TRAINING: Sexual Violence and Economic Justice
Quarterly training sponsored by the Tri-County Sexual Assault Task Force:
FREE training for those who work with adult and teen survivors of sexual assault
Sexual Violence and Economic Justice
Presented by: Sailor Holladay & Jessica Gilbertson
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
This workshop will identify the variety of economic issues that impact survivors of sexual violence. We will explore community resources, consider tools, provide information and problem solving so that attendees are able to strengthen their advocacy response to the needs identified by sexual violence survivors.
Monday January 31, 2011
10am-12pm
Multnomah County Southeast Health Center
3653 SE 34th Ave (1/2 block South of SE Powell Blvd)
Basement Training Room
This training is free of charge. Registration is required.
To register for the training, please email your name, agency, and contact information to
Jessica at tcsatf@gmail.com (503-725-5640)
COMMUNITY FORUMS: PROPOSED STATE BUDGET CUTS TO DD SERVICES
From the Oregon DD Coalition:
Attention: Individuals with developmental disabilities, families, providers, direct support workers, brokerage staff & advocates!
- Learn about proposed budget cuts to DD services!
- Learn what is being done to advocate for your services!
- Learn what you can do!
Saturday, January 8, 2011 | 10 AM – 12 Noon
Springfield/Eugene – The Arc of Lane County at 4181 E Street, Springfield 97478
Free child care available for those that pre-register by January 5th
Saturday, January 15, 2011 | 10 AM – 12 Noon
Portland – Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Souther Auditorium at 9155 SW Barnes Rd
Saturday, January 22, 2011 | 10AM – 12 Noon
Medford – Community Justice Building at 1103 West Main Street, Medford 97501
Additional Advocacy Events in Salem and via Video Conference Planned
Speakers Include:
MaryLee Fay, Oregon Department of Human Services, Seniors & People with Disabilities, DD Program
Kathryn Weit, Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities
Organizers from your community
For Jan. 8th Child Care: Call Misty at 541-206-7693
Email: info@oregonddcoalition.org
Sponsored by the Oregon DD Coalition | www.oregonddcoalition.org
211: Emergency Weather Shelter and Warming Center Info
The fine folks at 211 Info have posted the most recent Emergency Weather Shelter and Warming Center info. Thanks Matt K for the tip.
Emergency weather shelters in your 211 service area:
Multnomah County
Clackamas County
Central Oregon
Lane County
Lincoln County
Southwest Washington
Yamhill County
Washington County
Multnomah County
Severe Weather Alert: Shelters are OPEN.
The National Weather Service predicts temperatures between 24-26° with mostly clear skies and light wind will begin overnight Thursday 12/30 and are expected to persist with low temperatures around 22° overnight Friday 12/31 and Saturday 1/1, through Sunday morning 1/2/2011.
Severe Weather Emergency Warming Centers:
Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center at the Imago Dei Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Dates: evenings 12/30/2010 – 01/01/2011
Hours: 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)
Union Gospel Mission
3 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-274-4483
Dates: evenings 12/30/2010 – 01/02/2011
Hours: 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM
Serves: Up to 60 people
The following expanded day center service is available during the Severe Weather Alert.
Salvation Army Harbor Light
SW 2nd and Ankeny, 503-239-1259
Provides seating and hot beverages
Dates: 12/30/2010 – 01/01/2011
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Serves: Men, up 70 people
Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211info, reached by dialing 2-1-1. 211info will be available to identify available shelter and warming center resources between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Multnomah County callers may also contact 211info between 6:00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 8:00am and 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. People should call 211info to be directed to shelter locations.
Service providers who would like to update information on services they offer during Severe Weather Alerts, please call Troy Hammond at (503) 419-8617.
In addition to existing year-round and winter shelter facilities, the following warming center facilities are available:
Family Winter Warming Center:
12505 NE Halsey Street, Portland Oregon
(on Halsey near 126th Avenue)
This is a walk-in facility.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Any combination of adults with children under 18 or women who are IN THEIR 3RD TRIMESTER OF THEIR PREGNANCY.
