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.
Earlier this year, TriMet announced plans for changes to its LIFT eligibility process beginning in February 2010. Public workshops have been held and there have been efforts to ensure public input.
TriMet LIFT is establishing a recertification every three years for everyone, regardless of disability. The exact language is “While a person’s disability may be permanent, other factors which impact the determination of eligibility may change over time.”
Existing active LIFT riders will be recertified over an initial three-year period starting in 2010.
Public comment period is currently open August 17th through September 17th.
LIFT Riders may be asked to complete a functional assessment evaluating their mobility skills. All riders will have to fill out a new application and most riders will be expected to participate in in-person interviews and in-person recertification meetings.
Check out TriMet’s recent statement for information on public comment contact information and detail on their process thus far.
Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) – Hotline for renters’ rights information. Educates and empowers renters to demand safe, stable, and affordable rental housing. Also organizes Building Repair Forums
Friendly House – Call once a week for availability of housing assistance. Serves homeless families with children
Habitat for Humanity – Income guidelines. Applicants must be willing to work 500 hours.
Hacienda CDC (Community Development – Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00. Affordable housing with rents based on income for 50% and 60%. 1,2,3, & 4 bedroom apts. available. $35 application fee and $300 refundable security deposit. Also provides a variety of community programs and classes and an onsite county health clinic
Housing Authority of Portland (HAP) Section 8 Housing –Administers the Rent Assistance Program (RASP). Must go in and apply. There is a waiting list for next subsidized apartment. Office opens for applications only at 7:30am
Housing Connections – Provides lists of low cost and special needs housing on website. Covers Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Use online calculator to determine affordable rent based on income
Human Solutions – Transitional housing for families. Please call for appointment and information
Patton Home – SRO for individuals who make less than $28,500 per year. Furnished rooms available with communal dining area. Meal service available, accepts Oregon Trail Card. $30 application fee. $395 per month, utilities included
Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc. – Affordable housing provider–call for availability and eligibility. Also offers services such as a parent network, emergency childcare funding, and a gardening program
Portland Housing Center – For low-income people who need assistance with negotiating payments of low mortgages. Ready to Rent classes. First time homebuyers educational program
Portland Impact – May have a waiting list for rental assistance. Eligibility based on income
Inclusion: Studies have been developed in collaboration or consultation with individuals on the autistic spectrum.
Respect: Strengths-based and respectful perspectives and language are used in all phases of research including reporting.
Accessibility: Every attempt is made to create research participation materials that are physically and culturally accessible to all participants.
Relevance: Research questions are relevant and useful to the autistic adult community.
AASPIRE is conducting a series of online research studies using the AASPIRE Gateway on topics such as healthcare, online sense of community, and problem solving. AASPIRE is recruiting participants with and without disabilities and participants on the autistic spectrum.
Who can participate: Participants must be 18 years or older and must have access to the Internet. Participants may reside anywhere in the world, but all research studies will be in English.
How to participate: You can learn more about the AASPIRE Gateway Project by going to the Registration section and reading a detailed Information Sheet. Once you have read the Information Sheet, you will be asked if you would like to participate in the Gateway Project. If you decide to participate, you will need to register by entering an e-mail address and creating a password.
<!–More information about the communities and workgroups can be found on the Structure page.
More information about specific members can be found on the Members page.
More information about our projects can be found on the Projects page.
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.
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.
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)
Some quick stats on Independence Northwest’s current customer base. Independence Northwest serves 450 adults with disabilities across Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.
Multnomah – 61% of our customer base Clackamas – 23% of our customer base Washington – 16% of our customer base
65% of our customer base is under the age of 30
35% of our customers are between 18 and 21
57% of our customers are male; 43% are female
Over 20% of our customers fall on the Autism Spectrum
6% of our customers experience Down Syndrome; another 6% experience Cerebral Palsy;
5% of our customers experience Epilepsy; another 5% experience FAS or Drug-Affected Disorders
7% of our customers are exclusively non-English speaking
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
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.
