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)
by independencenw | Aug 3, 2009 | asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, provider organizations, providers, resource, training
Note: Providers for brokerages receive the Member rate.
Oregon Intervention System – General (OIS-G)
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| Status: Available |
| Date: 8/11/2009 |
| Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (BOTH days) |
| Assigned Host: Riverside Training Centers |
| Presenter(s): Kelly Gordham, Lead OIS Trainer |
| Description:This is a two day training on BOTH Tuesday, August 11th AND Wednesday, August 12th.
The Oregon Intervention System© is a person-centered, non-aversive system of strategies to understand and respond to behaviors respectfully and safely, including personal physical interventions for critical or emergency risk behaviors. |
Location: St. Helens ESD Office
800 PORT AVE
SAINT HELENS, Oregon 97051-3008 |
| Cost: $50/co-op member, $100/non-member. (Check or money order payable to ‘Riverside Training Center Inc.’) |
| If you have any questions contact: |
| Name: Rose Johnson |
| Telephone: (503) 397-1922 |
| Email: rose.johnson@riversidecenters.com |
Mail registration form to:
Riverside Training Center
PO BOX 280
SAINT HELENS, Oregon 97051-0280 |
| Download Registration Form (doc) |
| Download Registration Form (pdf) |
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Autism 1
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| Status: Available |
| Date: 9/16/2009 |
| Time: 9 AM – 1 PM |
| Assigned Host: Danville Services of Oregon |
| Presenter(s): Mike Larson |
| Description:Autism I is a much-in-demand class which is both highly informative about Autism Spectrum Disorders, and practical about support needs and strategies. This course is highly recommended for anyone with an interest or need to gain a good basic understanding of autism and the wide spectrum of autism disorders. |
Location: East Portland Police Precinct, Community Room
737 SE 106TH AVE
PORTLAND, Oregon 97216-3197 |
| Cost: $20/co-op member, $40/non-member. (Check or money order payable to ‘Danville Services of Oregon, LLC’) |
| If you have any questions contact: |
| Name: Liz Saufley |
| Telephone: (503) 228-4401 |
Mail registration form to:
Danville Services of Oregon
9700 SW CAPITOL HWY STE 240
PORTLAND, Oregon 97219-5291 |
| Download Registration Form (doc) |
| Download Registration Form (pdf)
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by independencenw | Aug 3, 2009 | autism, caregivers, customers, disability history, independent contractors, training, traumatic brain injury (tbi)
Text taken from the Partners in Time website:
Partners in Time is a self-study course that explores society’s treatment of people with developmental disabilities from ancient times until today.
The history of people with disabilities is a powerful story of discrimination, segregation, abuse, ignorance, silence and good intentions that brought bad results. The mistakes, successes and actions of earlier generations have shaped the world we live in, who we are, our values and views of how people with developmental disabilities are allowed to work, learn, live and participate in their communities.
It is up to each generation to decide what to do with their knowledge of the past…whether to learn from these experiences to change the future or ignore these lessons and continue on the same path. This course has been created to help you understand the complex history of people with developmental disabilities. In this course, you will:
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Learn how people with disabilities lived, learned and worked from ancient times to the present. |
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Recognize ways in which history repeats itself and how those abuses continue today under new names. |
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Connect early glimmers of progress with current initiatives. |
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Learn about some of the people throughout time whose efforts changed the course of history for people with developmental disabilities. |
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Explore recent progress and celebrate the groundbreaking efforts that are creating a more just, inclusive society. |
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Apply these lessons to create a vision for a future that embraces all people, regardless of ability. |
Click here to start the course.
by independencenw | Jul 29, 2009 | caregivers, customers, domestic employees, emergency preparedness, independent contractors
The folks at OHSU have created a comprehensive emergency preparedness booklet for people with developmental disabilities called Ready Now. It walks you step-by-step through different emergency situations and helps you plan ahead to be ready in the event of an emergency. The booklet includes checklists for supplies, emergency contacts and more.
This is a great resource for customers, parents, providers and families. You’re sure to learn something you didn’t know and walk away with the tools you need to be prepared for an emergency. Check it out online here.
Thanks to Cynthia Owens for the tip.
by independencenw | Jul 27, 2009 | aging into adult services, caregivers, customers, employment, providers, resource, training
The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities has just published its latest issue of Oregon Perspectives. The summer edition focuses on Employment Opportunities for adults with disabilities in Oregon. Be sure to check it out.
by independencenw | Jul 27, 2009 | asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, domestic employees, epilepsy, independent contractors, learning disabilities, providers, training
The Disability is Natural web site is brought to you by Kathie Snow and BraveHeart Press, Kathie’s family-owned small business.
The mission of the site is to encourage new ways of thinking about developmental disabilities, in the belief that changes in our attitudes and actions can help create a society where all children and adults with developmental disabilities have opportunities to live the lives of their dreams, included in all areas of life.
As a parent, author, and trainer, Kathie challenges conventional wisdom and promotes new attitudes, new actions, and common sense in the disability arena. Since 1991, she’s presented hundreds of seminars at conferences and meetings across the United States and Canada. Her first book, Disability is Natural: Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with Disabilities, was published in 2001, and is now in its second edition. It’s a ground-breaking manual for change that’s used by parents, professionals, teachers, and several universities. Kathie launched this website in 2001, along with a variety of products that promote positive attitudes and perceptions about disability, including the one-of-a-kind “Disability is Natural” DVD. She’s written hundreds of articles, many of which are included in her second book, 101 Reproducible Articles for a New Disability Paradigm. She’s currently working on her next book on the inclusion of people with disabilities in community activities, like churches/synagogues, recreational activities, and other ordinary environments.
by independencenw | Jul 27, 2009 | caregivers, customers, health care, homelessness, independent contractors, providers, resource
The Rose City Resource is a publication of Street Roots and is the most comprehensive, updated list of services for people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. There’s tons of information on food boxes, clothing, counseling services, legal services and more.
by independencenw | Jul 27, 2009 | aging into adult services, autism, caregivers, customers, high school transition, training, Turning 18
OrPTI (Oregon Parent Training and Information Center) has published its late summer/fall schedule on their website. There are many great training opportunities coming up to ready you and your family for the 09/10 school year. via OrPTI
August 18 & 25, 2009 IEP Partner training from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Swindells Center, 830 NE 47th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97213. For more information contact Karen Ripplinger at 1-888-505-2673 Ext. 212 or Email: kripplinger@orpti.org
August 26, 2009 “Behaviors and the IEP” from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Willamina Elementary, 1100 Oaken Hills Drive, Willamina, OR 97396. For information, or to register contact Leah Skipworth at lskipworth@orpti.org
September 5, 2009 “Advocacy: Supporting Your Child in Special Education” from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the Hood River Library, 502 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031. For information or to register, please contact Victoria Haight at 503-510-2289, or email vhaight@orpti.org
September 9, 2009 “Bullying: Is Your Child a Target?” from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Beaverton Library, Meeting Room B, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. For information or to register, please contact Victoria Haight at 503-510-2289, or email vhaight@orpti.org
September 22, 2009 “EI/ECSE What do these mean?” from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the NW Regional ESD, 5825 NE Ray Circle, Hillsboro, OR 97126. For information or to register, please contact Victoria Haight at 503-510-2289, or email vhaight@orpti.org
October 3, 2009 “What Parents Need to Know about the IEP” from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the Hood River Library, 502 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031. For information or to register, please contact Victoria Haight at 503-510-2289, or email vhaight@orpti.org
October 10, 2009 “Saturday Sessions: A Day of Learning” This event is designed for parents of children with disabilities to help you learn to successfully navigate special education and prepare your child for the future. There will be different concurrent sessions for you to choose from. The event will be at the Becky Johnson Community Center in Redmond from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Registration is required. Contact Danielle Bethell at 888-505-2673 ext 105 or email dbethell@orpti.org
October 13, 2009 “Anxiety and Related Disorders” from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Beaverton Library, Meeting Room B, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. For information or to register, please contact Victoria Haight at 503-510-2289, or email vhaight@orpti.org
October 21, 2009 “Understanding Aspergers Syndrome” from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Beaverton Library, Meeting Room A, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. For information or to register, please contact Victoria Haight at 503-510-2289, or email vhaight@orpti.org
October 26 & 27, 2009 “Building Futures: Statewide Secondary Transition Conference” will be at the Salem Conference Center.
November 7, 2009 “Can You Hear Me Now? Communicating Effectively with your IEP Team” from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the Hood River Library, 502 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031. For information or to register, please contact Victoria Haight at 503-510-2289, or email vhaight@orpti.org
November 19, 2009 “Understanding ADHD” from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Beaverton Library, Meeting Room B, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. For information or to register, please contact Victoria Haight at 503-510-2289, or email vhaight@orpti.org
by independencenw | Jul 27, 2009 | caregivers, customers, health care
The Caregivers Marketplace is the nation’s first cash back program for anyone who gives, gets or needs care. Caregivers can receive cash back on eligible products that are not typically covered by insurance or Medicare – no matter where those products are purchased. The program is free with sponsorships from dozens of companies like Depend Products, Aspercreme, Cirucel, Cottonelle, Ensure, Gold Bond, Nature Made, Os-Cal, Kaopectate and IcyHot. It works a lot like rebate programs do and could save your household some cash.
The company also has a helpful newsletter – check out the latest issue here.
by independencenw | Jul 27, 2009 | customers, health care
Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with schools and the Multnomah Education Service District, is offering free health insurance to grade K-6 children attending Multnomah County public schools. The insurance is free – there is no premium – but families must pay a small co-pay for office visits and prescriptions. Once enrolled, children are covered through age 19 if they remain in school.
To qualify, children must meet three main requirements:
* Attend school – Children must attend a public school in Multnomah County. Charter schools and publicly funded alternative programs also qualify.
* Grades K-6 – To enroll, children must be in grades K-6. Siblings can also be covered if they are age 3 or older (through 12th grade).
* Income – Families must earn 250 percent or less of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, this is about $4,600 per month, or $53,000 per year.
Kaiser offers the insurance as part of its community benefit program, which, among other goals, seeks to expand access to medical care for the uninsured. About 4,000 children already are covered through this no-premium plan; Kaiser and MESD want to double enrollment by the end of the year. In addition to the Kaiser insurance, the Oregon Health Plan offers low-cost health insurance to children from families that earn up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. According to the latest census data, 107,000 Oregon children – about one in nine – lacked health insurance in 2005-07, the latest period for which data are available. For questions about the Kaiser program or the Oregon Health Plan, or to enroll, contact MESD: 503-257-1732, speterso@mesd.k12.or.us.
via ORPTI Blog
by independencenw | Sep 22, 2008 | caregivers, customers, family support plans, independent contractors, provider organizations, providers, resource, training, Turning 18
Washington County Developmental Disabilities Services presents its annual Resource Fair. This is an opportunity to folks to lear more about services available and network with agencies serving Washington County. In 2007, over 50 exhibitors and 1,000 families and individuals attended the resource fair.
WHEN: Thursday, October 16th from 11am to 4pm
WHERE: Cedar Hills Crossing Mall – 3205 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard in Beaverton
Independence Northwest will be presenting along with MENTOR and SDRI.
by independencenw | Sep 2, 2008 | customers
Independence Northwest is proud to announce that we are currently at the halfway mark on our enrollments. We currently have 225 customer files from the local County Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDPs). While not all of these customers are “formally” enrolled with INW, we are making contact and starting the planning process. Each customer has a Personal Agent and will begin receiving services shortly.
INW is the fastest growing brokerage in Oregon history. By June 30th, 2009, we will meet our contracted capacity with the State of Oregon Department of Human Services and will be actively serving 450 folks in the tri-county region.
by independencenw | Sep 2, 2008 | base plus, caregivers, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, policy, provider organizations, providers, rate increase, Turning 18
This spring, the Department of Human Services announced its intention to increase (in most cases) the amount of money Customers of Support Services can receive. Starting October 1st, 2008, the majority of Brokerage Customers statewide will see a 10% increase in the amount of money they have available to them. This amount will be prorated, depending on when you plan begins. (For example, if your plan year is December through November, you will receive an increase starting in the month of October and it will prorated until your plan ends in November).
In addition, providers of support services will also have an opportunity to reconsider their current rates. The State of Oregon Department of Human Services has published a new set of rate ranges; the top level of these rates has been increased by 10% as well.
We’re in the midst of implementing the 10% change. Whether you are a customer or a provider, check out our website for updates on the process.
by independencenw | Sep 2, 2008 | aging into adult services, asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, provider organizations, providers, resource, traumatic brain injury (tbi), Turning 18
The Oregon Training Series on Direct Supports will be sponsoring an exceptional opportunity on January 30th, 2009. Acclaimed author, trainer and advocate John O’Brien will be making a rare Oregon appearance and we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. To view the flier, click here.
John O’Brien has been in the forefront of thinking and creating precedent setting innovations that helped create full lives for people with disability labels the world over. In addition to developing many of the planning systems used internationally, training thousands of facilitators and human service workers, he is a writer with enormous insight and sensitivity. The training will bring to life John’s new book “Making A Difference, A Guidebook for Person Centered Direct Support.”
This isn’t OCDS’ only opportunity. Visit their website for a number of excellent trainings on disability over the coming months.
Thanks to Cynthia Owens.
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2008 | aging into adult services, caregivers, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, policy, providers, social security, taxes
The IRS reports that more than 5 million retirees, people with disabilities and disabled veterans who are eligible to receive a tax rebate under the $152 billion economic stimulus package have failed to take the steps necessary to get their checks.
Social Security recipients (including beneficiaries receiving Social Security Disability Income) and disabled veterans who earned at least $3,000 in qualified benefits, earned income, or both, may be eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment of up to $300 per person or $600 per couple.
But there is a catch. In order to receive an economic stimulus payment, eligible beneficiaries or veterans must file a 2007 income tax return, even if they are not required to file because their income is below the filing threshold. Since many low-income people with disabilities, along with retirees, have not filed a tax return in many years, they may not be aware that they are eligible to receive a stimulus payment. Most people in this situation will be able to file a Form 1040A, with only a few lines filled, in order to meet the filing requirement. This can be done up until October 15, 2008.
People with disabilities have more good news regarding the stimulus payments. Although SSI payments do not count towards the $3,000 annual income requirement for receipt of a stimulus payment, many SSI beneficiaries also receive SSDI benefits which do count. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued instructions explaining that the stimulus payments do not count as income in determining SSI eligibility and will not count as a resource for two months following the month in which they are received. (See earlier Special Needs Answers article.)
For more information on the stimulus payments and what income tax forms to file, go to www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040.
For a recent article in USA Today detailing the IRS’s efforts to reach out to seniors and veterans with disabilities, click here.
For state fact sheets on unclaimed stimulus payments, click here.
Via Academy of Special Needs Planners. Thanks to Washington County Developmental Disabilities Program for the info.
by independencenw | Aug 9, 2008 | aging into adult services, asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, domestic employees, epilepsy, family support plans, independent contractors, provider organizations, providers, training, traumatic brain injury (tbi), Turning 18
Disability Compass provides information on services, products, and special health care resources for people with disabilities, their families and their supporters.
There’s a Respite Provider search and a comprehensive listing of agencies and individuals serving the disability community. We have partnered with Disability Compass in the first year of our operations and highly recommend this resource.
by independencenw | Aug 9, 2008 | caregivers, customers, domestic employees, family support plans, independent contractors, providers, Turning 18
Disaboom.com was founded by Dr. J. Glen House, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation who is also a quadriplegic. His firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and those whose lives they touch has driven the Disaboom.com mission: to create the first comprehensive, evolving source of information, insight, and personal engagement for the disability community.
Check it out here.
by independencenw | Aug 9, 2008 | aging into adult services, caregivers, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, providers, training, Turning 18
People looking for help in Portland and its surrounding communities often do not know where to begin. Locating such basic resources as food, shelter, employment, or health care may mean calling dozens of phone numbers, then struggling through a maze of agencies and services to make the right connections. 211info is built on a quarter-century history of restoring dignity to people’s lives by providing comprehensive information and referral service in this region.
Check out 211 here.
by independencenw | Aug 9, 2008 | asperger syndrome, autism, customers, domestic employees, family support plans, Turning 18
Carespace.com is the first major online community for caregivers. It’s a place for caregivers to meet, develop relationships, share stories and garner support for one another. They’re in their beta testing phase right now – you should join in and check it out.
While the community site is being tested and readied, you can check out their highly regarded blog here. Below, a snippet from a recent post.
The responses to my last post illustrate some of the many takes on the word “caregiver.” I’m grateful for all of them. Intense feelings about who we care for often supercede more general ideas around “caregiving.” So much so that any talk about grouping us together sometimes seems to detract from the individual experience.
At the same time, we know that parents of children with different illness or disabilities have a lot to share by way of information and support — even though when we do go looking for others, our search usually follows along the trail of a particular medical issue.
So I’ll be direct about the challenge of building the community for Carespace. I know that Carespace must be valuable and inviting to a mom and dad with an autistic child who want contact with others just like them. I also know that they may benefit from interaction with all sorts of moms and dads. (Not to mention that they may also be caring for an elderly relative.) But the reality today is that we haven’t established the idea of a global community of “caregivers.” It’s not yet ingrained in the overall dialog. To make this concept useful, we’ll have to discover the value of links between different “caring types.” This is something most of us will have to experience before we take it for granted.
Read more here.
This spring, the Department of Human Services announced its intention to increase (in most cases) the amount of money Customers of Support Services can receive. Starting October 1st, 2008, the majority of Brokerage Customers statewide will see a 10% increase in the amount of money they have available to them. This amount will be prorated, depending on when you plan begins. (For example, if your plan year is December through November, you will receive an increase starting in the month of October and it will prorated until your plan ends in November).