211 Info – Resources for the Entire Tri-County Area
Project Lifesaver – Washington County
From the Project Lifesaver website:
When children or adults with autism, Down’s Syndrome, Alzheimer’s Disease, or other memory-related illnesses wander from the safety of caregivers, your Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue personnel are called to action.
Now, law enforcement in Washington County has another great tool to help us find and rescue your loved ones more quickly with the Project Lifesaver Program. A search that might have taken days may now be successfully concluded quickly – saving lives and thousands of taxpayer dollars!
Project Lifesaver participants will receive a plastic bracelet containing a waterproof radio transmitter. Each participant’s transmitter is assigned a radio frequency that is unique both to them and to their geographical area. The bracelets may be worn on the participant’s wrist or ankle.
When a Project Lifesaver client is discovered to be missing, a caregiver will report the situation to the Sheriff’s Office via the 9-1-1 dispatch center. Trained deputies will respond at once to search for the missing person using Project Lifesaver radio-frequency tracking equipment.
Project Lifesaver is a voluntary program. In order to qualify, the client must:
Live in Washington County;
Be diagnosed by a certified physician as having Alzheimer’s Disease, other dementia disorders, autism, Down’s Syndrome or other similar disorders; and
Be known to wander away from caregivers.
In order to participate, caregivers must agree to assume the following responsibilities:
Test the client’s radio transmitter battery daily
Check the condition of the bracelet daily
Maintain a monthly log sheet provided by the Project Lifesaver Team
Most importantly, call 911 immediately if a Project Lifesaver client goes missing!
Thanks to Angela Bradach for the tip.
Solar Waffle Works – Benefits Young Adults in Portland Public Schools
Portland Public Schools has partnered with Soltrekker to develop Solar Waffle Works, NE Portland’s first solar-powered waffle cart. The cart is a training program in a socially responsible business and entrepreneurship, designed and operated by young adults in the community transition program.
Visit them at: NE 23rd Avenue and Alberta Street
Hours: 11am – 2pm Monday through Friday | 9am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday.
Thanks to Allison Hintzman for the tip.
From PPS News:
Located at Northeast Alberta Street and 23rd Avenue (map), Solar Waffle Works is a nonprofit project that helps high school graduates gain independent living skills and vocational training.
The young adults involved are part of the PPS Community Transition Program, which helps recent graduates transition to life after high school.
Corinne Thomas-Kersting, CTP administrator, says Solar Waffle Works benefits students by making them active partners in the creation and management of a socially responsible start-up.
“This project gets them out of the classroom and into the real world,” Thomas-Kersting says. “That hands-on experience is incredibly valuable.”
Students designed the cart, which is a small blue trailer, from start to finish: They helped create the business plan, the logo, the marketing concepts and the menu, and worked on preparing it for service. They work in the cart preparing and serving food, and assist with accounting and advertising.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Weekday revenue supports the Community Transition Program.The cart is the result of a partnership between PPS and SolTrekker, a Northeast Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to renewable energy education. A solar panel array on the cart’s roof supplies much of its power.
“It’s about a lot more than CTP students learning how to flip waffles,” says Allison Hintzmann, a CTP transition specialist who envisioned and co-created Solar Waffle Works with students and SolTrekker. “This fosters entrepreneurship while also teaching skills that will make them more employable.”
In addition to job training, Solar Waffle Works emphasizes the importance of conserving resources and reducing impact on the environment.
SolTrekker provided the trailer and added plumbing and solar components. It also contributed labor, funds and materials. Funding also came from PPS and the Spirit Mountain Community Fund.
Ty Adams, founder and board chairman of SolTrekker, says his organization didn’t need any convincing to participate.
“This is a project that’s not just unique to Portland, but one that is unique nationwide,” Adams says. “It’s definitely the tastiest project we’ve ever been a part of.”
More on Community Transition Program
The Community Transition Program helps young adults achieve the greatest degree of independence and quality of life as they transition to life after high school; functions include integrating young adults into the community, increasing their access to social and leisure activities and making appropriate referrals to other services and agencies.
Multnomah County Transition Resource Fair – April 9th in Portland
Reynolds School District in collaboration with Multnomah County School Districts presents the 2010 Multnomah County Transition Resource Fair.