The “No Myths” PSA offers a refreshingly positive and optimistic view about life with autism. And it was written and performed by people who should know–individuals who are on the autism spectrum themselves. The purpose of the PSA is to tell society that, with the right supports, people with autism can do anything anybody else can do, even if it isn’t in the same way. Ari Ne’eman, president of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, leads a cast that includes {in order of appearance} Dena Gassner, Ben Liske, and Jacob Pratt.
The Dan Marino Foundation of Weston, FL sponsored the piece, which was filmed by Nashville-based Kent Creative. Jon Kent directed the PSA and Britt Simmons was the Director of Photography.
“No Myths” was filmed inside the Parthenon in Nashville, TN. The Nashville Parthenon, which was built in 1897, is a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Temple. The two bronze doors, used as a symbol throughout the PSA, weigh 7.5 tons each, and are thought to be the largest pair of matching bronze doors in existence. The producers wish to thank Citation Film Support and the Filmworker’s Club of Nashville for their generous support of this project.
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.
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.
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.
The Oregon Telecommunications Relay ServiceOTRS: 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)
If you need assistance with these programs, your Personal Agent at INW is available to support you through the application process.
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!
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
For people new to brokerage services, the term independent contractor might be new. If you’re contemplating working with an independent contractor, we’ve created this guide to help you get started.
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.
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.
The University of Missouri has published Adult Autism & Employment: A Guide for Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals. According to their website, the document is a practical synthesis of existing literature and innovative promising practices. It includes previously unpublished insights and suggestions from a national expert on autism & employment.
To develop this resource, author Scott Standifer consulted closely with James Emmett, one of the few experts with real world experience about employment supports specifically for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It is a valuable tool for vocational rehabilitation professionals, employment service providers, and anyone interested in supporting the employment of adults with ASD.
Portland Asperger’s Network – This is a support group in Portland, Oregon, for parents of children with Asperger Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism. We have an online community that shares experiences and suggestions and we also meet about once a month for face-to-face support, to hear speakers or go on family outings together.
Meetings:
Tabor Heights Methodist Church
6161 S.E. Stark St.
No charge to attend, but donations gladly accepted. For more information, call 503-284-4507.
This is a monthly video and board game party for AS/HFA children age 5-18.
Meeting times and date for game club:
The group meets the second Friday of each month (some variation around holidays), 6:30-10 p.m., at West Linn Lutheran Church, 20390 Willamette Drive, West Linn, Oregon. Children learn social skills while playing games and parents share information and experiences. Free, but donations gladly accepted. Potluck snacks and beverages.
Portland AS Adult Support Group – A support group for AS adults, currently age 19-75, which meets twice monthly.
Meeting Times
This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month
Meeting Location:
Independence Living Resources Center in Portland.
Contact:
Individuals wishing to know more about the group are encouraged to contact:
Roger Meyer at rogernmeyer@earthlink.net , or,
Linda Newland at OPU@peak.org
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)
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.
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.
Blanche Fischer Foundation (BFF) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded through a trust established by the late Blanche Fischer, a native of Long Creek, Ore. BFF makes direct grants on behalf of individuals with physical disabilities. The aid may relate directly to the disability or may less directly foster independence. In accordance with the terms of Ms. Fischer’s bequest, the foundation does not provide assistance for mental disability.
To be considered for a BFF grant, an individual must
have a disability of a physical nature;
reside in the state of Oregon; and
show financial need.
Since its founding in 1981, the Blanche Fischer Foundation has awarded over $1.2 million to nearly than 2,200 individual Oregonians with physical disabilties. We have made more than 100 organizational grants during this time as well, furthering our mission.
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.
Earlier this year, TriMet announced plans for changes to its LIFT eligibility process beginning in February 2010. Public workshops have been held and there have been efforts to ensure public input.
Permanent Housing
The 
IDEA Website
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.
Some quick stats on Independence Northwest’s current customer base. Independence Northwest serves 450 adults with disabilities across Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.
Check out this excellent resource from the folks at 
From the 
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:
It’s time for the annual 
Via 
For people new to brokerage services, the term independent contractor might be new. If you’re contemplating working with an independent contractor, we’ve created this guide to help you get started.
The University of Missouri has published 
Portland Asperger’s Network
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.
United Cerebral Palsy
Blanche Fischer Foundation (BFF)
DCRF