by independencenw | Aug 24, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, caregivers, customers, high school transition, Turning 18
October 29, 2009, Ambridge Event Center in Portland, OR
1333 NE Martin Luther King Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
The Center is located 2 blocks North of the Portland Convention Center. Some parking spaces available at Ambridge. If full, there are many parking lots conveniently located. Also very convenient to the Max Line and TriMet. Map it
Program Description
One-day special education law and advocacy programs focus on four areas:
- special education law, rights and responsibilities
- tests and measurements to measure progress & regression
- SMART IEPs
- introduction to tactics & strategies for effective advocacy
Wrightslaw programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates and attorneys who represent children with disabilities regarding special education. The program is not disability specific.
Download brochure for more information. Register online >>
by independencenw | Aug 24, 2009 | aging into adult services, autism, caregivers, cerebral palsy, clackamas county, community connections, customers, domestic employees, employment, high school transition, independent contractors, multnomah county, provider organizations, providers, resource, training, washington county
Last Friday, the metro area brokerages (Independence Northwest, Inclusion, Mentor Oregon and The Arc Brokerage Services) held the 2009 Resource Fair. The fair was an enormous success. We’re still tallying the attendee count, but it will likely surpass 400! Special thanks to all the vendors who came and presented their resources to metro area brokerage customers. You can check out their services below.
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Autism Society of Oregon
Bridges to Independence
Child Development and Rehab Center
DePaul Industries
Disability Accomodation Registry and Safety Zone
Disability Compass
Disability Rights Oregon Work Incentives Program
Disabilty Rights Oregon Help America Vote Act Project
Eastco
Edwards Center
Families Supporting Independent LivingGenerations X and Y
Good Shepherd Communities
Goodwill Industries
Happy Trails Riding Center
Independent Police Review
Making Magic Tours
Mentored Learning
Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services
NAMI Multnomah
Off The Couch Activity Night
On the Move
Oregon Office on Disability and Health
PASS
Port City/Project Grow
Portland Community College, Culinary Assistant Program
Quiet Waters Outreach
Ridewise
SDRI
Self Advocates As Leaders
Special Olympics Oregon
The Companion Program/Adventures Without Limits
TNT Management Resources
Trips Inc
*NOTE: Not all vendors listed above provide services that can be paid for through Support Services funding. Some are natural resources and others are available through private pay. Check with your Personal Agent if you have questions.
by independencenw | Aug 24, 2009 | caregivers, customers, resource, washington county
Lifespan Respite of Washington County is a community-based network of accessible respite care services. Lifespan helps Washington County families and caregivers who serve individuals with special needs, regardless of age. It helps caregivers find temporary relief from the demands of providing ongoing care through referral to respite care services in their community. Please call 503-640-3489.
Services are provided without regard to income, race, ethnicity, special needs or situation.
- Information and Education
- Physical and Emotional Support
- Time Away for Caregiving Demands
- Help to find Available Services
Note:
- 1 out of every 4 households in the U.S. provide care for a loved one
- 23.5% (around 1.2 million) caregivers spend approximately 27 hours a week caring for a loved one
- 12.3% (around 3 million) households give 40 or more hours per week to caregiving duties
For more information about Lifespan Respite, please call 503-640-3489.
What is Respite Care and Who Needs It?
Respite care is temporary, short-term care for an individual with special needs. Respite care is provided in order to give the caregiver a short-term break from the extraordinary demands of providing ongoing care.
Many caregivers face health and emotional problems because of these demands. Respite provides families and caregivers with the relief they need to remain healthy. It helps families stay together and continue to provide quality at-home care.
History
In July 1997 the Oregon legislature unanimously passed House Bill 2013. The law established the Oregon Lifespan Respite Care Program as part of the Oregon Department of Human Services Community Partnership Team. Lifespan’s mission was to help counties develop community-based Lifespan Respite Care Network chapters.
Benefits of Respite Care to the Caregiver
Relaxation – Provides peace of mind, helps them relax and renews their energy
Enjoyment -Allows them to enjoy favorite pastimes and pursue new activities
Stability – Helps to cope with daily responsibilities and maintain stability during crisis
Preservation -Lessens the pressures that might lead to institutionalization, divorce, neglect or abuse
Involvement -Allows people to become involved in community activities and to feel less isolated
Time-off – Allows people to take that needed vacation, spend time together and time alone
Enrichment – Makes it possible for people to strengthen individual identities and enrich their own growth
Lifespan Respite Benefits to the Community
- Single point of contact to access community respite resources
- Interagency cooperation and communication
- More families stay together by reducing out-of-home placements
- Reduces abuse and neglect cases
How Can You Become A Part of Lifespan Respite?
- Call us if you, or someone you know, are in need of respite care at 503-640-3489
- Refer potential respite care providers to us for more information
- Donate time and/or money to support families in need of respite care
- Invite us to visit and share information at your workplace, religious, social or service organization
by independencenw | Aug 24, 2009 | caregivers, independent contractors, provider organizations, providers, resource, training
September 25, 2009 – Supporting Individuals with Sexual Offending Behaviors
Presented by Jim Haaven, MA, Portland, Oregon & Steve Mussack, PhD, Eugene, Oregon
Jim Haaven will open with a discussion around best practices – evidenced based approaches including (but not limited to):
* Importance of sexual awareness training
* Effective teaming for “wrap around” support
* Risk management tools
* Supervision.
Steve Mussack will follow with recommendations for direct support staff and programs focusing on therapeutic practices on the milieu, increasing communication between program and therapy, and methods for support providers to feel supported. A panel presentation will be facilitated by Dr Mussack. The panel discussion will focus on community integration, job placement, legal issues, and overcoming neighborhood mentality.
Host: OTAC – Oregon Technical Assistance Corporation
3886 Beverly Avenue NE
Suite I-21
Salem, OR 97305
Phone: 503-364-9943
Fax: 503-364-1939
Check in at 8:00 am
8:30 to 4:30
Lunch on your own (11:30 – 12:30)
The ONLY local site for this video conference: Oregon State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland (45 seats available) **There is no registration fee for this training series** Registration: ** There is no registration fee for this training** Complete 1 registration for each participant by the following method:
To register to attend this training, please visit our website at <http://www.otac.org/gro/training-registration?template=gro>.
If you are registering five (5) or more people, please send an email to Jessica at jkaton@otac.org <mailto:jkaton@otac.org>. She will collect your information and register your group.
You will receive an email confirmation containing the venue’s address and a link to directions, so please enter your email information.
Registration will close on September 17, 2009.
If you have any questions please contact Jessica Katon at 503-364-9943, x 41 or by email at jkaton@otac.org <mailto:jkaton@otac.org>.
by independencenw | Aug 21, 2009 | caregivers, customers, data, reports, resource
Final tallies for Independence Northwest customer plan expenditures have just been compiled and reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services. From July 1st 2008 through June 30th 2009, Independence Northwest customers have received nearly $1 million in support services. These dollar amounts reflect actual expenditures (and not amounts allocated). Services are listed in ISPs (Individual Support Plans) and Personal Agents assist INW customers with accessing resources to meet their needs. The expenditures listed here do not reflect natural supports accessed on behalf of our customers (services such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Fairview Housing Trust, private insurance, Oregon Health Plan, etc.)
Keeping with statewide trends, Community Living Supports were the #1 service accessed by our customers, comprising over 50% of all services chosen by our customers. (For a definition of Community Living Supports, click here.) Second, coming in at almost 20% of overall services, was Community Inclusion Supports (definition here). Rounding out the top five services purchased: Respite at 10%, Non-Medical Transportation at 8% and Specialized Supports (Social/Sexual/Behavioral) at about 5% (definitions here.)
In the coming year, we expect the overall spending to increase significantly since over 80% of our total customer base have only been with us for one year (we enrolled over 370 people since July of 2008). Experience has taught us that customers tend to access more services in their second and third year as they become more familiar with resources available to them.