Time – 10am – 6pm on April 9th, 2010
Place: Four Corners, Reynolds School District
14513 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97233
Independence Northwest will be sharing a table with several other metro area brokerages.
The fair will include resources on jobs, self-determination, health care, housing and training available to individuals living in Multnomah County and receiving (or preparing to receive) high school transition services.
For questions, please contact Shirley Burns (503.328.0428) or Shannon Selby (503.328.0423), the co-chairs of the 2010 Transition Resource Fair.
Excellent Autism Transition Guide Now Available
Danya International Inc., Organization for Autism Research and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center have put together an invaluable transition document entitled Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood.
If you’re preparing, in the midst of or finishing up a transition program, this document has tons of information on IDEA, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act.) The guide is designed “to give parents, teachers and other education professionals an introduction to the transition to adulthood process.”
While written for the parent reader, the guide proves useful to a much more expansive group. Arm yourself with this document before your next IEP meeting. As Lewis Carroll wrote, “If you don’t know where you are going, any path will take you there.” A good transition plan will be your path to a successful adulthood for your
young adult with ASD.
Chapters include:
- Agency Help/Legal Information
- Transition Plan
- Student-Centered Transition Plan
- Vocation and Employment
- Post-secondary Education
- Life Skills
- Looking Ahead
Please forward this important document on to anyone you kn0w who might benefit from it. There’s a slew of appendices in the back and we can’t recommend this rich resource enough.
Special thanks to the Oregon Commission on Autism Transition Subcommittee for the heads up.
Local Options for the Uninsured
211 info has published a great article on local insurance options:
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, “Yes, the Uninsured Can Get Care,” Kristen Gerencher outlined health care options for the uninsured:
Lack of insurance doesn’t have to mean going without needed health care.
If you’re uninsured and seeking stop-gap care until you find coverage, you can triage your way to better health by understanding the tradeoffs of several care options.
With hundreds of thousands of people in Oregon and Southwest Washington left uninsured, we provide solutions to people seeking health care every day. It is a problem that is affecting everyone in our communities, not just those with extremely-low income. So, we thought we’d be proactive and suggest some local solutions to the issue the WSJ addressed — getting health care without having insurance. For phone numbers, addresses and more information about these services you can visit 211info.org a search your zip code and services under the “CLINIC” and “HEALTH” keywords or call 2-1-1.
The Oregon Health Plan is available for children, and some adults are being added through a lottery system. To apply, visit a DHS office or call 1-800-359-9517. Call 1-800-SAFENET to find out the address of the nearest DHS office.
Here’s a look at the types of health care available for uninsured people in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
- Community health clinics: Sometimes called “free clinics,” these typically operate on a sliding-scale fee system based on patients’ income. Some will treat patients who are unable to pay even the sliding-scale fee. These nonprofits serve low-income uninsured people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and frequently offer other services such as immunizations. Some are specialized for specific populations, such as women or members of federally recognized Native American tribes. Many clinics have very limited hours and long wait lists for appointments. Some have walk-in services.
- Retail clinics: These clinics, often operated by hospitals or pharmacy chains, offer walk-in visits with nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants. Prices for a visit are posted and generally are less than $100. The clinics often are open on nights and weekends. Providers can diagnose routine ailments such as flu or strep throat and prescribe medications as needed. The clinics generally don’t have doctors, diagnostic equipment such as X-rays or labs on site.
- Urgent care centers: Doctors provide treatment for infections, injuries, back aches and simple fractures. Prices are generally higher than those at retail clinics but may be less than $200. For example, the 211info database shows one urgent care clinic that posts its price as $55, with prescriptions and lab work costing extra. The centers often are open on nights and weekends. Doctors can stitch wounds, set broken bones, prescribe medicine for infections and treat other mid-level conditions.
- Emergency rooms: The most expensive option often requires long wait times for people with non-emergency conditions. Doctors have access to extensive diagnostic equipment, and people with serious conditions are often admitted to hospitals. Emergency rooms are open 24/7. People who are uninsured and low income can often request financial assistance or charity care if they need to be hospitalized.
If someone you know does not have access to the internet they can call 2-1-1 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm for answers to their health care questions.
Contributing Author: Deborah Willoughby, Call Center Specialist
Life After High School – Incight Presentation March 18th
Incight Presents: Life After High School: Moving on to College and Employment
When: Thursday March 18th, 2010
Time: 9:30 to 1:30
Where: NW Natural Building
220 N. W. Second Avenue,
Portland, OR
Only $3 per person – Scholarships Available
Register ASAP – Space is Limited
Pre-registration is required by Friday, March 11th.
Each School can bring up to 10 students.
To Register or if you have any questions please call Incight at:
971-244-0305 or send an email to keith@incight.org.
Agenda Highlights
Hear from college students with disabilities about their success and challenges!
Ask questions and get answers from a panel of employers who are hiring!
Learn how to advocate for yourself in the workplace and at school!
Get help planning for college or employment!
Lunch will be provided!
Intended Audience:
Student and Young Adults with Disabilities (on an IEP or 504 plan) Teachers
YTP Coordinators Case Managers School Administrators School Counselors
Scholarshops Available to Adults with Disabilities in Post-Secondary School
The Incight Scholarship is for students with ANY disability, attending ANY post-secondary school, ANYWHERE in the U.S.
The requirements are:
• You must plan to attend school full time
• You must provide documentation of your disability
• You must provide a letter of recommendation
• You must complete the entire application
Application:
http://www.incighteducation.org/scholarships.php
Full Life Presents Write Around Portland Workshop
Full Life‘s upcoming “Write around Portland” workshop will provide a wonderful opportunity to learn new writing and expressive skills, as well as giving voice to this unique population.
This Eight Week Workshop is open to Adults with Developmental Disabilities in the Portland Metro Area. The workshop will be held at Full Life Coffee Shop, on Tuesdays from 3pm-5pm, starting February 09, 2010 through March 30, 2010.
Through a unique model of writing workshops, published anthologies and public readings, Write Around Portland helps people transform their lives and our community by offering free writing workshops for people who are living in poverty, living with a disability, dealing with illness, facing isolation or experiencing other barriers.
Limited space available. Please register with Miriam Hart Cohen @ Full Life Coffee shop.
miriamcohen@full-lifepdx.com, 503-234-0896
Portland Aspergers Network Presents GAME CLUB
Portland Aspergers Network Presents GAME CLUB
Game Club
6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, February 12, 2010
West Linn Lutheran Church
20390 Willamette Drive
West Linn, Oregon
directions »
Imagine an HFA teenager helping a younger child win a certain level on a video game. Imagine two children, who normally wouldn’t want to socialize, excitedly exchanging GameBoy tips.
Parents of children who have not succeeded in organized sports or other activities before find this is one arena where their children shine. Even a child who chooses to simply side play with the other children is still having fun! The kids enjoy the games and the potluck food, and the adults find friendships and understanding while sharing information about their children with one another
Happy birthday, Game Club!
Game Club is 10 years old! Join us this friday (February 12) for our birthday celebration. Along with the usual pizza, video games, and other fun, we will have two cakes (one will be gluten free), a group photo, and a visit from independent filmmaker Jeff Grinta, who will be filming a brief “promo video”. Meet us at the usual time place. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Cost: A donation of $8 per family is requested to offset monthly fees for use of the space.
Activities: Video games such as Wii, X-Box 360, Game Cube, Nintendo 64, Playstation, Supernintendo, SEGA and other favorites are projected on the walls using InFocus projectors (this is ultra cool!). Gameboy, Pokemon and Board Games are also available.
Thanks to Jonathan Chase for the tip.
GUARDIANSHIP: Limits and Responsibilities with Elaine Friesen-Strang
GUARDIANSHIP: Limits and Responsibilities with Elaine Friesen-Strang
Date/Time: Thurs, March 4th, 2010
10am to 12noon
Class location: Washington County Juvenile Justice Building,
222 N. First Ave. Room # 105, HILLSBORO, Oregon
Driving Directions: Hwy 26 to Glencoe Rd. Exit #57, Turn LEFT onto NW GLENCOE RD, which becomes N 1ST AVE. Juvenile building, 222 N. 1st Ave, is on the LEFT, adjacent to the Courthouse. Enter building on Lincoln St.
******This class is FREE, however you MUST register! ******
Instructor: Elaine Friesen-Strang is the Director of the GAPS (Guardianship, Advocacy and Planning Services) Program for the Arc of Oregon. She has worked for GAPS for over 20 years and is a licensed professional guardian.
Course Description: Elaine will discuss most frequently asked questions. Is guardianship necessary? What is the process? What are the limitations? What authority does it give?
Send registration form to: Jerri Rudacil, Wash Co HHS-DD, 155 N First Ave, #250, Hillsboro, OR 97124 or email Jerri_rudacil@washington.or.us
Questions? Call Jerri at 503-846-3135
DD Celebration at the Capitol – Feb 24th
2010 marks the 10-year anniversary of the closure of Fairview Training Center, Oregon’s largest institution for people with developmental disabilities. Since Fairview closed, advocates and policy makers have worked diligently to end the wait list for adult services by creating a community-based system of support services that offer self-determination and choice. The decade ended on a high note last October with the closure of Oregon’s last institution for people with developmental disabilities, Eastern Oregon Training Center.
The Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities are sponsoring the event, which will include a proclamation from the Governor, an awards ceremony, remarks from influential policy makers and advocates for people with developmental disabilities, and the unveiling of an awareness poster co-produced by The Arc of Oregon and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. Exhibits will also be on display all day in the Galleria.
What: Developmental Disabilities Celebration – A Decade of Accomplishments
When: Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Oregon State Captiol, Room 50 (lower level)
900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
Accessible parking spaces are located on Court Street (north side). Automatic doors and a ramp are located on the east side of the building with access gained from the front of the Capitol.
For information about the Capitol building, visit http://www.leg.state.or.us/capinfo/
Contact: Yoshi Kardell Phone: 503-945-9944 Email: ykardell@ocdd.org
Rent Well Tenant Education w/ Landlord Guarantee Fund
WHAT is the RENT WELL TENANT EDUCATION PROGRAM?
Rent Well is a 15 hour tenant education class that helps you become a successful, stable renter.
Renting is more complicated than many people understand. It is a business relationship, and you need to understand your rights and responsibilities to be a successful renter. Rent Well has been developed to provide you with information that will help you have a positive relationship with your landlord.
If you have been denied housing, Rent Well will help you explore any screening barriers you may have (evictions, credit problems, criminal history), take steps to address those barriers and prepare to be a successful, stable tenant in the future.
In a Rent Well Tenant Education Class, you will learn:
-
- The landlord’s perspective and expectations
- Tenant responsibilities and rights
- How to use good communication skills with your landlord
- How to be a good neighbor
- How to maintain a clean, safe and healthy home
During a Rent Well Tenant Education Class, you will prepare to be a successful renter by:
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- Pre-screening yourself as a landlord would
- Creating a personalized plan for stable housing
- Creating a workable household budget that makes paying rent a priority
- Reviewing rental agreements to understand common terms and expectations
- Creating a housing portfolio that will show landlords your qualifications as renter
Rent Well Tenant Education Class graduation requirements include:
-
- Full attendance
- Completion of assignments
- Development of a housing portfolio
Upon meeting graduation requirements, participants will receive a Rent Well Graduation Certificate that can be presented to landlords.
Landlord Guarantee Fund:
- Starting on January 1, 2010, the Landlord Guarantee Fund offered by Multnomah County (via HAP), Clackamas County and Washington County will be available only to graduates of Rent Well. However, anyone who graduates from Ready to Rent in one of those counties prior to the implementation of Rent Well and who receives a certificate of completion, will have their guarantee honored for the full 18 months.
- The Rent Well Landlord Guarantee Fund is designed to provide landlords with a financial “guarantee” equivalent to $2000 when renting to Rent Well graduates. Graduates of the Rent Well program receive a certificate showing that they have completed a training course on Housing Readiness Education.
- The Guarantee must be applied for within the first two weeks of renting to a Graduate. Applying for the Guarantee is simple and consists of a one page application.
- Guarantee Fund Eligible Reimbursable Costs:
1. Damages in excess of normal wear and tear to the unit and exceeds the security deposit;
2. One months non-payment of rent if tenant does not vacate apartment in good standing;
3. Court costs and attorney fees where necessary to terminate a tenancy and remove a participant for nonpayment of rent of for other serious and repeated violations of the lease or state law.
HOW TO SIGN UP…
For information on classes and how to sign up please visit the following link:
http://housingconnections.org/HHNViewer.cfm?item=427
Questions regarding the implementation of Rent Well in Multnomah County should be directed to:
Jaclyn Eaton, Rent Well Coordinator, Housing Authority of Portland
Phone: 503-335-6819
Email: Jaclyne@hapdx.org
Erasing Fairview’s Horrors – An OpEd by Rep. Sara Gelser
Rep Sara Gelser has an OpEd in Sunday’s Oregonian. Check it out here:
Sara Gelser, a Corvallis Democrat, is assistant majority leader of the Oregon House of Representatives.
The past three decades have brought a sea change in state policy for Oregonians with developmental disabilities. In 1981, more than 1,300 Oregonians with developmental disabilities lived at the Fairview Training Center in Salem, where for decades they were called “inmates.” Next month marks the 10th anniversary of the closure of Fairview. With the recent closure of the Eastern Oregon Training Center, Oregon is now the only state that serves 100 percent of its individuals with developmental disabilities in noninstitutional settings.
Our system of community-based supports is not perfect. It remains underfunded, provider wages and training are inadequate, and we must improve client safety in the system. However, Oregonians with disabilities have some things today they didn’t have 30 years ago at Fairview: freedom, dignity and a sense of belonging.
Many artifacts and records from Fairview have been lost or destroyed, and just last week Pierce Cottage was destroyed by fire of unknown origin. As the visible reminders of Fairview disappear, we must ensure that its history is not forgotten or sanitized.
Oregon maintained a Board of Social Control that oversaw more than 2,600 forced sterilizations through 1983. Forced hysterectomies, tubal ligations, vasectomies and even castrations were requirements for discharge from Fairview up through the late 1970s. In 2002, then-Gov. John Kitzhaber issued a formal apology for these human rights violations.
Kitzhaber also acknowledged other abuses. “Until the mid-1980s, if you could believe that, the staff of the institutions commonly used inhumane devices to restrain or control patients, including leather cuffs and helmets and straitjackets and inappropriately high dosages of sedatives and psychotropic medications,” he said.
Former residents tell stories of discipline with leather cuffs, cow whips, razor straps and isolation cages. An oral history project has worked to capture the stories of those who lived and worked at Fairview in their own words.
“I was handicapped, but it made me sicker to be there. It was like a prison. Handcuff. Shut door,” one said. “I didn’t like it there. People mean,” another said.
One resident described being disciplined with razor strops: “It stings really bad.” Others recalled:
Measures 66 & 67 Pass
POLST Emergency Registry
Oregon POLST Registry
Contact the Registry: 503-418-4083 / toll free: 877-367-7657
Fax or eFax POLST form to Registry: 503-418-2161
The Oregon POLST Registry is an electronic record of POLST forms designed to provide orders to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) if the POLST form cannot be immediately found.
- Video: The Oregon POLST Registry (RealPlayer required)
- OAR 333-270
- House Bill 2009 (Registry)
- June 2009 POLST form
- Order POLST forms online
- News & Events
What is the Oregon POLST Registry?
It is a secure electronic record of your POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) orders. The registry allows emergency health care professionals treating you to access your POLST if the original POLST form cannot be found.
How does the registry work?
Emergency healthcare professionals can call trained emergency communication specialists who will relay your POLST orders once they have confirmed your identity.
Do I have to send my POLST to the Registry?
No one is required to have a POLST form and you may opt out of the Registry by checking the “opt out” box on the back side of the form. If you do not opt out, your POLST form will be placed in the Registry to be sure your wishes are followed in a crisis.
How do I get my form into the Registry?
You or your health care professional may fax or mail a copy of both sides of your POLST form. New POLST forms include your address, lass four digits of your social security number and your gender.
How will I know my POLST is in the electronic Registry?
You will receive a confirmation letter with your Registry ID Cumber when your POLST form has been added to the Registry.
Where should my Registry ID magnet go?
Your mailed confirmation packet will have a Registry ID magnet. We recommend you place this on your refrigerator.
Free Voting Workshop This Wednesday
Self Advocates as Leaders, The Arc of Multnomah Clackamas and Disability Rights Oregon present a FREE VOTING WORKSHOP Wednesday January 20th.
Topics covered:
- Learn more about voting
- Getting assistance with voting
- What are the issues?
- Are they important to you?
- How can you get easy-to-understand information?
- How can voters get assistance
Wednesday January 20th.
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Arc of Multnomah Clackamas
619 SW 11th Avenue in Portland
For more information, please call Marcie at 503.367.2106.
Where’s Lulu?
Where’s Lulu is the first pro-disability company of its kind. It’s a free online community where people with disabilities can finally obtain accurate, reliable information on accessibility, and provide that information to other users by reviewing their favorite (or least favorite) local businesses. A guide to accessible places and services, Lulu provides an open forum where people can share information on everything from menu readability to bathroom accessibility.
So, Where is Lulu? Lulu is everywhere and everyone.
Lulu is community and awareness. Lulu is progress and unity.
Lulu is the vision and voice of accessibility for all.
Over 700 People Turn Out Statewide for Canvassing
From Portland Mercury:
News editor Matt Davis just leapt up on an empty desk here in the newsroom, threw open the window and called out across the street to three familiar faces: young progressive politicos Henry Kraemer, Mollie Ruskin and Mariana Lindsay were outside loading up their car to canvass for Measure 66 and 67.
The three reported that over 400 people had gathered this morning at the Defend Oregon office (which is just around the corner from our own) for the kickoff of a county-wide canvass in support of the tax measures.
“I think it’s great and really inspiring that so many people would come out to support the measures on their day off,” Lindsay, 22, told us through the window. As discussed in in our endorsement, young voters are the most likely to support the tax measures, but also the least likely to turn in their ballots. Lindsay spent last week phonebanking for the measures with NARAL and had conversations that were across the board from one woman who said the taxes would “literally kill” her small-business-owning son to a Republican schoolteacher whose whole family planned to sit down and fill out their ballots as “yes” together.
Kraemer, political director for the Oregon Bus Project chimed in that his organization will be running pro-measure phone banks every night (except Saturday) from now until January 26th. Phone banking starts at 6 pm at the Bus HQ (333 SE 2nd Avenue), where there will be free beer and juice for volunteers. With that, the three packed their clipboards into their car and took off.
Congratulations, too, to Yes for Oregon communications director (and former Mercury reporter) Scott Moore, whose son Thurston Edward Apodaca Moore was born at 8:30 this morning, weighing in at 7 pounds 8 ounces. Moore Junior was expected after the election, but we hope his early arrival is an auspicious sign for the state.
Update 11:58 am: The Yes for Oregon campaign puts their official tally of canvassers out on the streets today at closer to 500 people.
Update 2:51 pm: The official Yes for Oregon canvasser tally across the county today is 700. Yikes. Are 700 canvassers more powerful than a front-page wrap around ad in the Oregonian?
National Disability News Resource
Disability Scoop is the first and only nationally focused online news organization serving the developmental disability community including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fragile X and intellectual disability, among others.
Five days each week Disability Scoop sifts through the clutter to provide a central, reliable source of news, information and resources. Plus, Disability Scoop is the only place to find original content and series like “Scoop Essentials” that take an in-depth look at what lies beyond the day’s headlines.
The Oregon Disability Chamber – Assistance with Entrepeneurship
The Oregon Disability Chamber represents the economic development interests for entrepreneurs with disabilities starting or expanding their businesses. According to the national census report people with disabilities have a higher rate of self-employment and small business experience (12.2%) than people with out disabilities (7.8%).
The Oregon Disability Chamber represents the economic development interests for entrepreneurs with disabilities starting or expanding their own businesses.
Starting and running your own business is a difficult task. There are special incentives and programs that the Oregon Disability Chamber members are knowledgeable and experienced with. We can help you or someone you know take their special skills or interests and turn them into profitable business ventures; programs that will not only make them self-sufficient and productive but give them confidence and assertiveness.
Let these programs work for you and get the support of our enthusiastic members who have started their own businesses and can help you with all your questions and problems.
FACT Family Center—The IEP: What Parents Need to Know
The IEP: What Parents Need to Know from 8:45am – 12:00pm on January 30th, with a special session from 12:30pm on Transition to Kindergarten—parents of children transitioning into kindergarten are invited to stay for a more focused look on this important milestone.
Workshop will be conducted by Victoria Haight, Regional Trainer with the Oregon Parent Training and Information Center (OrPTI), Christine Shank, Attorney from Disability RIghts Oregon, and Roberta Dunn, Executive Director of Family and Community Together (FACT). Topics to be covered will include:
- the Individual Education Program (IEP) process
- understanding the IEP document
- writing goals
- the importance of parental involvement on the IEP team
- how to advocate for your child
Registration required. For any questions, and to ensure that we have enough space and materials, please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing christy@factoregon.org
Click here to download the flyer.
An Update from Vote Yes for Oregon Campaign Director
From Vote Yes For Oregon Campaign Director Kevin Looper
Really, you don’t want to be that person.
In twenty years of politics, I’ve talked to that person hundreds of times.
After a close election, that person always comes up and says the same thing: “Oh my, I had NO IDEA it was going to be such a tight election, or I’d have done more to help.”
That person usually speaks without meeting my eyes. I do the same. It’s an awkward conversation to have, what with both of us looking at each other’s shoes. So let me please just tell you now:
The vote on Measures 66 & 67 is gonna be close.
When we took up this fight, the Oregonian headline said “Proponents bet against history on tax votes.” No one thought we had a chance. Now the polls say we are ahead, but this is no time to relax. Polls measure opinions, but our job is to chase votes.
A lot of motivated, early voters are against us. No one really loves taxes. But some people really, really hate them, and those people are guaranteed to vote. Tobacco lobbyists and bank executives don’t have to go door to door to get out right-wing voters.
It’s a different story with our base. I hope my mom will forgive me for saying this, but the good people of Portland and Eugene could use a little kick in the pants. Especially the young ones — and in this election, a young voter is under 60 (congratulations to all of you who qualify!).
It’s amazing to see hundreds of people on the phone every night, and the power of more than 900 people canvassing last weekend alone. But we need more. We need you. Go to: http://voteyesfororegon.org/volunteer/
No matter where you are in the state, you can do something to help.
So please, before it is too late, volunteer (http://voteyesfororegon.org/volunteer/). Don’t worry about the rain. This is a once-in-a-lifetime political moment. We have the chance to make history, change the balance of power in Salem between school funding and social service advocates and the big corporate lobbyists, while preserving about a billion dollars worth of funding for schools, seniors, health care and public safety. This will only happen with your help (http://voteyesfororegon.org/volunteer/).
If, for some reason, you really can’t make it in, go to our website and donate $100 so we can run another radio spot or $500 for a cable ad: http://voteyesfororegon.org/donate/
Don’t read this and think, “I’ll do it later.” Sign up right now – http://voteyesfororegon.org/volunteer/ – before you forget, or someone asks you to do something else.
Oregon is a great place because great people like you care about it. Don’t miss your chance to shape its future. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and we need every free moment you have dedicated to helping secure this vote. ‘Cause, as I hope you heard me say, it’s gonna be close.
And come January 26th, I want to be able to look all of you in the eyes, smile, and say, “We did it.”
Sincerely,
Kevin Looper
Campaign Director, Vote Yes for Oregon
OPB’s Think Out Loud TV/Radio Show on Measures 66/67
OPB’s Think Out Loud Radio and TV Show. From OPB:
Be part of the audience for a special Think Out Loud radio and TV show about Measures 66 and 67 on Thursday January 21st. Doors open at 6 pm. Show begins at 7 pm. It all takes place right here at OPB. No RSVP required and all are welcome! Or, of course, get the conversations started online now!
Will Brokerages Be Affected by Measures 66 & 67?
The State of Oregon has released a preliminary cut list of what might happen if Measures 66 & 67 fail on January 26, 2010.
Their cut list includes:
- Closure of Support Services Brokerages on January 1st, 2011
- Elimination of the Fairview Housing Trust Fund
- Elimination of funding for DD employment and inclusion programs
- