant recipients from all over the state who say the small amount of money they received to modify their homes has had a huge impact on the quality of their lives.
We have no reason to doubt they are telling the truth, and they should have no reason to doubt we will
keep our promises.
Hello, My name is Judy Cunio. I am the Self Advocacy Coordinator for the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. As part of my job, I am the editor of The SAAL Connection (formerly known as The People First Connection), a publication of Self Advocates as Leaders. The SAAL Connection features stories written by and for self advocates.
I am writing this message because, as many of you know, the state does not have enough money to continue doing everything that it’s currently doing. So that means each agency needs to cut back on the money they spend on services.
But you can help us get policymakers’ attention by sharing your personal story!
We are looking for stories from self advocates about the type of support you get, what it means to you, and what life would be like without it. People can write their own stories or get help from someone to write it. The people who have to make the hard budget decisions don’t always understand the real harm that budget cuts will do to the people who need the services most.
If you would like to help, I invite you to share your story with The SAAL Connection, which is read by many people, including some legislators and other policymakers. We plan to put together collections of stories and the more stories we collect from around the state, the greater impact we will have.
We would like to have stories in by August 1, 2010.
Do you or someone you know have mental illness? Will you be affected by the Personal Care 20 budget cuts? If so, Disability Rights Oregon wants to hear from you by Friday! Please pass this along to anyone you know who might benefit.
DRO wants to stop the cuts to personal care services because we believe that many of the people who receive those services will be at risk of institutionalization (such as going back to the state hospital) if they lose their services. In order to bring the case, we need to find who is affected and who is at risk by Friday, July 16, 2010.
On July 2, 2010, Richard Harris, Director of the Addictions and Mental Health Division, sent out letters to all clients with mental illness who are receiving up to 20 hours of personal care services through the Medicaid (OHP) program to notify them that those services will end on July 31, 2010.
Those services provide basic personal hygiene, nutrition, and assistance with medications (assuring medications are taken as prescribed, observing reactions, reminding people when prescriptions need to be refilled and assisting with that).
In addition, clients may get personal care hours for housekeeping, arranging medical appointments, extra support due to their mental illness, and someone to observe and report changes to their mental health status to help prevent a crisis.
These are vital services — and the only ones that people with mental illness are eligible for under Medicaid.
DRO wants to stop those cuts, and believes that many of the people who receive those services will be at risk of institutionalization (such as going back to the state hospital) if they lose their services.
But in order to bring the case, we need to find those people who are affected and who are at risk.
The best plaintiffs will be folks who have recently been hospitalized (within the last year or two), gotten out, now have housing and are stabilized because of these services — and who will likely not make it in the community if they lose those services.
We will need to have support from the care provider, case manager, and/or doctor (ideally) that they are at imminent risk — but first we need to find them!
If you are an advocate, a care provider, a case worker, a friend or family member, or person who is receiving those personal care hours, please help us put out the word.
Call DRO at 503.243.2081 or 1.800.452.1694 if you know of such people who are at risk, or better yet, have people call DRO directly (or provide us with contact information and we will make the call).
Our front desk and intake workers are ready to gather the necessary information.
If you need more specific information about the lawsuit and the types of plaintiffs DRO is seeking, please call Kathy Wilde, the legal director, who is coordinating this effort.
Time is of the essence!
We need plaintiffs by the end of next week (July 16th) — but as soon as possible.
The lawsuit must be filed the week of July 26th in order to seek an order from the federal court stopping the state from implementing the cuts.
There is a sense of urgency throughout the state as we work to preserve essential services to children and adults with developmental disabilities! Fact Sheets have been developed to assist in your advocacy efforts as you rally support from legislators:
The DD Coalition created Grassroots Oregon (the GO! Project) in July 2004 to connect regional advocates to one another, to identify issues of concern in communities statewide, and to provide technical assistance and information regarding issues related to people with developmental disabilities.
The GO! Project strives to help people with disabilities and their families educate others – including the general public, state and local government officials, and public agency staff – about their stories, their concerns, and the impact of policies effecting people who experience developmental disabilities.
The GO! Project provides an information clearinghouse on state DD issues by maintaining the Oregon DD Coalition website and related materials as well as sending out monthly email bulletins. GO! is also building a strong network of Oregonians concerned with issues related to people with developmental disabilities through grassroots organizing and training activities. The project works to make sure the perspectives of people with developmental disabilities are represented in statewide forums and discussions about funding and policies.