For a printable version of this report, click here.
| Chore Services – .20% ($1,889) |
| Community Inclusion – 19.8% ($194,866) |
| Community Living/ADL – 52.8% ($520,661) |
| Environmental Accessibility Adaptations – 2.1% ($20,646) |
| Family Training – 0% ($60) |
| Homemaker – .10% ($652) |
| Non-Medical Transportation – 8% ($79,300) |
| Occupational Therapy – 0% ($0) |
| Personal Emergency Response Systems – 0% ($0) |
| Physical Therapy – 0% ($0) |
| Respite – 10.3% ($101,354) |
| Special Diet – 0% ($0) |
| Specialized Medical Equipment – .20% ($1,888) |
| Specialized Supports (Social/Sexual/Behavioral) – 4.7% ($46,586) |
| Speech and Language Therapy – 0% ($0) |
| Supported Employment – 1.8% ($17,784) |
| TOTAL SPENT FROM JULY 1st 2008 through JUNE 30th 2009 $985,688 |
by independencenw | Aug 21, 2009 | caregivers, resource, training
New to brokerage services? The Roadmap to Support Services is a great primer. The Roadmap is available in four languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Russian.
Thanks to Multnomah County DD Services for translation of this excellent resource into Vietnamese and Russian for our community.
The Roadmap is a collaboration amongst Disability Rights Oregon (formerly Oregon Advocacy Center), Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Oregon Department of Human Services Seniors and People with Disabilities.
by independencenw | Aug 19, 2009 | advocacy, asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, customers, resource
Portland Aspergers Network (PAN) was established in Portland, Oregon in 1997 to support families affected by Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). In its infant state it was a small group of parents in a hospital meeting room or a private home who came together to discuss how this little known disorder impacted the lives of other families. There was a strong desire to become educated. There was a humane instinct to support. Furthermore there was immediate relief in the idea that our families and our children were no longer alone.
In the past six years PAN has assisted an ever-expanding number of households with a wide range of services. We exist in goodwill to support families whose daily lives are affected by a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome.
Our mission has been one of reward and success and it is that which validates the necessity of our continued presence in the community and the need to exercise the trust earned therein. We are excited to find ourselves on the leading edge of an important cause and we are ready to take our commitment to the next level.
ASPERGERS NETWORK PROGRAMS:
Online Community
This is a moderated Internet chat group comprised of parents from around Oregon and SW Washington.
Game Night
A monthly event where Aspergers kids, ages 5 to 18, can be themselves while engaging in activities they love. They eat great snacks, play video games and board games and trade Pokemon cards all night long. Meets monthly.
Parent Support Group Meetings
Meetings feature guest speakers that provide professional services to the Aspergers community. Meetings are also a chance for informal interactions between parents, who share information and experiences. Meetings are 4 times a year (Jan, Apr, July, Oct).
Teen Club
Twice monthly activities for teens 13 and older are held at various locations: LaserTag, rock wall climbing, movies, LAN Parties, and a chance to meet others in an accepting environment.
Resource Directory
We host this helpful guide created and maintained independently by one of our members. It includes support groups, social skills groups, workshops, events, doctors, summer camps, books, web sites and more.
Text from the Portland Aspergers Network site.
by independencenw | Aug 16, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, caregivers, customers, high school transition, legal, parenting, resource, Turning 18
IDEA Website – This site was created to provide a “one-stop shop” for resources related to IDEA and its implementing regulations, released on August 3, 2006. It is a “living” website and will change and grow as resources and information become available. When fully implemented, the site will provide searchable versions of IDEA and the regulations, access to cross-referenced content from other laws (e.g., the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), etc.), video clips on selected topics, topic briefs on selected regulations, links to OSEP’s Technical Assistance and Dissemination (TA&D) Network and a Q&A Corner where you can submit questions, and a variety of other information sources.
Oregon Department of Education
ORPTI – Oregon Parent Training and Information Center
Oregon PTI’s mission is to educate and support parents, families and professionals in building partnerships that meet the needs of children and youth with the full range of disabilities ages birth through twenty six. Oregon PTI provides programs and services throughout the state.
Transition Toolbox Newsletter – The Oregon Department of Education and Transition Specialist Jackie Burr invites you to receive the monthly Transition Toolbox! This brief newsletter is designed to facilitate communication and connections statewide with transition specialists, parents and students interested in issues relative to the transition of students with disabilities to college, post secondary education and employment opportunities.
Sibling Support Project – The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.We believe that disabilities, illness, and mental health issues affect the lives of all family members. Consequently, we want to increase the peer support and information opportunities for brothers and sisters of people with special needs and to increase parents’ and providers’ understanding of sibling issues.
Oregon Parental Information and Resource Center – The Oregon Parental Information and Resource Center (OR PIRC) provides resources, information, and skills to educators and parents throughout Oregon, with a focus on Hispanic and low-income families, to create meaningful school-family partnerships for youth success.
Technical Assistance Alliance for Parents Centers – Each state is home to at least one parent center. Parent centers serve families of children and young adults from birth to age 22 with all disabilities: physical, cognitive, emotional, and learning. They help families obtain appropriate education and services for their children with disabilities; work to improve education results for all children; train and inform parents and professionals on a variety of topics; resolve problems between families and schools or other agencies; and connect children with disabilities to community resources that address their needs.
Wrightslaw – Excellent resource for parents and individuals with disabilities still in school! Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Begin your search for information in the Advocacy Libraries and Law Libraries. You will find thousands of articles, cases, and free resources about dozens of topics.
by independencenw | Aug 16, 2009 | caregivers, clackamas county, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, multnomah county, provider organizations, providers, resource, washington county
Independence Northwest is partnering with the three other Portland metro area brokerages, Mentor Oregon, Inclusion Inc. and The Arc Brokerage Services to bring you the 2009 Metro Area Resource Fair. There will be barbecue food, games and most importantly vendors and resources for you and your family to check out. This is a great opportunity to meet other community members and expand your knowledge of the local DD community and its resources.
A mailer has gone out to all customers of the four brokerages hosting this event.
Resource Fair Time 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Town Hall – 3704 N. Interstate Ave, Portland
BBQ Time: 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Overlook Park (directly across the street)
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, caregivers, employment, energy assistance, food assistance, guardianship, healthcare, homelessness, providers, resource
Oregon Helps is an online clearinghouse that takes you through a series of questions online to determine what services you or your loved one might be eligible for. The site’s services are available in multiple languages. Check it out here.
Services covered include:
Food and Nutrition
- Food Stamps
- Emergency Food
Housing and Utilities
- Federal Housing Assistance
- Low-Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP)
- Portland Water Bureau’s Financial Assistance Program
Children and Family Resources
- National School Lunch Program
- Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program(WIC)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)
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Health Care
Veterans’ Services
- VA Health Care System
- VA/Military entitlements
- Veterans’ Home Loans
Financial Benefits
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Federal Elderly/Disabled Tax Credit
- Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
- Oregon’s Working Family Tax Credit
- Oregon Dependent Care Tax Credit
- Property Tax Deferral
- Home Care Tax Credit
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| Senior and Disabled Services |
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- Social Security
- Social Security Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Security Income
- Medicare and Medicare Savings Program
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- Medicaid Long Term Care
- Senior Drug Program
- Employed Persons with Disabilities
- Senior Farmers’ Market
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by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, parenting, resource
Check out this excellent resource from the folks at FACT (Family and Community Together):
Finding and Keeping Inclusive Child Care–A Parent’s Notebook
Inclusive child care is the term used to describe a child care setting where children—both with and without a disability—are cared for together. By a disability we mean a developmental or a physical disability, an emotional/behavioral disorder, or a special health care need. The child who experiences the disability is included in all activities using whatever modifications are necessary. Providers make simple changes in the typical activities and routines to meet the needs of your child. Barriers to participation are removed whenever possible and there is an emphasis placed on the strengths, interests and experiences of all the children in care.
Inclusive child care is not a situation where the child with a disability is merely in the same room or facility with children that do not experience disabilities. Parental rights with regard to inclusive child care are a part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This notebook (in English and Spanish) was developed as a guide for parents with information as to options and resources for child care, to be shared with care providers as a resource notebook. The notebook can be used as a way to introduce your child. Templates are included which can be personalized with photos, articles, contacts, so as to be shared with your child care provider to help them to be a part of your child’s team. With the notebook, care providers can become familiar with children who experience disability and be better equipped to fully include all children.
Parent_Notebook_on_Inclusive_Child_Care.pdf
Encontrando_y_Conservando_Cuidado_Infantil_Bajo_Inclusion.pdf
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | caregivers, community connections, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, multnomah county, resource
Next Walk: This Sunday in Southeast Portland.
Opening streets to walking, bicycling, rolling, and roller blading – without having to watch out for cars!
Sunday Parkways are 7-8 mile “temporary parks” along city streets connecting neighborhoods and residents in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland.
A relaxed, non-competitive, FREE event featuring a variety of activities in several parks and along the routes.
Intersections are staffed by volunteers allowing residents to get to and from their driveways, with larger streets supervised by Portland Police Bureau staff and certified flaggers.
Sunday Parkways gives Portlanders a chance to get out and be active right in their own neighborhood. Participants walked, biked, rolled, ran, strolled, and roller bladed along the route to activities in the parks as well as to nearby shops and businesses in the vicinity.
Why?
Sunday Parkways highlights Portland as a walkable and bikeable city. Sunday Parkways is ideal for connecting neighborhoods by bringing people together with healthy activities. Health, transportation, recreation, community, environmental, and safety interests all benefit by partnering to implement Sunday Parkways.
Full information here.
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | caregivers, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, multnomah county, resource
From the OrPTI blog:
Recognizing that most kids enjoy the zoo, but some have a harder time than others getting here, Oregon Zoo is inviting children (birth to 18 years) with disabilities and chronic or terminal illnesses, plus their immediate families, to a free evening as a VIP at the zoo on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, from 4-8pm. The Zoo is offering this experience for free as a community service, since medical expenses often prevent these families from enjoying a night out as a family.
Participating organizations (including OrPTI) are helping families get invited. You must registered through one of the organizations to attend.
As part of this special events, participants will receive:
* Free admission to the zoo, free train rides and free access to the Chimpanzee Challenge Maze (extra fee-based summer attraction)
* Complimentary popcorn
* Animal contact with a variety of animals at the Family Farm
* Special performances of the popular Wildlife Live animal show on the main stage
* Costumed characters around zoo grounds
* 25% discount at all zoo restaurants and food stands
RSVPs for VIP Safari will only be accepted through partners. To register contact our Salem office at 888-505-2673, or email dbethell@orpti.org.
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | caregivers, customers, resource
 OREGON TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (OTAP) & LINK-UP AMERICAOTAP: Oregonians who recieve one of the following qualifying benefits may receive up to a $13.50 reduction in their monthly bill for local residential telephone service:
- Food Stamps
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income
- Certain State Medical Programs or Medicaid
LINK-UP AMERICA: Helps qualified low-income individuals by paying for one-half (up to $30) of the line-connection charges for new residential telephone service.
*Note: If a person qualifies only for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, they will only be eligible for Link-Up America, and not for OTAP.
http://www.puc.state.or.us/PUC/rspf/otapapp.pdf
TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES ACCESS PROGRAM (TDAP)
TDAP: Loans specialized telephone equipment at no cost and with no income restrictions to eligible Oregonians who are deaf, hearing, vision, speech, and mobility impaired.
http://www.puc.state.or.us/PUC/rspf/tdapapp.pdf
OREGON TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE (OTRS)
The Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service OTRS: Customers who have TTY (text telephone for the deaf, hearing, or speech impaired) may dial 7-1-1 to reach a relay operator. The relay operator types the conversation to the TTY user. Voice, or standard, users may also use OTRS to contact their deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled family or friends.
AVAILABLE SERVICES:
- CapTel
- Hearing Carry Over (HCO)
- Voice Carry Over (VCO)
- Speech to Speech (STS)
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If you need assistance with these programs, your Personal Agent at INW is available to support you through the application process.
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | caregivers, customers, independent contractors, multnomah county, providers, resource
Intercultural Community Gathering
Saturday, August 15
Overlook Park
11:00am-5:00pm
Celebrate & learn about the richness of cultural diversity in our community.
More information at Our United Villages.
by independencenw | Aug 12, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, fundraising, providers, resource
It’s time for the annual Walk ‘n Roll to benefit United Cerebral Palsy.
Join this year’s Honorary Event Chair, Art Edwards of KOIN Local 6 and many of the KOIN crew as they help us celebrate our 5th Annual Walk ‘n’ Roll for UCP!
This year’s event features an 8k fun-run along with the traditional route of past years.
Adult entrance fee has been lowered to $15! There will be plenty of activities for the kids, Pizza Schmizza and a host of other sponsors are turning out to help us celebrate this milestone.
It will be held at the Eastside Esplanade on the east bank of the Willamette River. Our goal this year is to raise enough money to cover the critical but under-funded UCP Family Support Program. Therefore, our goal this year is to raise $80,000 – WE CAN DO IT, YOU CAN HELP!
Come and bring the family for an awesome summer day highlighting A Community for Everyone!
Visit the official Walk ‘n Roll site.
by independencenw | Aug 11, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, independent contractors, policy, provider organizations, providers, resource
Via United Cerebral Palsy‘s Quarterly Family Support Newsletter
Airplane Accessibility Petition
My name is Sally O’Neill. I am 17 years old. Like most girls my age, I love animals, going to the theatre with my friends on the weekend, and skiing in the winter. I dream of traveling after high school. I want to see places like Ireland, Italy, and India. Unfortunately, an accessible airplane ride is not an option for me.
I am writing this because I believe the airline industry should have to comply with the mandates of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. I have cerebral palsy. That means although I have a normal mind, I still have uncontrollable spastic limb movement. I cannot talk or hold my own body upright. I need my wheelchair to keep me in the right posture, and to restrain my arms and legs. The problem is the airline companies make all disabled people check their wheelchair with other baggage. I have visited my grandparents in Ohio and Florida many times. My parents have spent up to 7 hours trying to keep me seated between them. I don’t have the motor function to sit upright on my own. The airplane chairs are not big enough for a seat insert and do not support my upper body. When my shoulders are not in front of my hips, I go into an extension pattern. Due to my spastic limb movement, my parents have to physically restrain my arms and legs. I have strong tone, so this is not easy. None of us can eat, drink, read, or make ourselves comfortable in any other way. As I get older and bigger, each flight gets more difficult.
There are many other disabilities that have this same need for different reasons. I don’t think it makes sense that all other places open to the public are made accessible to every type of disabled person, especially transportation companies, but the airline industry is allowed to force the disabled into able-bodied standards or medical transport. I’ve heard of an airline removing a whole row of seats to accommodate a Sumo wrestler. If they can do that for a special athlete, why can’t they do it for a person with special needs? Have you ever wondered why you see so few people with cerebral palsy on airplanes? I think it’s because the airlines do so little to accommodate their needs to ensure their comfort. It’s discrimination. I looked up online how easy it is to remove any seat on the plane. I’m not asking for the bathrooms to be made accessible.
I am proposing that the first seat in the first row of the airplane be removable and tie downs be inserted. These tie downs are used in automobiles to keep the chair in place during crashes. They are as strong as anything on a plane.
I really believe with some small modifications airplane transportation can be made accessible to everyone. I hope you see the need and join me in this change.
Here is a proposed petition:
We petition the airline industry to better accommodate travelers who use wheelchairs. We propose that the first seat in the first row of the airplane be removable with the capability to have tie downs inserted when needed to accommodate a wheelchair, or that the airlines develop a solution to this urgent need.
If you’d like a copy of the Petition emailed to you, please send an email to the address listed below. We’d appreciate your help in collecting signatures. The important issue here is accessibility. There are a lot of people who cannot comfortably ride in an airplane, or who simply cannot ride at all. We also want to collect stories of your experiences riding in an airplane. Please call or write or send an email. The more stories, the better. And the more signatures, the better!
Susan Blanchard, UCP Family Support
Phone: 503-777-4166, toll-free within Oregon: 1-800-473-4581
Email: sblanchard@ucpaorwa.org
Mail: 11731 NE Glenn Widing Drive, Portland, OR 97220
by independencenw | Aug 11, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, domestic employees, employment, family support plans, high school transition, independent contractors, learning disabilities, policy, provider organizations, providers, resource, training, Turning 18
OrPTI (Oregon Parent Training and Information Center) presents the 2009 Building Futures Conference this October.
Building Futures is for anyone who has an interest in supporting individuals with disabilities as they transition from school to life. This includes Secondary Educators, Post Secondary Educators, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Special Educators, therapists, counselors, service providers, job developers, and other rehabilitation specialists, and especially secondary students with disabilities and their families. Throughout the two-day event there will be presentations by regional and national experts on issues surrounding secondary transition and assistive technology. Check out the agenda here.
Scholarship information can be found here.
by independencenw | Aug 11, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, guardianship, legal, training, Turning 18
Disability Rights Oregon has published updates to its Guardianship Handbook. For a comprehensive look at the issue of guardianship, check out this helpful guide.
From the introduction:
The purpose of this Handbook is to provide general information to individuals regarding their rights and protections under the law regarding guardianship. A guardian may be appointed for an adult person only as is necessary to promote and protect the well-being of the protected person. A guardianship for an adult person must be designed to encourage the development of maximum self-reliance and independence of the protected person and may be ordered only to the extent necessitated by the person’s actual mental and physical limitations. ORS 125.300(1).
Under Oregon law, a judge can appoint an adult to make important decisions about the care and well-being of another person. This is called a protective proceeding. In a protective proceeding, a judge can appoint a guardian, a conservator or both. In an emergency, a judge can appoint a temporary guardian, a temporary conservator or both. A judge may order action be taken on behalf of an adult without appointment of a guardian or conservator. This is called a protective order.
Any adult can file a petition in court to have a guardian appointed for another person. Separate laws cover protective proceedings for adults and children. This Handbook is about adults only.
by independencenw | Aug 7, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, disability history, domestic employees, policy, providers, resource, training
Apply now for the PIP class of 2010! OCDD is now accepting applications for the Partners in Policymaking Class of 2010.
Oregon Partners in Policymaking (PIP), is an intensive 5-month leadership course for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities. The program is operated by The Arc of Oregon and funded by the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. It is free to participants.
The PIP program provides participants with the information to understand the past, the present, and the future for people with developmental disabilities and their families. It provides PIP members with the practical skills to positively affect their own lives and influence broader disability policy. Many of the over 180 Oregon Partners in Policymaking Graduates since 1994, have found participating in PIP has been a life-changing experience.
The website of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities has more information about the program and comments from graduates. There is an application which can be completed on line and emailed or downloaded and mailed in.
Oregon Partners graduates have made a huge difference in our state on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. We hope that the Class of 2010 will continue to lead the fight for equality of opportunity, inclusion, and community participation.
by independencenw | Aug 7, 2009 | caregivers, customers, data, disability history, domestic employees, employment, independent contractors, policy, provider organizations, providers, reports, resource
United Cerebral Palsy released its 4th annual report on The Case for Inclusion yesterday. The report ranks all 50 States and the District of Columbia on how well they are providing community-based supports to Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities being served by Medicaid.
Oregon ranks 20th. Our state-specific details are here.
State by state ranking:
1. Vermont
2. Arizona
3. Alaska
4. New Hampshire
5. Massachusetts
6. Michigan
7. California
8. Hawaii
9. Colorado
10. Connecticut
11. New Mexico
12. Delaware
13. Minnesota
14. New York
15. Idaho
16. Pennsylvania
17. South Carolina
18. Florida
19. Rhode Island
20. Oregon
21. New Jersey
22. Wisconsin
23. West Virginia
24. Kansas
25. Washington
26. South Dakota
27. Montana
28. Wyoming
29. Missouri
30. Oklahoma
31. Georgia
32. Maryland
33. Alabama
34. Nevada
35. Maine
36. North Carolina
37. Utah
38. Kentucky
39. Iowa
40. North Dakota
41. Virginia
42. Indiana
43. Tennessee
44. Nebraska
45. Ohio
46. Louisiana
47. Illinois
48. District of Columbia
49. Texas
50. Arkansas
51. Mississippi
From the UCP website on the 2009 report:
- Positively, there are 1,536 fewer Americans living in large state institutions (more than 16 beds). This is a bigger drop than seen last year. However, there remain 169 large institutions (4 fewer) housing 36,175 Americans;
- Negatively, only nine states (down from 11) report more than 2,000 residents living in large public or private institutions – California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania & Texas;
- Sustaining the 2008 level, 19 states, but up from 16 in 2007, have more than 80 percent of those served living in home-like settings;
- Positively, seven states – Alaska, Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont- direct more than 95 percent of all related funds to those living in the community rather than in large institutions. Colorado directs a very close 94.6% of funds;
- Positively, five states – Idaho, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas – as well as the District of Columbia experienced at least a five percent increase in people served in the community (HCBS waiver).
- Negatively, Wisconsin reduced number of people served in the community (HCBS waiver) by more than five percent;
- Nationally, 29 states direct more than 80 percent of all related funding to those living in the community;
- Positively, 39 states, up from 33, report having a Medicaid Buy-In program supporting individuals as they go to work and increase their earnings; and
- In terms of rankings, in total, 15 states had a sizable change in rankings over last two years. Pennsylvania (to #16 from #29 in 2007, dropping one place from 2008) and Missouri (to #29 from #41, dropping one place from 2008) improved the most with Wyoming (to #28 from #17) and Maine (to #35 from #24) dropping the most in the rankings.
Via DAWG Oregon and UCP
by independencenw | Aug 6, 2009 | assistive devices, caregivers, customers, grants, resource
DCRF grant applications may be used for modest awards for assistive devices, rehabilitative services, arts and humanities projects, or for efforts to bolster compliance with existing laws for the benefit of children with disabilities. Applications may be submitted by families (parent or guardian) for an individual child, or by a non-profit organization for a small group of children. by independencenw | Aug 6, 2009 | caregivers, customers, domestic employees, energy assistance, food assistance, homelessness, independent contractors, providers, rent assistance, resource
Care to Share is a Washington County based assistance program that helps individuals with emergency food, energy assistance, rent support and more. Check out their website or see below for more details.
Financial Aid
Clients facing financial crisis may apply to a special fund Care To Share maintains. Utility – When funds are available clients may request help on a limited basis if they are facing a shut-off. Rent – One day a month (the 3rd Thursday of each month) qualified clients may call to request assistance with rent for the following month. We do not provide: cash, bus tickets, transportation or costs, motel room rent, or medical costs.
Back to School
Each August, Care To Share provides backpacks filled with new school supplies for at-risk children attending Beaverton School District schools. These supplies are distributed though the school administration.
Oregon Heat
Care To Share has been given a contract with Oregon Heat to provide assistance for PGE clients to receive assistance with gas, electricity, wood, pellets and oil. Clients must call to set an appointment and to verify eligibility.
Water Grants
Care To Share provides water assistance to low income families facing shut-offs. These funds come to us from three different sources. We are thankful to Tualatin Valley Water District, Clean Water Services, and City of Beaverton Water. Without these contributions we could not provide this much needed assistance.
by independencenw | Aug 6, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, policy, provider organizations, providers
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) is asking community members to help determine where to focus their advocacy efforts in the coming year. Let your voice be heard by taking the survey.
From the DRO website: Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) is a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Each year DRO decides how to allocate its resources based in part on information collected through this Community Needs Survey. We recognize that the list of important issues facing individuals with disabilities is very long; however, due to limited resources DRO cannot give equal attention to every issue. This survey is a tool for you to tell us what you think are the most pressing issues facing individuals with disabilities in Oregon.
by independencenw | Aug 6, 2009 | caregivers, customers, health care, sexuality, training, Uncategorized
From The Riot!:
The Riot would like to invite you to join them for another teleconference series titled: A National Conversation on Healthy Relationships!
There will be a total of three calls with real talk between self-advocates, family members and healthcare providers about intimate relationships, personal safety and advice from peers. We’ll be tackling the tough questions that are on a lot of people’s minds but many are afraid to talk about. Let’s break down those barriers and open the lines of communication!
At the end of each call, we will have a Question and Answer session from the audience. The calls will last 90 minutes each. This will be one teleconference series you won’t want to miss!
The registration fee will be $25 per teleconference for ONE phone line. If you use a speaker phone you can gather people around and listen together! Additional lines will be $25 each.
If you register for all three teleconferences, you will pay only $20 per teleconference or $60 total! Additional lines will also be $20 each. So, it pays to register for all three!
To register for these teleconferences you can go to our website at www.theriotrocks.org and click on our ad.
Or, you can download our agenda and registration form directly from this link
Come join us for a National Conversation on Healthy Relationships! Register Now!!
The topics we will cover during each session are described below. For more detailed questions during each teleconference, please click on the link above.
Teleconference #1: Do individuals with developmental disabilities have the right to someone special in their life, such as an intimate relationship? September 1, 2009 – 90 minutes (3pm ET)
Teleconference #2: What are the dynamics of a healthy, intimate relationship? Issues of sexuality, personal safety and safe sex/birth control will be discussed. October 5, 2009 – 90 minutes (3pm ET)
Teleconference #3: Self-advocates give their peers advice, “Dear Abby” style. November 2, 2009 – 90 minutes (3pm ET)
