by independencenw | Sep 22, 2010 | advocacy, customers, domestic employees, house bill 3618
Source: DD Coalition
House Bill 3618, the legislation designed to include individuals hired by people with developmental disabilities and mental illness or their families into the Home Care Commission, was passed during the last week of the February Legislative Session. The bill will provide worker’s compensation, training, and a registry for personal support workers beginning in January 2011.
Additionally, the bill would allow for organizing of workers and possible unionization after 2011. The fiscal impact for 2009-2011 is $1 million; for 2011-2013 the fiscal for the workers compensation, training, and registry is projected to be $2.5 million GF (State of Oregon General Fund dollars). This does not include the cost of possible collective bargaining if the workforce chooses to unionize.
More information forthcoming on this important change.
by independencenw | Sep 13, 2010 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, health care, multnomah county, resource
The Downtown Compassion Connect Clinic invites 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 Clinic is 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.
by independencenw | Jul 12, 2010 | advocacy, budget cuts, customers
Independence Northwest has received notice of a planned protest of the budget cuts – this Thursday, downtown Portland. Brokerages are affected by the cuts by a loss of 10% of our administrative funding and removal of Quality Assurance funding from our contract with the State of Oregon.
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.
by independencenw | May 18, 2010 | advocacy, customers, data
Important Announcement from the DD Coalition:
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.
NOTE: These surveys close on May 26! ACT NOW!
DHS external stakeholder survey
OHA external stakeholder survey
by independencenw | May 18, 2010 | advocacy, customers
Partners in Policymaking offers extensive online learning courses for you, your family and professional caregivers. Check out their offerings here.
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.
by independencenw | May 10, 2010 | customers, healthcare, resource
The Doctor of Smiles Program for Special Needs Children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Down Syndrome and other neuromuscular conditions provides funding for dental care at the dentist of your choice for children 18 and younger.
This is sponsored by the Grottoes of North America.
Dental work must be approved BEFORE treatment will be funded (except for the initial exam, prophy, fluoride and x-rays which are paid for if the child qualifies for the program.) You can access more information including application forms at http://www.hfgrotto.org. Our local contact is Lloyd Fries, who can be reached at 503.357.6419.
Via the United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon and Southwest Washington newsletter.
by independencenw | Apr 22, 2010 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, resource
Emerging Leaders Northwest, a program of the Oregon Institute on Developmental Disabilities at Oregon Health & Science University is proud to sponsor the 3rd annual Healthy Lifestyles: Dream It, Do It! Day Camp on August 9 – 13 at the Oregon Zoo.
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).
Charles E. Davis, M.S.W.
Community Liaison and Administrative Manager, UCEDD
(503) 494.3281 (p)
davichar@ohsu.edu
http://www.ohsu.edu/cdrc/
by independencenw | Feb 23, 2010 | advocacy, aging into adult services, asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, cerebral palsy, community connections, customers, employment, healthcare, high school transition, housing, learning disabilities, multnomah county, providers, resource, training, Turning 18
Reynolds School District in collaboration with Multnomah County School Districts presents the 2010 Multnomah County Transition Resource Fair.
Time – 10am – 6pm on April 9th, 2010
Place: Four Corners, Reynolds School District
14513 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97233
Independence Northwest will be sharing a table with several other metro area brokerages.
The fair will include resources on jobs, self-determination, health care, housing and training available to individuals living in Multnomah County and receiving (or preparing to receive) high school transition services.
For questions, please contact Shirley Burns (503.328.0428) or Shannon Selby (503.328.0423), the co-chairs of the 2010 Transition Resource Fair.
by independencenw | Jan 16, 2010 | advocacy, asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, data, disability history, domestic employees, down syndrome, employment, epilepsy, healthcare, independent contractors, learning disabilities, legal, parenting, policy, providers, reports, resource
Disability Scoop is the first and only nationally focused online news organization serving the developmental disability community including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fragile X and intellectual disability, among others.
Five days each week Disability Scoop sifts through the clutter to provide a central, reliable source of news, information and resources. Plus, Disability Scoop is the only place to find original content and series like “Scoop Essentials” that take an in-depth look at what lies beyond the day’s headlines.
by independencenw | Jan 15, 2010 | advocacy, customers, high school transition, parenting
The IEP: What Parents Need to Know from 8:45am – 12:00pm on January 30th, with a special session from 12:30pm on Transition to Kindergarten—parents of children transitioning into kindergarten are invited to stay for a more focused look on this important milestone.