The following notice came from UCP’s Family Support Program:
A rally will take place in Portland’s Pioneer Square at 12 o’clock Noon on Thursday July 15, 2010 to protest the abrupt budget cuts by Governor Kulongowski. Our governor passed these budget proposals with only 5 days for review, no modifications, and no opportunity for public response.
The following cuts to human services started immediately on July 1, 2010:
Elimination of meals programs for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. (i.e. Meals on Wheels.)
Elimination of in-home personal care services for low-income seniors and people with disabilities on Medicaid (i.e. help with bathing, eating, dressing, using the restroom, etc.)
Reduce in-home services in the Medicaid system by 75% (i.e. meal preparation, chores, etc)
Complete elimination of Oregon’s Project Independence.
Further cuts to community and county providers who are administering the state’s programs which serve these individuals.
Please join other supporters & protesters at 12 o’clock noon on Thursday July 15, 2010 for the first rally to protest these cuts. Meet at Pioneer Square in downtown Portland. For more information or to help with this and other rallies, please email the sponsoring group at: protestthecuts@gmail.com.
Portland Rescue Mission is opening its Burnside Shelter at 111 W. Burnside as a cooling center. Movies and beverages in an air-conditioned environment will be provided 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 N.E. 40th Ave., will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. Movie, beverages and snacks at 5:30 p.m. Free transportation through Ride Connection. Call (503) 288-8303 or (503) 988-3646 to schedule a ride.
The Salvation Army Rose Center for Seniors will be extending its hours through Thursday, opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. at 211 N.E. 18th Ave. near downtown Portland. It’s offering “fun activities, light snacks and lots of water” and can be reached at (503) 239-1221.
The City of Fairview will open up Fairview City Hall as a cooling center from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Children must be accompanied by an adult; animals are prohibited. Fairview City Hall is at 1300 N.E. Village Street in downtown Fairview, about 2 miles west of Troutdale off Interstate 84. Call (503) 674-6224 with questions.
Greater Gresham Baptist Church is opening its sanctuary up as a Gresham Area Cooling Center. The church is at 3848 N.E. Division Street in Gresham and will stay open until 9 p.m. and possibly later. Call (503) 667-1515 for further details.
The Oregon Human Society’s Animal Medical Learning Center will host a pet-friendly cooling center through Sunday, Aug 2, during normal shelter hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Pets must be accompanied by their owners at all times. Pet drop offs are not allowed; pet crates are encouraged. The address is 1067 N.E. Columbia Blvd., just inside the Oregon Humane Society’s main shelter entrance. Call (503) 285-7722 or visit www.OregonHumane.org for further details.
Clark County:
New extended hours: Clark County Fire District 6 will open the Felida Fire Station as a cooling center from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The station is at 11600 N.W. Lakeshore Ave. in Vancouver. C-TRAN will transport people there; riders need to board Route 9/Felida and ask the driver to drop them at the fire station on Lakeshore Avenue – as it is not a regular stop on the route.
The Human Services Council of Southwest Washington will provide door-to-door service to the Clark County Fire District 6 Cooling Center. The home pickup service is for low-income people and those with disabilities who need assistance in finding transportation. Rides are limited, so if you know you’ll need one you should call as soon as possible. Ride reservation lines are (360) 258-2103 or (360) 735-5746.
Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main Street in Fairgrounds Park, will be open for books, magazines, board games and children’s activities from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Contact Battle Ground Parks & Recreation Department at (360) 342-5380 for more information on this center.
East County Fire and Rescue will open their firehouse as a cooling center on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Station 91 is located at 600 N.E. 267th Avenue, Fern Prairie, next to Grove Airfield.
Clackamas County:
Portable, electric fans may be available for loan to families through the Wilsonville Community Center. The Clackamas County Energy Assistance Program also has fans available for low-income households free of charge. People in need of a fan can call its energy assistance line at (503) 650-5640; Spanish speakers can call (503) 650-5766. Additionally,
Wilsonville Public Library at 8200 S.W. Wilsonville Road will remain open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday for cooling, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. thereafter. The library will be closed Thursday. Water is available, no pets allowed, handicapped accessible.
Water features in Town Center Park at the Visitors Center and Murase Plaza will be left on until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
The Wilsonville Community Center at 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road is “remaining cool and always a place for folks to spend the day,” reports Dan Knoll, spokesman for the City of Wilsonville. Coffee, tea and water are “always available,” he said. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lake Grove Presbyterian Church at 4040 Sunset Drive in Lake Grove has water and ice tea available. Pets are allowed but restricted to shady area outside. Operating hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
Damascus Community Church at 14251 S.E. Rust Way in Damascus will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Water is available and pets are allowed in carriers. This facility is handicap accessible.
Lower Highland Bible Church at 24333 S. Ridge Road in Beavercreek will be open 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Eagle Creek Fire Station at 32200 S.E. Judd Road in Eagle Creek will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Lake Oswego Adult Community Center at 505 “G” Ave. in Lake Oswego will serve as a cooling center from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on week days, and after hours and on the weekend by calling (503) 635-3758. Staff will open the Center for as long as needed.
Sandy Community/Senior Center at 38348 Pioneer Blvd. in Sandy will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Handicapped accessible.
Oswego Place Assisted Living, 17450 Pilkington Road, Lake Oswego; open Wednesday through Sunday as cooling center.
Washington County:
In the City of Hillsboro there are several cooling centers open for residents, including:
Tyson Recreation Center, 1880 N.E. Griffin Oaks St. in Hillsboro will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Hillsboro Senior Center, 750 S.E. Eighth Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 Brookwood Parkway, will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Shute Park Branch Library, 775 S.E. 10th Ave., will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
West Police Precinct, 250 S.E. 10th Ave., will serve as a cooling station from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday
The following Hillsboro churches also will be open this week for those needing a respite from the heat:
Sonrise Church, 6701 N.E. Campus Drive, open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Westport Church, 20085 N.W. Tanasbourne Drive, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at the Hillsboro cooling centers specifically. For recorded location and hour information for Hillsboro cooling stations call (503) 681-5295.
Assisted living center opens its doors as cooling center through Sunday:
Warren Community Fellowship Church at 56253 Columbia River Highway, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Call Columbia River Fire and Rescue at (503) 397-2990 for more information.
Marion County:
Silverton Hospital has set up two cooling center sites: one at the Silver Falls Library, 410 S. Water Street, and one at Silver Creek Fellowship, 822 Industry Way. Both are open 10 a.m. to dusk starting Thursday.
The National Weather Service is predicting a possible heat wave for much of this week with temperatures hovering into the mid to high 90s. During hot summer weather the Clackamas County Social Services and Public Health caution people and their pets of an increased risk for heat-related problems such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and sun stroke.
Seniors, people with disabilities and children are especially susceptible to these conditions. Children and people with disabilities may not be able to express discomfort or communicate symptoms. Here is what you should look for:
Red irritated skin
Excessive sweating
Headaches, muscle aches and nausea
If someone demonstrates one or more of those symptoms it is important to get them hydrated and out of the sun immediately. If the symptoms persist or they lose consciousness or have trouble breathing, summon medical assistance as soon as possible.
Hot weather can also cause strain on the heart, exacerbate respiratory impairments such as asthma, emphysema and a range of other conditions. It can also affect the ability to manage diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Here are some tips for combating the heat:
Keep air circulating with fans; take cool sponge baths
Go to an air-conditioned building if possible. Consider visiting a local senior
center, youth center library or mall. Air-conditioning has been found to be the single most important factor in reducing heat-related risks.
Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing. If going out wear a hat.
Drink lots of water and don’t wait to get “thirsty”
Avoid, coffee, tea or alcohol
Limit physical activity and direct exposure to the sun
Check with your health provider about how the hot weather affects your prescription drugs
Contact your health provider if you experience prolonged heat-related symptoms, or if those symptoms significantly affect the ability to care for yourself.
Clackamas County Dog Services reminds pet owners to be especially careful to keep their pets cool and safe during hot weather.
Dogs and cats can’t perspire as humans do and can only eliminate heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. That means they heat up very quickly and have limited resources to cool themselves.
Dog Services Manager Diana Hallmark notes that the temperature in a parked car, even in the shade or with windows partly open, can increase rapidly. Within as few as 10 minutes, a dog or cat can be seriously harmed or killed. Leaving a pet in a parked car may also subject the owner to criminal neglect or abuse charges.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, even with outside temperatures as low as 72 degrees a car’s interior temperature can increase an average of 40 degrees within an hour. While some people leave windows slightly open, that doesn’t provide enough relief to protect your pet. Visit their website at http://www.hsus.org/
Hallmark suggests people keep pets from overheating by:
Leaving them at home during warm or hot weather;
Being sure they have constant access to shade or a cool room, and to cool, potable drinking water, and
Being mindful of overexertion which can cause overheating. Take walks early in the morning or late in the evening and at a relaxed pace.