Women’s Winter Warming Center:
Call to make reservation 24 hours per day or stop by the Transition Projects office at NW 5th & Glisan Monday – Friday, 8:30am-7:30pm. Call 503-823-4930 to check availability. Only for single women, up to 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Serves: Only single women
Men’s Expanded Shelter:
Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny, between 7:30pm and 7:30am. Call 503-239-1259. Provides seating and hot beverages. Only for single men, up 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:30 PM – 7:30 AM
Serves: Only single men
Please call 211info with questions regarding other shelter and transportation resources.
Gresham
Warming Centers will be opening this week to offer overnight accommodations for homeless individuals. Warming Centers will primarily serve adult males, with very limited capability to serve single women and families. Warming Centers will be open for Thursday and Friday nights at the following locations (Saturday night will be determined later in the week):
Thursday, December 30
1st Baptist Church
224 W. Powell
Gresham, OR
8:00 PM to 8:00 AM-Warming Center hours
Friday, December 31
St. Henry’s Catholic Church
346 NW 1st
Gresham, OR
8:00 PM to 8:00 AM-Warming Center hours
Clackamas County
Canby Warming Center and Church
900 Juniper Street, Canby 97013
Will open Thursday night if temperatures below freezing, and each night through the weekend as needed if temperatures below freezing.
Hours: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: check-in. 8:00 a.m., check-out.
Hot meal provided evening, and breakfast before 8 a.m. checkout.
Signs will be posted along Hwy 99 in Canby area if shelter open, as notification (no phone number).
Families and individuals. Will accommodate pets if in carriers.
Clackamas Service Center
8800 SE 80th AV, Clackamas 97206, 503 771-7914
Individuals and families with children; no pets allowed. Bus #72.
Wednesday day from 10AM-6PM as a warming center.
Wednesday night from 7PM-8AM as a shelter.
Thursday day from 10AM-6PM as a warming center.
Thursday night from 7PM-8AM as a shelter.
Friday night from 7PM-8AM as a shelter.
Saturday day the center will be closed.
Saturday night from 7PM-8AM as a shelter.
Sunday day the center will be closed.
The center will definitely be open tonight, Weds. If the weather happens to change for the better, we will adjust accordingly.
The Fathers Heart Street Ministry
8899 SE Jannsen, Clackamas 97015, 503 722-9780
TFH will be open as a warming center as long as the night temps are below freezing…..starting Wed. Night as the temps dictate.
The Ministry will be tracking the weather and make changes as needed. Warming center opens at 6:30pm on a first come basis….adults only,no animals. Doors close at 10pm. Bus #79.
Washington County
Services offered: (click name line for more detail)
BEAVERTON FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
5755 SW Erickson Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97005
CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
10445 SW Canterbury Lane
Tigard, OR 97224
FOREST GROVE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
2032 College Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116
ROLLING HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH
3550 SW Borland Road
Tualatin, OR 97062
SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH – BOYS & GIRLS AID
454 SE Washington Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
SHELTER ORENCO STATION (SOS) – SONRISE CHURCH
6701 NE Campus Way
Hillsboro, OR 97124
ST ANTHONY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH – TIGARD
9905 SW McKensie Street
Tigard, OR 97223
Oregon’s Mortgage Payment Assistance Program – Deadline January 14th
Oregon has recently received $220 million in federal money to help distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure.
The Mortgage Payment Assistance Program pays the mortgage of a qualified recipient household for an entire year, up to $20,000. If you have suffered a loss of income of 25% or more, this program may help you keep your home. The deadline to apply is January 14, 2011.
More information is available at http://www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org/.
Please share this with anyone who might benefit.
Adopt a Legislator – Join the GO Project
Join the DD Coalition GO Project and Adopt a Legislator Today!
