by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, parenting, resource
Check out this excellent resource from the folks at FACT (Family and Community Together):
Finding and Keeping Inclusive Child Care–A Parent’s Notebook
Inclusive child care is the term used to describe a child care setting where children—both with and without a disability—are cared for together. By a disability we mean a developmental or a physical disability, an emotional/behavioral disorder, or a special health care need. The child who experiences the disability is included in all activities using whatever modifications are necessary. Providers make simple changes in the typical activities and routines to meet the needs of your child. Barriers to participation are removed whenever possible and there is an emphasis placed on the strengths, interests and experiences of all the children in care.
Inclusive child care is not a situation where the child with a disability is merely in the same room or facility with children that do not experience disabilities. Parental rights with regard to inclusive child care are a part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This notebook (in English and Spanish) was developed as a guide for parents with information as to options and resources for child care, to be shared with care providers as a resource notebook. The notebook can be used as a way to introduce your child. Templates are included which can be personalized with photos, articles, contacts, so as to be shared with your child care provider to help them to be a part of your child’s team. With the notebook, care providers can become familiar with children who experience disability and be better equipped to fully include all children.
Parent_Notebook_on_Inclusive_Child_Care.pdf
Encontrando_y_Conservando_Cuidado_Infantil_Bajo_Inclusion.pdf
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | caregivers, community connections, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, multnomah county, resource
Next Walk: This Sunday in Southeast Portland.
Opening streets to walking, bicycling, rolling, and roller blading – without having to watch out for cars!
Sunday Parkways are 7-8 mile “temporary parks” along city streets connecting neighborhoods and residents in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland.
A relaxed, non-competitive, FREE event featuring a variety of activities in several parks and along the routes.
Intersections are staffed by volunteers allowing residents to get to and from their driveways, with larger streets supervised by Portland Police Bureau staff and certified flaggers.
Sunday Parkways gives Portlanders a chance to get out and be active right in their own neighborhood. Participants walked, biked, rolled, ran, strolled, and roller bladed along the route to activities in the parks as well as to nearby shops and businesses in the vicinity.
Why?
Sunday Parkways highlights Portland as a walkable and bikeable city. Sunday Parkways is ideal for connecting neighborhoods by bringing people together with healthy activities. Health, transportation, recreation, community, environmental, and safety interests all benefit by partnering to implement Sunday Parkways.
Full information here.
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | caregivers, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, multnomah county, resource
From the OrPTI blog:
Recognizing that most kids enjoy the zoo, but some have a harder time than others getting here, Oregon Zoo is inviting children (birth to 18 years) with disabilities and chronic or terminal illnesses, plus their immediate families, to a free evening as a VIP at the zoo on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, from 4-8pm. The Zoo is offering this experience for free as a community service, since medical expenses often prevent these families from enjoying a night out as a family.
Participating organizations (including OrPTI) are helping families get invited. You must registered through one of the organizations to attend.
As part of this special events, participants will receive:
* Free admission to the zoo, free train rides and free access to the Chimpanzee Challenge Maze (extra fee-based summer attraction)
* Complimentary popcorn
* Animal contact with a variety of animals at the Family Farm
* Special performances of the popular Wildlife Live animal show on the main stage
* Costumed characters around zoo grounds
* 25% discount at all zoo restaurants and food stands
RSVPs for VIP Safari will only be accepted through partners. To register contact our Salem office at 888-505-2673, or email dbethell@orpti.org.
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | caregivers, customers, resource
 OREGON TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (OTAP) & LINK-UP AMERICAOTAP: Oregonians who recieve one of the following qualifying benefits may receive up to a $13.50 reduction in their monthly bill for local residential telephone service:
- Food Stamps
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income
- Certain State Medical Programs or Medicaid
LINK-UP AMERICA: Helps qualified low-income individuals by paying for one-half (up to $30) of the line-connection charges for new residential telephone service.