Watching out for heatstroke –heavy panting, staring, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, collapse and disobedience. If heatstroke is suspected, call a veterinarian immediately and apply water-soaked towels to hairless areas of the animal’s body to lower its temperature.
Never leaving pets in an unattended parked car or truck, with or without open windows.
Please note: The change to the PC20 program is not affecting ADL Supplement levels.
This means that if you are someone who used to get PC20, but you’re now enrolled in the brokerage, the additional $2,900 in ADL (Activities of Daily Living) supports will continue through the brokerage. Nothing is changing for brokerage customers at this time. The recent letter and transmittal from the Department of Human Services can be misleading given the suggestion that Personal Agents would be assisting people with finding other resources.
If you have questions, please contact your Personal Agent.
Economists may tell you the recession is lifting, but you’d never be able to tell in Oregon. The latest forecast says that the state is more than a half billion dollars short for the current budget cycle. Governor Ted Kulongoski has asked all state agencies how they would cut nine percent out of their budgets. The Department of Corrections proposed closing three prisons — something the governor said he would not accept. However, the biggest cuts will be felt by schools and human services.
In the case of the Department of Human Services, some cuts are off the table, like the ones that get matching funds from the federal government. A spokewoman at DHS says the agency has been very disciplined staying within its budget and weathering a variety of cuts — along with increasing demand — over the last two years. But, she said, this mandated nine percent cut was simply too big to be able to hold many vulnerable Oregonians who depend on their services harmless.
Do your children go to public school? How will your school be affected? Do you rely on regular help from Project Independence or other program for people who are elderly or disabled? What are your biggest concerns about the proposed cuts?
“Many of the programs we have fought to create over the past 25 years are either identified for complete elimination or are being seriously damaged by these reductions… We need to ask ourselves who we are as citizens and develop the political will to create better long term and comprehensive solutions for vital services” – Margaret Theisen, DD Coalition Chairperson
Today, the Governor released the list of state agency reduction proposals designed to address the $577 million dollar General Fund hole in the 2009-2011 budget. The specific reductions in Seniors and People with Disabilities and education are provided above. The Governor and legislative leadership will be reviewing the reductions to determine whether a special session will be required.
The Governor issued the 9% across the board reduction order two weeks ago based on the low May revenue forecast and the pending loss of the enhanced Medicaid match provided Oregon through the stimulus dollars in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
The 9% reduction in Seniors and People with Disabilities means an approximate loss of $44 million General Fund / $45 million Federal Funds and $10 million Other Funds. As you can see from the narrative in the budget document, there are many challenges in implementing reductions and implementing them quickly enough to minimize the need for additional reductions to meet the budget targets.It is projected that the budget hole for the 2011-2013 biennium will be over $2.5 billion dollars and the projected reductions will be significantly deeper.
What can you do?
Contact your Federal Congressional Delegation and urge support for continuation of the higher federal Medicaid match rate that will temporarily offset the budget reductions to people with disabilities and families in Oregon.
Stay informed! Read the Network Action Alerts and GO! Bulletinsand take action when requested.
Get others to join the Oregon Network. Our strength is in our numbers!!
Attend the local meetings held by your legislators and talk about the importance of the services you receive. Check the DD Coalition website regularly for Fact Sheets and updated talking points.
Disability Rights Oregon has created an excellent guide to assist you through the Special Education experience. The guide was written to provide parents and advocates with accurate information and answers to questions about special education for children enrolled in Oregon’s public schools from Kindergarten to age 21.
Developmental Disabilities Services funding is at risk as Oregon faces a significant budget deficit. Oregon’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and the newly-created Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are now formulating budget priorities for the current and upcoming two year fiscal cycle. If DD services are important to your family, friends, business and/or community, EMAIL DHS TODAY at dhs.oha@dhs.state.or.us.
The budget projections are grim and there will be cuts! Community Forums have been held throughout Oregon over the past few weeks to discuss DHS/OHA budget and funding priorities. However, the number of people speaking on behalf of DD services were minimal.It is essential that DHS / OHA leadership hears about the importance of the services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
DHS / OHA SPRING 2010 COMMUNITY FORUMS
1) Protect Funding for Services to People with Developmental Disabilities
DD services support one of Oregon’s most vulnerable populations across the lifespan through a diverse array of services. DD services are cost effective and efficient. Many of these services have already experienced reductions over the past several fiscal cycles including employment / day services and family support. There are no budget reductions that will not significantly impact the lives of vulnerable individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Background: The challenge facing Oregon is how to maintain funding even for existing services. The DD Coalition will join with other organizations to prioritize human services to vulnerable populations and to address the resource issues in the Oregon budget.
