by independencenw | Jan 7, 2010 | advocacy
From WWeek:
BY NIGEL JAQUISS
What a way to start the new year.
We get to vote on raising taxes. Twice, actually.
Oregon voters will soon receive ballots asking them to vote on Measure 66, which would raise personal income taxes on the highest-income Oregonians, and Measure 67, which would increase corporate income taxes.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature already approved the tax hikes in 2009, but opponents then gathered enough signatures to put them on the ballot for voters to decide.
Tax policy is thorny. It’s never so simple as “taxes are good as long as someone else pays them.” In fact, if you take a close look at this state’s tax structure, you will often see a reflection of our collective psyche. Nothing speaks to the stubborn individualism of Oregon quite like our continued refusal to adopt a sales tax, for example.
To dispel some of the overheated rhetoric surrounding the tax hikes, here’s a look at how we got here and what our collective response to Measures 66 and 67 may say about Oregonians as we enter a new decade.
Oh, and WW’s editorial board also tells you at the end how we think you should vote.
What would Measure 66 do?
It would raise the state income tax rate from 9 percent to 10.8 percent on an individual’s personal income between $125,000 and $250,000, and to 11 percent on every dollar above $250,000. The measure would also eliminate the state income tax on the first $2,400 of unemployment income. The Legislative Revenue Office, which crunches numbers for lawmakers, projects fewer than 3 percent of Oregonians would pay this increased tax—that’s why some people call the measure “class warfare.”
How about Measure 67?
Measure 67 is a lot more complicated. First, corporations with no taxable income now pay a minimum $10 tax. This measure would raise the minimum to $150. It would also raise the corporate income tax rate on companies with profits to 7.9 percent, compared to the current 6.6 percent. This measure would do something completely new, as well: It would create a new tax on companies with more than $500,000 in annual sales but no taxable profits. All companies would pay the new minimum tax or the 7.9 percent tax on profits, whichever is higher.
Continue article here.
by independencenw | Jan 7, 2010 | advocacy, lgbtq, resource
What: CELEBRATE! A drag show featuring performers with developmental disabilities and allies
Date: Monday, January 11th, 2010.
Time: Door opens at 6:30pm, show 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, 5340 N. Interstate Ave. (at Killingsworth)
See below for more info, or contact Bridges to Independence.
More information on their website.
From Willamette Week:
I’ll fess up. My 2010 resolution to keep an open mind was already tested when I read a recent email from Bridges to Independence, a local nonprofit that helps adults with developmental disablities learn life skills, from money management to job training and sex ed. “We’re holding a fundraiser featuring drag performances by artists with developmental disabilities and [their] allies,” wrote Bridges board president Emi Koyama. “The show will also launch the agency’s LGBTQ+DD Program to serve specific needs of those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer.” I’m all for supporting both the rights of gay and differently abled locals, but dressing up disabled people in wigs and heels and having them lip sync to Gloria Gaynor seems like the worst idea ever—or at least like a creepy, exploitative episode of Glee that never made it past the network brass. Not so, according to Koyama. She says a number of the 80-plus high-functioning people with developmental disablities (“DD” for short) at Bridges self-identify as gay—and there’s many more who need help and support revealing their sexuality to their families. Koyama, who is queer, hopes a big, bold coming-out party like this will be just the ticket to connect Portland’s DD community with gay allies—and have a little dragilicious fun in the process.
WW: Why is it hard for LGBTQ-DD people to come out?
Emi Koyama: People with DD in general are supposed to be non-sexual. [As recently as the past century] they were even sterilized and could not reproduce. There’s still this idea [in the DD community that] “My son or daughter [with DD] should never have anything to do with sex.” On top of that, obviously the [gay] taboo becomes more significant if your parents are conservative. Because many people with DD rely on parents for housing [and financial] support.
But a drag show? That seems too sexual.
It’s a way to get everybody involved and make a stand. In Portland, a drag show is not a big deal, but within this community it’s a really big deal…I want people to have pride. I am worried about how families of people with DD [in general] will react to this idea (although not those who already work with Bridges). Some people feel this is not appropriate for this community because they [think] individuals with DD are like children. But they are not children. They are adults. And most adults have some kind of sexual desire and identities and experiences. That’s often denied to people with disabilities. Even being seen as performers with a need to express themselves [is a] big deal…. [Next year] we’re applying for a grant to be in the Portland Pride Parade.
Do you have any idea what your clients will be performing to?
I think one performer [with DD] is doing “Barbie Girl.” And one of the drag kings said she wanted to do a country song. It’s still…developing.
by independencenw | Jan 7, 2010 | advocacy
A Message from the Yes on 66/67 Campaign:
The fight to protect Oregon’s schools and critical services is about to get even more exciting. This week, ballots for Measures 66 and 67 will begin arriving in mailboxes around the state.
We have just two short weeks to make sure that Oregonians get the facts, know what’s at stake, and Get Out The Vote! Right now, we’re winning, but winning on January 26 all depends on getting all of our supporters to turn out and vote YES. Contact the campaign today to find out how you can get involved to make sure that January 26 is a night for celebrating.
Now is the time to get involved and make sure that voters all over Oregon know only a YES vote will protect the services we care about, including over $390 million for education and other services for children, funding for lifesaving prescription drugs and home care that helps low-income seniors remain independent.
Already, over 600 Oregonians just like you have volunteered at the Vote Yes for Oregon Campaign, and hundreds more have given time through our more than 200 coalition partners.
Phone banks and neighborhood walks are happening in counties across the state. It’s easy to find and sign up for opportunities to talk to your neighbors about why we need to vote YES on 66 and 67!
by independencenw | Jan 6, 2010 | advocacy, clackamas county, multnomah county, washington county
The Yes on 66 & 67 campaign has released data on the measures’ impact by county. Check it out here.
by independencenw | Jan 6, 2010 | advocacy
From The Arc of Multnomah Clackamas:
The Arc of Multnomah/Clackamas, in concert with Self-Advocates as Leaders (SAAL) and Multnomah County People First will be offering assistance to anyone with IDD who needs help with voting on Measures 66-67 on Wednesday, January 20, from 2 pm to 5 pm in the first floor conference room at the United Way Building, 619 SW 11th, next to The Arc office (this ‘open house’ is not sponsored or affiliated with United Way).
We hopefully will have added assistance from Jan Anderson of Disability Rights of Oregon. We’ll be available to directly assist individuals with voting on these measures.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me, Bill West, Case Coordinator at The Arc at 503-935-5224. These sessions are usually very informal and very individualized.
by independencenw | Jan 4, 2010 | advocacy
From a release by the Department of Human Services:
House Bill 2442 has changed the legal definitions of abuse for adults with developmental disabilities beginning January 1st, 2010. Abuse definitions are now the same no matter what type of service a person is receiving. All care providers and people who have a trust relationship with an individual are subject to the new definitions.
Here is a summary of the abuse definitions for which protective services are provided and an abuse investigation must be conducted:
- Abandonment – desertion by a caregiver who has assumed responsibility for all or a portion of the person’s care.
- Financial exploitation – wrongfully taking or threatening to take funds or property, misusing money, failing to use a person’s money for their benefit.
- Involuntary Seclusion – restricting freedom of movement to a part of a facility or program for convenience of a caregiver or as discipline, unless agreed to in a plan. This includes confinement in a home setting.
- Neglect – withholding services needed for the health and well-being of a person (such as food, medical care) and that causes harm. Failing to provide the necessary care, supervision and services that causes harm or creates a significant risk of harm.
- Physical abuse – inflicting pain or injury or injury by other than accidental meansor injuries appearing to be at variance with the explanation.
- Restraint – physical or chemical restraint not part of a plan or prescribed by a doctor.