*Note: If a person qualifies only for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, they will only be eligible for Link-Up America, and not for OTAP.
http://www.puc.state.or.us/PUC/rspf/otapapp.pdf
TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES ACCESS PROGRAM (TDAP)
TDAP: Loans specialized telephone equipment at no cost and with no income restrictions to eligible Oregonians who are deaf, hearing, vision, speech, and mobility impaired.
http://www.puc.state.or.us/PUC/rspf/tdapapp.pdf
OREGON TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE (OTRS)
The Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service OTRS: Customers who have TTY (text telephone for the deaf, hearing, or speech impaired) may dial 7-1-1 to reach a relay operator. The relay operator types the conversation to the TTY user. Voice, or standard, users may also use OTRS to contact their deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled family or friends.
AVAILABLE SERVICES:
- CapTel
- Hearing Carry Over (HCO)
- Voice Carry Over (VCO)
- Speech to Speech (STS)
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If you need assistance with these programs, your Personal Agent at INW is available to support you through the application process.
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | caregivers, customers, independent contractors, multnomah county, providers, resource
Intercultural Community Gathering
Saturday, August 15
Overlook Park
11:00am-5:00pm
Celebrate & learn about the richness of cultural diversity in our community.
More information at Our United Villages.
by independencenw | Aug 13, 2009 | advocacy, emergency preparedness, multnomah county, resource
The Voluntary Emergency Registry is a list of persons who need help evacuating their home during an emergency, or who would be unable to evacuate without special notification from emergency response personnel. The registry also includes people who would be unable to remain at home without assistance following a disaster. Information in this list will be provided to the Bureau of Emergency Communications (911) and other emergency response personnel from the City of Portland and Gresham and Multnomah County.
You can register online here.
by independencenw | Aug 12, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, fundraising, providers, resource
It’s time for the annual Walk ‘n Roll to benefit United Cerebral Palsy.
Join this year’s Honorary Event Chair, Art Edwards of KOIN Local 6 and many of the KOIN crew as they help us celebrate our 5th Annual Walk ‘n’ Roll for UCP!
This year’s event features an 8k fun-run along with the traditional route of past years.
Adult entrance fee has been lowered to $15! There will be plenty of activities for the kids, Pizza Schmizza and a host of other sponsors are turning out to help us celebrate this milestone.
It will be held at the Eastside Esplanade on the east bank of the Willamette River. Our goal this year is to raise enough money to cover the critical but under-funded UCP Family Support Program. Therefore, our goal this year is to raise $80,000 – WE CAN DO IT, YOU CAN HELP!
Come and bring the family for an awesome summer day highlighting A Community for Everyone!
Visit the official Walk ‘n Roll site.
by independencenw | Aug 11, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, independent contractors, policy, provider organizations, providers, resource
Via United Cerebral Palsy‘s Quarterly Family Support Newsletter
Airplane Accessibility Petition
My name is Sally O’Neill. I am 17 years old. Like most girls my age, I love animals, going to the theatre with my friends on the weekend, and skiing in the winter. I dream of traveling after high school. I want to see places like Ireland, Italy, and India. Unfortunately, an accessible airplane ride is not an option for me.
I am writing this because I believe the airline industry should have to comply with the mandates of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. I have cerebral palsy. That means although I have a normal mind, I still have uncontrollable spastic limb movement. I cannot talk or hold my own body upright. I need my wheelchair to keep me in the right posture, and to restrain my arms and legs. The problem is the airline companies make all disabled people check their wheelchair with other baggage. I have visited my grandparents in Ohio and Florida many times. My parents have spent up to 7 hours trying to keep me seated between them. I don’t have the motor function to sit upright on my own. The airplane chairs are not big enough for a seat insert and do not support my upper body. When my shoulders are not in front of my hips, I go into an extension pattern. Due to my spastic limb movement, my parents have to physically restrain my arms and legs. I have strong tone, so this is not easy. None of us can eat, drink, read, or make ourselves comfortable in any other way. As I get older and bigger, each flight gets more difficult.
There are many other disabilities that have this same need for different reasons. I don’t think it makes sense that all other places open to the public are made accessible to every type of disabled person, especially transportation companies, but the airline industry is allowed to force the disabled into able-bodied standards or medical transport. I’ve heard of an airline removing a whole row of seats to accommodate a Sumo wrestler. If they can do that for a special athlete, why can’t they do it for a person with special needs? Have you ever wondered why you see so few people with cerebral palsy on airplanes? I think it’s because the airlines do so little to accommodate their needs to ensure their comfort. It’s discrimination. I looked up online how easy it is to remove any seat on the plane. I’m not asking for the bathrooms to be made accessible.