2) Protect Access to Adult Support Services
The Staley Settlement Agreement has resulted in cost effective and efficient delivery of services to adults with developmental disabilities entitled to Medicaid services. Access to Adult Support Services provided through the system of nonprofit brokerages must be preserved.
Background: The Staley Settlement Agreement ends in June of 2011. There are discussions occurring to extend the Agreement but it is not a given that will happen. It is important to maintain the current service structure, services, and access to supports.
3) Memorandum of Understanding Needed between DHS and OHA
Seniors and People with Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities Program must maintain the ability to operate services and implement quality assurance / quality improvement even if DHS no longer has the Medicaid Authority. There must be a detailed Memorandum of Understanding to protect the integrity of DD services.
Background: When DHS splits and OHA is created, the actual authority for Medicaid moves to OHA. A detailed agreement between the two agencies is needed to assure that the DD program can continue to implement and improve services.
4) Continue to Utilize the Fairview Community Housing Trust for its Intended Purposes
The Fairview Trust represents a promise made to Oregonians with developmental disabilties and families. By providing small amounts of funding for physical adaptations and accommodations, it fulfills a committment to community based living for hundreds of Oregonians with developmental disabilities each year.
Background: The Fairview Trust was established with the assets from the sale of the Fairview Training Center property. It is designed to serve generations of Oregonians with developmental disabilities.The funding is most often used for critical home modifications that address the health and safety issues. If the trust fund dollars are used by the state for other purposes, it is very unlikely that they would ever be replaced.
***Additional Public Participation Opportunity***
DHS and OHA have created new mission statements, and have created surveys that provide an additional opportunity for stakeholders to express their opinion regarding agency priorities. Please visit the DHS/OHA agency transition web site at www.oregon.gov/OHA/transition/vision.shtml to see the proposed mission statements and take the surveys.
This seven-hour self-directed e-learning course has been created to help people with developmental disabilities, their parents, family members and friends, educators and service providers understand the important concepts of self-determination, family support, community living and assistive technology. The course focuses on helping people with developmental disabilities, their family and friends explore these four important elements that, together, can help them create a meaningful life that is independent, inclusive, productive, self-determined and integrated.
Partners in Time
This eight-hour self-study was created to help people with developmental disabilities, their parents, family members and friends, educators and service providers understand the history of society’s treatment of people with disabilities from ancient times through the present. The course focuses on the way that people with disabilities lived, learned and worked throughout history and growth of the Disability Rights Movement. The course also introduces some of the individuals and groups whose efforts resulted in new ways of thinking about people with disabilities and their rights.
This three hour self-directed course was created to help parents of children with developmental disabilities understand and maximize the special education system. The course focuses on a child’s right to a free appropriate public education, the laws that protect those rights and offers practical ways that parents can ensure that their children benefit from an inclusive education. The course has been updated to reflect IDEA 2004.
This three hour self-study course is designed to help people with disabilities and their families create positive change through advocacy. The course helps participants understand the legislative process, the essential elements of good advocacy, identify and research personal issues, then advocate for systems change as individuals and as part of larger community efforts. The course includes opportunities to put what has been learned into practice through a series of interactive exercises.
This six-hour self-study course is designed to help people with developmental disabilities find meaningful jobs and plan a career. In this course, participants will create a resume or portfolio of their strengths, skills, and interests; learn how to network and identify potential employers; prepare for an interview; and understand the hiring process.
Healthy Lifestyles: Dream It, Do It! is a fun, hands-on interactive experience designed to give youth with disabilities and chronic illness age 18 -25 the opportunity to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle and become more independent. Feel free to disseminate the attached flyer and registration form to anyone you feel might be interested.
Scholarships are available. If you have questions please contact Charles Davis (details below).
Believe in Possibilities, Navigating Life as an Adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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From an email distributed by UCP’s Family Support Program:
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The latest edition of 
A request from the
Do you or someone you know have mental illness? Will you be affected by the Personal Care 20 budget cuts? If so, 
From the DD Coalition:
If you haven’t yet, take a moment to sign up for the DD Coalition’s GO! Project Bulletin. It gives you up-to-the-minute information on current budgetary issues, legislative action and advocacy opportunities. We can’t say enough great things about this resource. Check it out now! 
Independence Northwest has received notice of a planned protest of the 
KATU’s current list of cooling centers in the metro area:
From 
Today’s OPB Think Out Loud episode 
From the 
Important Announcement from the DD Coalition
Partners in Policymaking