As an Advocacy Team Member, you will have opportunities to meet with your legislator, invite him or her to special events, and help nurture interest in developmental disabilities issues throughout the 2011 legislative session. Members of each Advocacy Team will receive special advocacy materials and support from the GO Project; and be able to share activity updates and photos with other team participants. Certificates will be presented to Advocacy Team Members who maintain monthly contact with their legislator throughout this critical legislative session. Do not delay…Adopt your Legislator Today!
Here’s How to Get Started:
- Go to www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/ and type in your home address to find out the District Number under the name of the State Senator and State Representative then reference this directory to see who your recently elected legislators are.
- Select which legislator you wish to adopt and email the GO! Project Coordinator, Cheryl Cisneros at info@oregonddcoalition.org
with your name, role (self-advocate, family member, brokerage/provider or advocacy organization representative), and your legislator’s name. - Immediately upon receiving confirmation from the GO! Project Coordinator, you will be given special tips that will get you started with writing a personal note of introduction to your newly adopted legislator at their home address.
Warming Centers and Shelter Information
Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211info, reached by dialing 2-1-1. 211info will be available to identify available shelter and warming center resources between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Multnomah County callers may also contact 211info between 6:00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 8:00am and 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. People should call 211info to be directed to shelter locations.
Service providers who would like to update information on services they offer during Severe Weather Alerts, please call Troy Hammond at (503) 419-8617.
In addition to existing year-round and winter shelter facilities, the following warming center facilities are available:
Family Winter Warming Center:
12505 NE Halsey Street, Portland Oregon
(on Halsey near 126th Avenue)
This is a Walk-in facility
Call 211 or (503-548-0200 or 503-405-7875) to check for availability
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families with children under 18
Women’s Winter Warming Center:
Check in at Transition Projects, 475 NW Glisan, between 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to reserve a space for the night. Call 503-823-4930 to check availability. Only for single women, up to 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:45 PM – 6:45 AM
Serves: Single women
Men’s Expanded Shelter:
Located at Salvation Army Harbor Light, SW 2nd and Ankeny, between 7:30pm and 7:30am. Call 503-239-1259. Provides seating and hot beverages. Only for single men, up 70 people.
Dates: seven nights a week throughout winter season
Hours: 7:30 PM – 7:30 AM
Serves: Single men
Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center (only open when a Severe Weather Alert is issued):
Red Cross Severe Weather Emergency Warming Center at the Imago Dei Church
1302 Ankeny Street, (near 13th Avenue in Inner SE), Portland
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM, check-in on site
Serves: Families, single adults, and youths; Pets allowed; some space for carts; accessible location (main floor)
Union Gospel Mission
15 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-228-0319
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 7:30 PM – 6:00 AM
Serves: Adult Males, up to 60 people
The following expanded day center services are available during the Severe Weather Alert.
Downtown Chapel Roman Catholic Parish
601 W. Burnside Street, 503-228-0746
Provides hot beverages, some snacks and movies
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Serves: Adults, up to 100 people
Julia West House
522 SW 13th Street, 503-916-4009
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Serves: Adults age 21 or over
Portland Rescue Mission
111 W Burnside Street, 503-647-7466
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Serves: Adult Males
Union Gospel Mission
15 NW 3rd Avenue, 503-228-0319
Provides hot beverages, some snacks and television
Dates: November 23, 2010
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serves: Adult Males, up to 50 people
Please call 211 with questions regarding other shelter and transportation resources.
Winter service coordination provided by 211info is made possible by a grant from the Portland Housing Bureau. In partnership with other City departments, Multnomah County and community partners, the Portland Housing Bureau coordinates winter and severe weather shelter and day services for homeless individuals in our community.
For the most up-to-date information on shelter or assistance, contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1 or accessing http://211info.org/. In Multnomah County, the call line is open from 8am and 10pm, Monday through Friday; and between 8am to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Thanks to Natasha Roe at Multnomah County for the info.
State Suspends Grants from the Fairview Community Trust
On Monday, November 15th, Seniors and People with Disabilities announced the suspension of the Fairview Community Housing Grants program because of Department of Human Services budget concerns.
Fairview Community Housing Grants were funded out of the interest on the Fairview Trust, a trust fund established by the legislature, from the proceeds of the sale of Fairview Training Center. The grants have been used by hundreds of families and individuals to build ramps, improve access to bathrooms, and other modifications that have enabled people to live safely in the community. The agency is taking the money now and will attempt to eliminate the trust in the next Legislative Session.
We cannot let this happen in silence!!! Raise your voice and object to this violation of the Trust and the commitment the Oregon Legislature made to those who once lived in Fairview and the generations of individuals with developmental disabilities who seek to live safely in their own communities.
What can you do?
Email your objections to this action:
- DHS Director: Bruce.Goldberg@state.or.us
- SPD Administrator: James.d.toews@state.or.us
- Contact current Ways and Means leaders: Sen.petercourtney@state.or.us Rep.peterbuckley@state.or.us Rep.tinakotek@state.or.us
ACT NOW!!! DON’T WAIT!!!
For more information on the Fairview Trust, check Fact sheets on the DD Coalition website at www.oregonddcoalition.org
Read the Oregon Perspectives Issues focused solely on the Fairview Housing Trust (below.)
Download: Save the Fairview Community Housing Trust Fund! (PDF: 3.75 MB)
TOMORROW: UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AS A TRANSITION STUDENT
Confused about your rights as a student in transition?
Have questions about school practices, responsibilities and the law?
Looking for resources and contacts?
Need expert opinion and guidance on school-related issues?
Want to connect with other students and families?
As part of its commitment to demystifying the transition process for adults with disabilities, Independence Northwest is partnering with Disability Rights Oregon to bring you a great resource in the month of October. Susana Ramirez, the Special Education Advocate for Disability Rights Oregon, will be presenting “Understanding Your Rights as a Transition Student”. The training is designed for students and their families as well as professionals interested in learning about increasing their advocacy skills.
Join us Wednesday October 27th from 4 – 6pm at the Independence Northwest office located at 541 NE 20th Avenue Suite 103 in Portland. We’re just off Glisan and 20th in the Jantzen Building.
Please take a moment to RSVP so we know you’ll be joining the conversation. Contact Summer Rose at Independence Northwest via phone (503.546.2950) or email (summer.rose@independencenw.org) to register. You can RSVP via Facebook here. This presentation is FREE and light refreshments will be served.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Susana Ramírez has been advocating for the rights of children and adults with disabilities with Disability Rights Oregon for the last 9 years. Susana brings a skill set combining her personal experiences as a parent advocate at the state and national level and her professional expertise in special education law and community organizing.
OCT 16: Preparing for Adulthood – Social Security, Benefits Planning and Guardianship
Announcing an upcoming workshop for high school transitioning students and their families.
In collaboration with Project Employ, Family and Community Together (FACT) will be hosting “Preparing for Adulthood—SSI/SSDI, Benefits Planning, and Guardianship,” on Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 9am – 1pm, at the Arc of Washington County—4450 SW 184th Avenue in Aloha, 97007.
This FREE workshop is open to ALL interested families in the Tri-County Metro.
- Alan Edwards from the Social Security Administration will be presenting information on SSI/SSDI.
- Eugene Rada from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS), Competitive Employment Project, will speak on benefits planning—preserving an individual’s benefits while pursuing employment.
- A parent panel will share their perspectives as each came to their decisions of pursuing or not pursuing guardianship.
OCT 12: Navigating High School Transition – Beaverton
ARRO Westside Family and Community Center
2360 SW 170th Ave, Beaverton, Oregon
Tuesday, October 12 th
6:30-8:00 PM
ARRO (Autism Research and Resources of Oregon) will be hosting a panel discussion on high school transition for teens with Autism. The panel will feature Jonathan Chase, Peter Fitzgerald, and David Abramowitz, discussing the ins and outs of transition out of high school and into adulthood as it relates to teens with Autism. Topics will include pre-high school planning, writing long-term goals into an IEP, eligibility and services in high school, and how the various agencies and services interact with families and the public school system. The panel will also be taking questions and offering advice specific to the laws in the state of Oregon.
Jonathan Chase is an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome and a member of the Autism Society of Oregon’s board of directors. Peter Fitzgerald works with the Youth Transition Program with the University of Oregon and has over 30 years of experience as a special ed teacher and transition specialist. David Abramowitz also has over 30 years of experience working with transition-age teens and their families in the Eugene school district. Jonathan, Peter, and David all serve on the Transition Subcommittee on the Oregon Commission on ASD.
This event is open to the public and will offer information helpful to parents of children with Autism who are currently in high school or looking ahead to high school in the future. Teens and adults with ASD, service providers, and professionals are welcome to attend and ask questions. The forum will be held at the ARRO Westside Family and Community Center and a $5 donation is suggested, but not required, to help support our efforts to support the autism community and develop resources that meet the needs of our families and individuals with autism throughout their life and throughout the spectrum of ability. Handouts, refreshments, and coffee will be available.
Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVP’s would be appreciated. Please email Jonathan@JonathanChase.Net if you plan to attend or have any questions.
New Oregon Law affects Personal Support Providers
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.
Oct 1st ASO Conference: Navigating Life as an Adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Believe in Possibilities, Navigating Life as an Adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism Society of Oregon‘s fall Conference will be for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their parents/caregivers and professionals working with the adult population.
The conference will be on Friday, October 1st at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR (more details here).
There will be several break out sessions on various topics and an exhibition hall of agencies and non-profits who supports adults with ASD.
FREE CLINIC – September 18th – Medical, Dental, Vision, Social Services, Chiropractic and More
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.
Looking for Energy Assistance Resources?
A list of energy assistance resources courtesy the fine folks at Rose City Resource:
-
901 SE Oak Street Suite 106Portland(503) 669-8350Call for Availability.
May Provide Energy Assistance.
-
10055 E Burnside St.Portland 97216-2333(503) 988-6020Call for availability.Transit: 19, 20, MAX blue line
May provide Energy Assistance.
-
1335 SE Hawthorne Blvd.Portland 97214-3691503-233-5533call for availabilityTransit: 14, 10
Utility assistance when funds are available.
-
6535 SE 82nd Ave.Portland 97266-5658503-775-678410 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Thur.Transit: 19 or 72
Help with water, gas, electric services with shut-off notice. Boundaries: 39th-136th, Clatsop to Powell, Powell to Glisan, 60th-82nd. Call for availability. Bus service: 19, 72
-
501 NE Hood Ave.
Ste. 310Gresham 97030(503) 405-7877Call for Availability.Transit: MAX Blue Line, 4May Provide Energy Assistance.
-
12350 SE Powell BlvdPortland 97236-3432(503) 548*0217Call for availability.Transit: 9, 17, 71
May Provide Energy Assistance.
-
4424 NE GlisanPortland 97030(503) 235-9396Call for availability.Transit: 19, 20, 75
May Provide Energy Assistance.
-
1631 SW Columbia
(office)Portland 97201-6025(503) 224-1044Call for Availability.May Provide Energy Assistance.
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P. O. Box 2148Salem 97308-2148800-848-4442
If you receive food stamps, Oregon Medical Welfare Card, Oregon Health Plan, or SSI, you may qualify for a lower rate. Applications are available at any Oregon Department of Human Resources office or on-line.
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1712 NE SandyPortland503-239-1264Call for Availability.Transit: 12,20
May Provide Energy Assistance.
-
4134 N. Vancouver Ave
Suite 311Portland 97217-2900(503) 240-0828Call for availability.Transit: 4, 33, 44May Provide Energy Assistance.
-
806 NE Alberta St.Portland 97211-4530971-244-03399 a.m-1 p.m. Mon., Wed., Thurs. and Fri..
Electricity assistance with 5-day shut-off notice. Boundaries I-5 to NE 25th Ave., NE Killingsworth to NE Shaver. Bus service: 6, 8, 44, 72
-
503-235-843110 a.m.-noon, 1:15-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Emergency energy assistance.
Bus service: 17, 19, 33, 70 -
4620 N. MarylandPortland 97217-3626503-721-67606:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon.- Thur., 8 a.m.-noon Fri. (Phone calls only); (closed noon hour). By appointment only.
Assistance for electric, gas, water and oil. Bus service: 4, 72, MAX Yellow Line. No PGE or Pacific Power.
ORA: Additional DD Budget Cuts Go Live October 1st, Reductions Cut “To the Bone”
Oregon Rehabilitation Association‘s notice on the October 1st budget cuts to DD services:
The July Headline from the Emergency Board “Legislature Prevents Cuts to Senior In-Home Care and Services to People with Disabilities”, is actually a very partial truth: HERE’S THE REST OF THAT STORY — “Emergency Board Will Restore $17 Million out of $158 million in DHS Cuts”.
While the restorations to some limited services for people with disabilities by the Emergency Board were welcome, it is critical to note that only about 10% of the cuts were restored. People with developmental disabilities (DD) who receive 24 hour support from community nonprofits are getting substantial cuts in October.
In total, over $33 Million will be slashed from DD budgets. Some of Oregon’s most vulnerable people (over 3,000) will find that their support workers wages and benefits have been cut. Many of these jobs are being eliminated completely and monitoring and quality assurance personnel are being cut as well.
The legislature simply did not have the funds to protect vulnerable people from these serious cuts. Adding insult to injury, every dollar cut from state funds triggers the loss of two additional dollars in federal match.
Community nonprofits are under contract to deliver services that meet federal and state guidelines for health and safety. Those requirements are not changing with these cuts, but the rates paid for their delivery are being reduced by 6%. Providers have no choice but to reduce their labor costs, as over 80% of their budgets go directly to labor.
Will the system survive these cuts? In the main, yes, although organizations may refuse to serve people who simply cost too much at these reduced rates – these nonprofits have nowhere else to go, as state rates are their primary (or only) source of support.
Our major concern is that these reductions have cut the DD system to the bone. Following years with no cost-of-living increases, providers have already made the efficiency and other adjustments possible while maintaining the integrity of the DD system. Any further cuts, like those predicted for the coming biennium, will result in a general system collapse, forcing the state to step in and provide these services itself at far greater cost than current expenditures. Oregon has closed its state institutions; further reductions will destroy a community infrastructure of nonprofits built over the past forty years that would take decades to replace, if indeed it ever could be.
These people will not disappear; they will be cared for by the state, whether it is through contracts with the existing cost-efficient nonprofit system or a hastily thrown-together patchwork of very expensive public supports.
We urge the legislature and Governor to carefully consider long-term implications of any further reductions to services to people with developmental disabilities.
Questions? Contact Tim Kral, Executive Director or Nan Heim, ORA Lobbyist, 503 585 3337.
211info – The Best Resource for Resources of all Types in Oregon
New Disability History/ADA Documentary Forthcoming
Attention Washington County Students 16 – 21
Have you and your family been wondering what you will be doing when you finish school?
Starting a career?
Going to community college?
Getting that first job?
Moving out of your parent’s home?
Although most students think about these questions, sometimes it is harder to imagine if you are a person with a disability. One major step is having a job. You may want this, but you and your family may not be sure how to make this happen.
If you are a student, ages 16-21 years old with intellectual and developmental disabilities, PROJECT EMPLOY would like to talk with you and your family. Starting in September, we will be working with families in Washington County and the Sherwood, Beaverton, Gaston, Forest Grove, and Banks School Districts to support students towards having jobs in the community upon leaving school at age twenty-one.
PROJECT EMPLOY will provide training on Person Centered Planning—which lays out a future for you, employment related supports, and advocacy. Since it takes lots of work to get and keep a job, everyone including you, your family and support team will all be expected to do their part. PROJECT EMPLOY will hold monthly gatherings starting in September and continue through the school year. One major event will be for you and your family to spend a day with your support team in November or early December creating a Person Centered Plan to lay out plans towards your future after school ends.
We will be taking applications through September, but are signing-up families starting in August. We would like to hear from you, now!
Contact:
Arlene Jones: Arlene.jones@arcoregon.org , (503) 329-6809 or
Tara Asai: tara.asai@arcoregon.org or (503) 706-3273.
Rally Against Special Education Budget Cuts at PPS
From an email distributed by UCP’s Family Support Program:
When: August 23rd, 2010
Where: Portland School District Administration Office
501 N. Dixon
Portland OR 97086
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A broad coalition of parents, educators, advocates, and non-profits have coalesced around the budget cuts to Special Education (SPED) recently announced by Portland Public Schools. This evening they will turn out in full force to support equity in education for ALL students in PPS, give testimony and request that the Superintendent and PPS Board reconsider their decision to cut SPED resources.
On June 30th, 2010 PPS announced a $3.3 million reduction from the previously approved budget for SPED, eliminating approximately 20 teaching positions and 51 paraeducator positions. While PPS claims they can provide Maintenance of Effort (MOE) despite these cuts, many parents and staff question how this is possible when they are already struggling to adequately serve students receiving special education services.
Media Contact: Chloe Eudaly
503-867-4304 or chloe.eudaly@gmail.com
Looking for Activities as Summer Winds Down? Disability Compass Lists Tons of Resources
Don’t forget to check out Disability Compass for listings of local events, respite providers, trainings and resources.
Compass is a one-stop site providing information about and direction to services, products, and special health care resources for people with disabilities in Oregon, their families and those who support them.
Disability Compass is a project of Community Vision, Inc. Community Vision was awarded the “Best Kept Secret” award for for Portland Monthly’s “Light A Fire” nonprofit awards in November.
Below are currently listed August events.
Metro Area Brokerage Resource Fair – THIS FRIDAY – August 13th
You’re invited to the 2010 Annual Brokerage Resource Fair presented by Community Pathways (formerly The Arc Brokerage), Independence Northwest, Inclusion Inc and Mentor Oregon Brokerage.
Come learn about resources and activities in your community, network with providers and meet new people. There will be food, activities and plenty of people at the BBQ. Bring your provider, learn something new and make some connections.
Parking is limited – consider taking the yellow line MAX to the Overlook Park stop or TriMet.
Friday August 13th
1:00pm to 5:00pm
Kaiser Permanente Town Hall
3704 N. Interstate Ave, Portland
BBQ: 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Overlook Park (directly across the street)
N Fremont & Interstate
Summer Food Service Program for Children
From summerfoodoregon.org:
What? Free food and fun in the summer sun.
Who? For kids and teens (18 and younger)
Not a kid or teen? Check out other food assistance.
During the school year, thousands of Oregon children depend on free or reduced price meals each day. However, when school ends for the year, so does this important resource. The Summer Food Service Program is meant to help fill that nutritional gap.
Funding for meals is provided by the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program. All open sites are located in neighborhoods that USDA considers high need areas. However, no application or proof of income is needed to participate, and all children are welcome!
The Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP) was created by Congress in 1968. It is designed to provide funds for eligible organizations to serve nutritious meals to low-income children when school is not in session.
You can find more information about SFSP at http://oregonhunger.org/summer-food.
Thanks to Natasha Roe for the tip.
David Pitonyak Presentation: “The Importance of Belonging”
The Oregon DD Coalition has recently posted a training by disability advocate David Pitonyak on their website. The training is called “The Importance of Belonging” and it is from June of 2008. Check it out here.
The largest part of David Pitonyak’s work involves meeting individuals who are said to exhibit “difficult behaviors.” Most of these individuals exhibit difficult behaviors because they are misunderstood and/or because they are living lives that don’t make sense. Often they are lonely, or powerless, or without joy. Often they are devalued by others, or they lack the kinds of educational experiences that most of us take for granted. Too often their troubling behaviors are the result of an illness, or even a delayed response to traumatic events.
Another part of David’s practice involves training. He provide’s workshops and seminars on a variety of topics, including supporting people with difficult behaviors and supporting the needs of a person’s friends, family, and caregivers.
In the recent past, he has provided consultation and training for individuals, families and professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He has worked with people in a variety of settings, including: home and professionally-staffed residential settings, schools, supported competitive job sites, sheltered workshops, and day activity programs.
“The Importance of Belonging” Part 1
“The Importance of Belonging” Part 2
Thanks to Cynthia Owens for the tip.
Clackamas County: PGE Energy Assistance for People Who Have Never Received Energy Assistance
An important announcement from Clackamas County Social Services:
OREGON ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (OEAP)
This state program operates year-round for low-income Clackamas County residents who have power bills from Portland General Electric. During the OEAP Summer Outreach, June 1 to September 30, 2010, households that have not received energy assistance are a priority group for this program.
HOW IS ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED? To be eligible, a household’s income must be at or below 60% of Oregon’s median income. The following guidelines are based on total gross household income for all adult members, 18 and older, living in the home and the household size. The household must have an active Portland General Electric account in the name of an adult living in the home. Both homeowner and renter households are eligible.
Size of Household / Gross Monthly Income (before taxes and deductions)
# of people: 1 Income cannot exceed $1757
# of people: 2 Income cannot exceed$2298
# of people: 3 Income cannot exceed $2839
# of people: 4 Income cannot exceed$3380
# of people: 5 Income cannot exceed$3921
# of people: 6 Income cannot exceed $4461
# of people: 7 Income cannot exceed $4563
# of people: 8 Income cannot exceed $4664
Each additional member add $101
HOW TO APPLY Applications are made through Clackamas County Social Services Division. For more information or to apply for energy assistance, call the Energy Assistance Line, 503-650-5640, select English and option 3. Funds are limited, so there may be times when assistance is not available. If you have never received energy assistance before, be sure to say “this is my first time requesting energy assistance” when you call to apply for Energy Assistance.
ENERGY EDUCATION Clackamas County Social Services and Clackamas County Weatherization offer Energy Savings Tips Workshops to help eligible households learn how to reduce their energy usage and improve their economic stability. Be sure to ask about the workshops when calling for energy assistance.
Emergency Board Votes to Restore Some DD Budget Cuts
From the DD Coalition:
This morning, the Emergency Board voted to restore some of the reductions scheduled to occur in the Developmental Disabilities Program. The restoration is coming from funding currently being held in the Emergency Board Fund. Many self advocates, families, service providers, and others wrote letters, sent emails and talked with legislators and the press about the devastating impact the reductions would have on people with developmental disabilities and their families. Thank you!!! Your voices were heard!!!
- Medicaid Personal Care 20 through June 2011
- In-Home Supports for Children / Long Term Care through June 2011
- Case Management for Children through February 2011
- Targeted Case Management in counties and brokerages through February 2011
- DD Family Support Program through February 2011
- Reduce county DD Program and brokerage administration by 10%
- Eliminate county and brokerage quality assurance staff
- Reduce comprehensive services rates by 6%
- Reduce DD special projects and training
- Reduce DD crisis diversion
- Reduce county Regional Programs by 10%
- Reduce housing extended maintenance