I am proposing that the first seat in the first row of the airplane be removable and tie downs be inserted. These tie downs are used in automobiles to keep the chair in place during crashes. They are as strong as anything on a plane.
I really believe with some small modifications airplane transportation can be made accessible to everyone. I hope you see the need and join me in this change.
Here is a proposed petition:
We petition the airline industry to better accommodate travelers who use wheelchairs. We propose that the first seat in the first row of the airplane be removable with the capability to have tie downs inserted when needed to accommodate a wheelchair, or that the airlines develop a solution to this urgent need.
If you’d like a copy of the Petition emailed to you, please send an email to the address listed below. We’d appreciate your help in collecting signatures. The important issue here is accessibility. There are a lot of people who cannot comfortably ride in an airplane, or who simply cannot ride at all. We also want to collect stories of your experiences riding in an airplane. Please call or write or send an email. The more stories, the better. And the more signatures, the better!
Susan Blanchard, UCP Family Support
Phone: 503-777-4166, toll-free within Oregon: 1-800-473-4581
Email: sblanchard@ucpaorwa.org
Mail: 11731 NE Glenn Widing Drive, Portland, OR 97220
by independencenw | Aug 11, 2009 | customers, high school transition, independent contractors, resource, training, Turning 18
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.
You can check out it out here.
by independencenw | Aug 11, 2009 | advocacy, aging into adult services, asperger syndrome, autism, caregivers, cerebral palsy, customers, domestic employees, employment, family support plans, high school transition, independent contractors, learning disabilities, policy, provider organizations, providers, resource, training, Turning 18
OrPTI (Oregon Parent Training and Information Center) presents the 2009 Building Futures Conference this October.
Building Futures is for anyone who has an interest in supporting individuals with disabilities as they transition from school to life. This includes Secondary Educators, Post Secondary Educators, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Special Educators, therapists, counselors, service providers, job developers, and other rehabilitation specialists, and especially secondary students with disabilities and their families. Throughout the two-day event there will be presentations by regional and national experts on issues surrounding secondary transition and assistive technology. Check out the agenda here.
Scholarship information can be found here.
by independencenw | Aug 10, 2009 | customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, provider organizations, providers, resource
Independence Northwest is partnering with the three other Portland metro area brokerages, Mentor Oregon, Inclusion Inc. and The Arc Brokerage Services to bring you the 2009 Metro Area Resource Fair. There will be barbecue food, games and most importantly vendors and resources for you and your family to check out. This is a great opportunity to meet other community members and expand your knowledge of the local DD community and its resources.
A mailer has gone out to all customers of the four brokerages hosting this event.
Resource Fair Time 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Town Hall – 3704 N. Interstate Ave, Portland
BBQ Time: 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Overlook Park (directly across the street)
by independencenw | Aug 7, 2009 | advocacy, caregivers, customers, disability history, domestic employees, policy, providers, resource, training
Apply now for the PIP class of 2010! OCDD is now accepting applications for the Partners in Policymaking Class of 2010.
Oregon Partners in Policymaking (PIP), is an intensive 5-month leadership course for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities. The program is operated by The Arc of Oregon and funded by the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. It is free to participants.
The PIP program provides participants with the information to understand the past, the present, and the future for people with developmental disabilities and their families. It provides PIP members with the practical skills to positively affect their own lives and influence broader disability policy. Many of the over 180 Oregon Partners in Policymaking Graduates since 1994, have found participating in PIP has been a life-changing experience.
The website of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities has more information about the program and comments from graduates. There is an application which can be completed on line and emailed or downloaded and mailed in.
Oregon Partners graduates have made a huge difference in our state on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. We hope that the Class of 2010 will continue to lead the fight for equality of opportunity, inclusion, and community participation.
by independencenw | Aug 7, 2009 | caregivers, customers, data, disability history, domestic employees, employment, independent contractors, policy, provider organizations, providers, reports, resource
United Cerebral Palsy released its 4th annual report on The Case for Inclusion yesterday. The report ranks all 50 States and the District of Columbia on how well they are providing community-based supports to Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities being served by Medicaid.
Oregon ranks 20th. Our state-specific details are here.