Workshop will be conducted by Victoria Haight, Regional Trainer with the Oregon Parent Training and Information Center (OrPTI), Christine Shank, Attorney from Disability RIghts Oregon, and Roberta Dunn, Executive Director of Family and Community Together (FACT). Topics to be covered will include:
- the Individual Education Program (IEP) process
- understanding the IEP document
- writing goals
- the importance of parental involvement on the IEP team
- how to advocate for your child
Registration required. For any questions, and to ensure that we have enough space and materials, please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing christy@factoregon.org
Click here to download the flyer.
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 | clackamas county, customers, data, multnomah county, reports, washington county
Ever wondered what services are available beyond your own county? Check out the DD Coalition’s fact sheets on county services for more information.
Baker County
Benton County
Clackamas County
Clatsop County
Columbia County
Coos County
Crook County
Curry County
Deschutes County
Douglas County
Grant County
Harney County
Jackson County
Jefferson County
Josephine County
Klamath County
Lake County
Lane County
Lincoln County
Linn County
Malheur County
Marion County
Mid-Columbia: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman Counties
Morrow, Wheeler, Gilliam Counties
Multnomah County
Polk County
Tillamook County
Umatilla County
Union County
Wallowa County
Washington County
Yamhill County
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 2, 2009 | caregivers, clackamas county, customers, transportation
Transportation Reaching People (TRP) serves older people and people with disabilities needing transportation to medical appointments, personal business, social services appointments, and shopping.
Volunteer drivers provide door-to-door transportation using their own vehicles.
TRP has a van for riders needing wheelchair accessibility.
Clackamas County rural residents who are not older or disabled can access transportation.
Support to volunteers includes:
- Defensive driver training
- Mobility awareness training
- Supplemental Insurance
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Flexible scheduling
- Follow-ups
Travel Trainer
Travel Trainers teach low-income and disabled citizens of Clackamas County how to use public transportation to obtain and retain employment. Training is provided for volunteers who want to teach Travel Training.
Catch A Ride:
This is a dial-a-ride service and is scheduled first-come first-serve. This service primarily provides rides to housing authority residents, who need transportation to employment related services and school.
If interested in volunteering call :
Email– Sandrayea@co.Clackamas.or.us.
Call Sandy Yeaman (503)655-8604.
To schedule a ride call (503)655-8208.
To schedule a wheelchair ride 503-655-8856.
TRP is located at 2057 Kaen Rd. Oregon City, OR 97045
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 28, 2009 | caregivers, customers, domestic employees, employment, high school transition, independent contractors, policy, providers, resource
One of the most common questions we hear at brokerages is “What can I use my support services funds for?”
Each customer enrolled in a brokerage has a certain benefit level (an amount of support services funds to which they are entitled and may use to purchase needed services). Before any support services funds can be accessed, we first must look for natural supports in the community. This means we look to services like Vocational Rehabilitation, school districts, the Oregon Health Plan, Independent Living Resources and other organizations who offer services to individuals with disabilities first. This allows for maximum benefit to you, the customer and ensures the appropriate use of brokerage services, a taxpayer funded program.
All services purchased with Support Services dollars are what is known as a “social benefit”. A social benefit is a service “solely intended to assist an individual with disabilities to function in society on a level comparable to that of an individual…who does not have a disability”. The benefit can never:
- Duplicate services and benefits otherwise available to citizens, regardless of disability (such as paying for a college class since people with or without disabilities must pay college tuition.)
- Provide financial assistance with food, shelter or clothing
- Replace any other service that is available elsewhere in the community (also known as “natural supports”) like Vocational Rehabilitation or services from a school district
- Exceed the amount in the authorized Individual Support Plan.
To read more about specific types of support services options, check out the list below. Your Personal Agent can assist you with better understanding services available to you.
Chore Services
Community Inclusion Supports
Community Living Supports
Environmental Accessibility Adaptations
Family Training
Homemaker Services
Occupational Therapy
Personal Emergency Response Systems
Physical Therapy
Respite Care
Special Diet
Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies
Specialized Supports
Speech and Language Therapy
Supported Employment
Transportation
by independencenw | Aug 28, 2009 | customers, provider organizations, providers, resource
Are you considering a provider organization as a provider of support services? Provider organizations are private organizations certified through the Department of Human Services Licensing Unit. These agencies provide an array of services from site-based activities to supported employment, from community-based skills building to respite for caregivers. Below is a list of provider organizations you might consider. If you find yourself interested in learning more about one of these organizations, contact your Personal Agent here at Independence Northwest.
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.
211
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 | advocacy, customers, reports, resource, training
People First Connection is a a quarterly newsletter produced by and for self advocates. “The voice of self advocacy in Oregon.” Published by Self Advocates As Leaders.
Spring 2009 People First Connection
Download: Spring 2009 People First Connection (PDF: 444 KB)
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 |