- Sexual abuse – nonconsensual sexual contact, harassment or exploitation. Sexual contact with an employee, paid caregiver or any relative (except spouse or partner.)
- Verbal abuse – including threats, derogatory names, ridicule, humiliation directed at the person. Failing to make a reasonable effort to protect the person under their care.
For further information on the changes contact your local county abuse investigator or the
DHS Office of Investigations and Training at 2575 Bittern St., NE (Yaquina Hall, #33) Salem, OR 97310. Phone: (503) 945-9495
by independencenw | Dec 16, 2009 | advocacy, resource
Be sure to check out the updated list of holiday resources from the fine folks at 211.info. The list includes gifts, hot meals and food boxes.
by independencenw | Dec 15, 2009 | advocacy
Check out the latest issue of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities’ GO! Bulletin here.
What's in this issue:
Occasionally, people ask why the DD Coalition takes positions on Ballot Measures and whether we are actually allowed to legally take these positions.
The answer to the question of whether we are legally allowed to take positions on Ballot Measures is YES. A 501c3 is allowed to take positions on ballot measures. We are not allowed to take positions on candidates running for office.
Why does the DD Coalition care about these Measures?
The DD Coalition is comprised of nearly 30 organizations representing individuals with developmental disabilities, families, providers, and advocacy groups focused on issues of importance to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Ballot Measures 66 & 67 will affect the DD community profoundly and it is important that our voice is heard. Services for people with developmental disabilities have already been cut and additional cuts will be devastating.
The DD Coalition believes that individuals with developmental disabilities, families, and those who provide support and services have a right to know about and participate in the decisions that will affect their lives. The outcome of the vote on Measures 66 & 67 will overwhelmingly affect the DD community and the quality of life for all Oregonians.
For these reasons, the DD Coalition urges you to get informed, educate your friends and neighbors, and Vote Yes on Measures 66 &67.
Margaret Theisen, Chair
Oregon DD Coalition
by independencenw | Nov 20, 2009 | advocacy, parenting, resource
Applebee’s is helping the OrPTI Support Parents of Students Experiencing Disabilities.
November 21, 2009
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
At the Applebee’s Restaurant located at:
747 Lancaster Drive N.E. Salem, Oregon
(S.E. Corner of Lancaster Mall Parking Lot)
Cost: $7.00 per person
Come enjoy: Pancakes, Sausage, Fruit & Choice of Drink!
$5.00 of every ticket goes directly to the
Oregon Parent Training & Information Center.
www.orpti.org
Every dollar counts, come join us for breakfast, and watch the OrPTI Staff and Board Members in action.
We’ll be your hostesses, servers, dishwashers and more!!!
For more information or to purchase your ticket please contact:
Danielle Bethell
(503) 581-8156, ext.105
or email her at dbethell@orpti.org
by independencenw | Nov 18, 2009 | advocacy, resource
About Empower Oregon:
We are workers dedicated to providing quality human services and opportunities to live with independence and dignity for the individuals we serve: People with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders; adults with developmental disabilities; individuals struggling to overcome substance abuse addictions and people who are homeless. The essential services we provide help our clients become healthier, more productive members of our community.
Like the rest of the nation, Oregon is facing a severe economic crisis. Our state leaders have taken bold steps to preserve essential human services by passing new laws to increase tax fairness and ensure that corporations and the wealthy are doing their part.
We are uniting our voices now to protect and improve these vital services and hope you will join us in taking action.
by independencenw | Nov 18, 2009 | advocacy, asperger syndrome, caregivers
Autism Learning Felt – A website hosted by the mother of children with autism. Full of resources and anecdotes.
Mothering Autism – Words of personal experience, opinion, and lessons learned about mothering a child on the spectrum with autism, his younger sister, marriage, finances, and seeking out a sense of self.
Autism, Aspergers and More, Oh My! – Following an abrupt introduction into the world of Special Needs children after the birth of my very premature (14 weeks to be precise) son I embarked on a journey. If you are reading these words I suspect you or someone you know is traveling a similar path. My intention in these pages is to share information about the therapies and treatments that are within the scope of my experience as a parent.
by independencenw | Nov 18, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, asperger syndrome, autism, reports, resource
Autism: An Introduction for Parents and Guide to Oregon’s Human Service System, Fifth Edition (2005)
The booklet was written and edited by two mothers of children with autism. It gives basic information about the disability and summarizes resources available through the Department of Human Services.
Catherine Strong and Mary Anne Seaton first produced this booklet in 1996 as a labor of love. Both are parents of children with autism. They met when Catherine’s daughter was diagnosed 12 years ago and Mary Anne visited their home to answer the questions that Catherine and her husband Ted had about autism. That kitchen-table conversation was the inspiration for this booklet.
Download here.
Via OTAC
by independencenw | Nov 6, 2009 | advocacy, reports, resource
The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities is conducting its annual satisfaction survey. From their website:
Each year the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities conducts a brief survey to measure customer satisfaction with activities, projects and programs that the Council sponsors or co-sponsors. The results of this survey will be included in the Council’s annual report to the federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD). Survey results will also help the Council plan for the coming year.
We hope you will take a few minutes to complete this survey. You only need to answer questions related to one activity, project or program that you are most familiar with. Please respond by Friday, November 27, 2009.
by independencenw | Nov 6, 2009 | advocacy, healthcare, reports, resource
The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities has released the fall issue of Oregon Perspectives. This issue is packed with stories on healthcare and its effect on our community. Check it out here.
by independencenw | Nov 3, 2009 | advocacy, resource
Disability Resource Exchange is a place to discuss disability issues. Currently over 600 members strong, the site has an active forum for people with disabilities to connect with one another and share resources. Check it out here.
About the site:
Welcome to the Disability Resource Exchange. Hello my name is Rudy and I am the administrator of this social network. I have a disability called cerebral palsy and I am in a wheelchair. I hope this can become a place of vibrant discussion about disability issues from the prospectives of both those with disabilities and those people without disabilities. I am 31 and I have been disabled all my life I hope this can be a place where we share ideas, stories, help and support one another
by independencenw | Nov 3, 2009 | advocacy, resource
Applebee’s is helping the OrPTI Support Parents of Students Experiencing Disabilities.
November 21, 2009
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
At the Applebee’s Restaurant located at:
747 Lancaster Drive N.E. Salem, Oregon
(S.E. Corner of Lancaster Mall Parking Lot)
Cost: $7.00 per person
Come enjoy: Pancakes, Sausage, Fruit & Choice of Drink!
$5.00 of every ticket goes directly to the
Oregon Parent Training & Information Center.
www.orpti.org
Every dollar counts, come join us for breakfast, and watch the OrPTI Staff and Board Members in action.
We’ll be your hostesses, servers, dishwashers and more!!!
For more information or to purchase your ticket please contact:
Danielle Bethell
(503) 581-8156, ext.105
or email her at dbethell@orpti.org
by independencenw | Oct 21, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, customers, employment, resource, training, Turning 18
Emerging Leaders Northwest is a community, web-based information and guidance center for young adults with disabilities. The organization provides ways to develop leadership skills through workshops and trainings, mentorships and internships and an interactive website. ELN works closely with yound adults with disabilities between the ages of 13 and 30.
ELN provides a wide variety of trainings including:
- Your Education and How to Succeed
- Solving the Employment Puzzle
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Disability Culture and Family
- Person Centered Planning
ELN currently has internships available through: Portland Development Commission, City of Portland, PacifiCorp, State of Oregon, McMenamins, PGE, Care Medical and OHSU.
For more information check out their website at www.emergingleadersnw.org and contact Chuck Davis at 503.494.3281 for more information.
by independencenw | Sep 8, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, domestic employees, employment, resource, social security, support group
Independent Living Resources (ILR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with all disabilities. The agency provides services using both staff and volunteers.
Classes/Groups:
- Art
- Cooking “Individualized Assessments”
- Crossroads Discussion (TBI) Group
- Peer Counseling Class
- Ready to Rent
- Visually Impaired Support Group
- Women’s Support Group
- Writing Group
For class schedule see ILR’s Newsletter.
Healthy Lifestyles – Healthy Lifestyles is a self directed goal setting program to help individuals live a healthier life. This program also offers ongoing mentoring. To learn about Healthy Lifestyles, please call Sarah Gerth at 503-232-7411 or
E-mail:sarah@ilr.org.
Housing – ILR can answer many questions about housing for you. We can provide help with the following:
- Advocacy and Education
- Community “Tenants Rights and Responsibilities” Training
- Fair Housing Amendments Act
- Landlord/Tenant Mediation
- Ready to Rent Class
Skills Instruction – At ILR we offer skills instruction, both individual and in small groups, which can help people with disabilities acquire skills to live more independently.
Examples of topics:
- Anger management
- Braille and Orientation & Mobility Instruction
- Communication Skills
- Household Management
- Leisure/Recreation
- Personal Safety
- Pre-vocational Information
- Self-Esteem
- Social Skills
Sports/Outdoor Recreation – For people with disabilities who are interested in sports or the outdoors please join us. We offer a variety of outings and activities. Please contact Patricia Kepler at 503-232-7411 or patricia@ilr.org if you are interested in learning more about our outdoor recreation program.
Volunteer Program – ILR’s services are provided by both staff and volunteers. Volunteers are essential to the success of this organization. They enable us to provide services without exceeding our budget. Volunteers serve in many capacities at ILR, including the Board of Directors, peer counselors, and teachers. Please contact Sarah Naomi Campbell sarahnaomi@ilr.org if you find interest in becoming an ILR volunteer. Download Volunteer Application
STEPS Program – It’s often said that knowledge is power. STEPS empowers participants by providing information about rights and responsibilities, and helping them develop the skills needed to hire and manage Homecare Workers.Call Suzanne to sign up for the next workshop at ILR. Each workshop is from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, and lunch and snacks are included. Eligible participants (see below) will receive a comprehensive handbook, follow-up services as needed, and a $25 gift card. To register, or for more information, call the STEPS Training Coordinator (503) 232-7411 or email STEPS@ILR.org.
WIN (Work Incentives Network) – Thinking about work but concerned about benefits? The Work Incentives Network can help you create a plan for success! WIN can help you understand how work will effect:
- Social Security Benefits
- Medical Benefits
- Food Stamps
- Housing Assistance
- And More..
To learn more about working and disability benefits, call us at 503-232-7411 or email info@ilr.org. You can also call our partners on this project, Disability Rights Oregon, at 503-243-2081.
by independencenw | Sep 8, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, community connections, customers, employment, homelessness, rent assistance
Impact NW’s mission is to help people achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and to prevent and alleviate the effects of poverty. In the 2007-2008 fiscal year, Impact Northwest served over 70,000 individuals.
Their clients include low-income children, adolescents, adults with disabilities, seniors, and families. Working with schools, businesses, faith communities, community-based organizations, and governmental agencies, Impact Northwest creates a safety net and springboard for Portland residents seeking to improve their quality of life.
Safety Net Services:
- homeless family shelter
- rent and housing assistance
- utility assistance
- food, clothing, transportation
- information and referral
- client support services
- access to health care & income assistance
Education Support Services:
- youth tutoring & mentoring
- social & educational activities
- early childhood education
- community school coordination
- youth development
- before & after school activities (SUN)
Employment Support Services:
- youth employment training
- Richmond Place homeless transition services
- skill-building classes
- beyond shelter homeless transition services
- access to vocational training
- job referral
Community Involvement Services:
- volunteer placement
- student internship and work study site
- public education
- employee & group community service site
- system advocacy & community organizing
Seniors and Adults with Disabilities:
- transportation
- advocacy/case management
- meal sites and activity centers
- legal and tax assistance
- low-income energy assistance
- shopping trips and friendly visits
- respite
- health promotion activities
- multicultural events
- service access
by independencenw | Sep 4, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, caregivers, customers, high school transition, resource
Looking for some assistance with an upcoming IEP for you or your child in transition? OrPTI (Oregon Parent Training and Information Center) ensures that IEP Partners available to families who could use some extra help with the IEP process.
What is the Partners Program?
The Partners Program trains and matches Partners with parents wanting support at their child’s IEP, Transition or Mediation meeting. Our goal is to have Partners in every community throughout the state of Oregon.
Who are Partners?
Partners are parents and others who have gone through a two day intensive Partner Training Program. Partners are volunteers for the Oregon Parent Training and Information Center (OrPTI). They receive a stipend for each meeting that they attend as assigned by OrPTI.
What is the role of a Partner?
Partners are not at the meeting to speak for you. Their role is to help you prepare for the meeting, plan an agenda, identify the issues, write out proposals etc. At the meeting they will take notes and act as a trained listener who is familiar with special education rules and regulations. Partners model parent/professional partnerships and collaboration.
Can I have a Partner attend my meeting?
We currently have Partners available in most areas of the state. Due to the great demand, we are only able to provide each parent with a partner for two meetings per student per school year.
To have a Partner attend your meeting you need to give the OrPTI as much notice as possible before the meeting (two weeks is preferable). If you call the day before your meeting, we may not be able to make a match, so please plan accordingly. Partners are not always available and we may not have a partner in your area. We continue to hold trainings throughout Oregon in hopes of being able to support parents in all parts of the state.
Before a Partner can contact you, a release of information form must be signed and returned to the OrPTI. This form will be provided for you by mail or email which ever you prefer. We would also appreciate you filling out a Partner Evaluation Form, your feedback is important to us, we will use the information you provide to improve this program.
To request a Partner please call the Special Education helpline at 1-888-891-6784.
by independencenw | Sep 4, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, social security
Disability Secrets is an online resource for applying for Social Security and navigating the appeals process.
About the site:
The purpose of this site is to distribute information that, typically, is impossible to get from the person taking your claim for SSD and SSI benefits. In essence, applying for disability and SSI benefits might as well be a secret process since Social Security does not try to make this information clear or even understandable.
Statistically, seventy percent of all SSD (a.k.a. SSDI) and SSI claims, represented or otherwise, are denied at application. What does this mean for ssd and ssi applicants who are disabled and need help? That they should follow this advice tip: learn everything you can about the benefit approval system to better your chances of winning, with or without the help of a disability attorney or lawyer.
The information, tips and advice presented here can help you understand: 1) How to apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration, 2) How the SSDI and SSI system works, 3) What SSA doesn’t tell you about the application and appeal process, 4) What you can do on your own as a disabled applicant to help your case, 5) When you should consider getting a disability advocate, representative, or attorney and 6) What you should never do that might potentially harm your case.
This is simply the information you should be able to get from a representative at the Social Security Administration, but almost never will.
If you suffer from a medical, psychological, or psychiatric impairment and have initiated or been denied on a social security disability, or ssi, claim for benefits, this site may assist you with your case.
by independencenw | Sep 4, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, caregivers, parenting, policy, resource, training
Check out Partners in Education, a self-study course designed by the fine folks at Partners in Policymaking to help parents of children with developmental disabilities navigate the special education system and help their children make the most of their potential.
Schools are places where children learn new information and skills. But they also are places where children are exposed to a multitude of life lessons…lessons like respecting each other as individuals, personal responsibility and the importance of contributing to the community.
This course has been developed to give you the practical skills you need to create an inclusive, quality education for your child. After completing this course, you will:
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Understand the history of education of children with developmental disabilities; |
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Know and understand the key laws governing special education and how they protect your child’s rights; |
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Understand your role in your child’s educational experience; |
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Recognize the elements of an individualized education program and the role parents play in its creation and implementation; |
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Know how to advocate for your child to ensure a positive, quality educational experience; |
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Understand your rights to due process if you feel your child’s educational rights have been violated. |
by independencenw | Sep 2, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers
The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities Consumer Involvement Fund gives people with developmental disabilities and their families valuable learning opportunities through participation in conferences and trainings.
Why a Consumer Involvement Fund?
People with developmental disabilities and their families often lack the necessary resources to attend conferences and trainings that would increase their skills and knowledge as advocates. Through the Council’s Consumer Involvement Fund, individuals receive financial assistance to support their participation in local, state and national training events. By gaining new information and skills, participants are better equipped to advocate for themselves and others.
How can the funds be used?
The Consumer Involvement Fund awards funds that typically cover the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Transportation costs including mileage
- Meals
- Lodging
- Respite or child care
- Personal assistant services
- Sign language interpreters
- Other reasonable expenses related to attending a training event
Who can apply?
- Oregon residents who are individuals with a developmental disability or a family member.
- Organizations and agencies in Oregon seeking financial assistance to send members to an event.
- Event planners who want to provide scholarships to Oregon participants with developmental disabilities and their families.
How are funds awarded?
The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities Consumer Involvement Fund Committee reviews applications and decides who will receive funding. The committee limits the number of awards for any single event. The committee may offer less financial assistance than is requested. Organizations and agencies seeking stipends on behalf of members should also be contributing financially to their participation.
Individuals and families who receive Consumer Involvement Funds are only eligible for one request during the year. They may reapply but not until two years from the date they received initial funds.
All Consumer Involvement Fund applications must be consistent with the purpose of the fund and the mission of the Council. Individuals who receive funds are asked to complete a survey about how they benefited from the event they attended, and how they plan to share what they’ve learned with their community and the Council.
by independencenw | Aug 31, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, community connections, customers, resource
Via Oregon YTP
October 15, 2009
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Doubletree Hotel
1000 NE Multnomah Street
Portland, OR
Join family, friends and colleagues at Connecting Communities 2009 as we celebrate this October as National Disability Awareness Month. Headlined by national speaker Olegario “Ollie” Cantos VII(LinkedIN/BIO), Connecting Communities 2009 celebrates all people living in our community – regardless of age or ability. Ken Boddie (BIO), a KOIN Channel 6 anchor, will emcee the event.
It is our intention that this event will be the catalyst to create a powerful coalition of community partners who represent and advocate with and for those with disabilities. Please look out for our first community meeting which we will convene in mid-November.
Featured Activities:
* Dance performance by the Disability Art & Culture Project
* Musical performance by Jeremy Doney
* Storytelling by writer and narrator, Choi Marquardt
* Presentation of City of Portland’s 2009 “Making a Difference” awards
* Unveiling of City of Portland’s new Commission on Disabilities
* Interactive showcase of assistive technologies
* Fundraising for the “Returning Veterans Project”
For more information visit: http://www.phcnw.com/cc09/
by independencenw | Aug 31, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, asperger syndrome, autism, parenting, resource
Kristinachew.com – Kristina Chew is a Classics professor, mother of a 12-year-old son, Charlie, who’s on the moderate to severe end of the autism spectrum, a translator and teacher of Latin and ancient Greek and a blogger, formerly at My Son Has Autism/Autismland (2006-2008), Autism Vox (2006-08) and Change.org (2008-09). She’s currently writing a book about life on the long road with Charlie.
Parenting and Teaching Kids with Aspergers – A comprehensive site with resources, suggestions and support for parents and teachers of individuals with Asperger Syndrome.
Wrong Planet – A web community designed for individuals (and parents of those) with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences. We provide a discussion forum, where members communicate with each other, an article section, with exclusive articles and how-to guides, a blogging feature, and a chatroom for real-time communication with other Aspies.