State by state ranking:
1. Vermont
2. Arizona
3. Alaska
4. New Hampshire
5. Massachusetts
6. Michigan
7. California
8. Hawaii
9. Colorado
10. Connecticut
11. New Mexico
12. Delaware
13. Minnesota
14. New York
15. Idaho
16. Pennsylvania
17. South Carolina
18. Florida
19. Rhode Island
20. Oregon
21. New Jersey
22. Wisconsin
23. West Virginia
24. Kansas
25. Washington
26. South Dakota
27. Montana
28. Wyoming
29. Missouri
30. Oklahoma
31. Georgia
32. Maryland
33. Alabama
34. Nevada
35. Maine
36. North Carolina
37. Utah
38. Kentucky
39. Iowa
40. North Dakota
41. Virginia
42. Indiana
43. Tennessee
44. Nebraska
45. Ohio
46. Louisiana
47. Illinois
48. District of Columbia
49. Texas
50. Arkansas
51. Mississippi
From the UCP website on the 2009 report:
- Positively, there are 1,536 fewer Americans living in large state institutions (more than 16 beds). This is a bigger drop than seen last year. However, there remain 169 large institutions (4 fewer) housing 36,175 Americans;
- Negatively, only nine states (down from 11) report more than 2,000 residents living in large public or private institutions – California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania & Texas;
- Sustaining the 2008 level, 19 states, but up from 16 in 2007, have more than 80 percent of those served living in home-like settings;
- Positively, seven states – Alaska, Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont- direct more than 95 percent of all related funds to those living in the community rather than in large institutions. Colorado directs a very close 94.6% of funds;
- Positively, five states – Idaho, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas – as well as the District of Columbia experienced at least a five percent increase in people served in the community (HCBS waiver).
- Negatively, Wisconsin reduced number of people served in the community (HCBS waiver) by more than five percent;
- Nationally, 29 states direct more than 80 percent of all related funding to those living in the community;
- Positively, 39 states, up from 33, report having a Medicaid Buy-In program supporting individuals as they go to work and increase their earnings; and
- In terms of rankings, in total, 15 states had a sizable change in rankings over last two years. Pennsylvania (to #16 from #29 in 2007, dropping one place from 2008) and Missouri (to #29 from #41, dropping one place from 2008) improved the most with Wyoming (to #28 from #17) and Maine (to #35 from #24) dropping the most in the rankings.
Via DAWG Oregon and UCP
by independencenw | Aug 6, 2009 | assistive devices, customers, domestic employees, grants, independent contractors, providers, resource
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.
by independencenw | Aug 6, 2009 | assistive devices, caregivers, customers, grants, resource
DCRF grant applications may be used for modest awards for assistive devices, rehabilitative services, arts and humanities projects, or for efforts to bolster compliance with existing laws for the benefit of children with disabilities. Applications may be submitted by families (parent or guardian) for an individual child, or by a non-profit organization for a small group of children. by independencenw | Aug 6, 2009 | caregivers, customers, domestic employees, energy assistance, food assistance, homelessness, independent contractors, providers, rent assistance, resource
Care to Share is a Washington County based assistance program that helps individuals with emergency food, energy assistance, rent support and more. Check out their website or see below for more details.
Financial Aid
Clients facing financial crisis may apply to a special fund Care To Share maintains. Utility – When funds are available clients may request help on a limited basis if they are facing a shut-off. Rent – One day a month (the 3rd Thursday of each month) qualified clients may call to request assistance with rent for the following month. We do not provide: cash, bus tickets, transportation or costs, motel room rent, or medical costs.
Back to School
Each August, Care To Share provides backpacks filled with new school supplies for at-risk children attending Beaverton School District schools. These supplies are distributed though the school administration.
Oregon Heat
Care To Share has been given a contract with Oregon Heat to provide assistance for PGE clients to receive assistance with gas, electricity, wood, pellets and oil. Clients must call to set an appointment and to verify eligibility.
Water Grants
Care To Share provides water assistance to low income families facing shut-offs. These funds come to us from three different sources. We are thankful to Tualatin Valley Water District, Clean Water Services, and City of Beaverton Water. Without these contributions we could not provide this much needed assistance.
by independencenw | Aug 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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|
<!–Title: –
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)
|
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 | 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 | 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 | 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.
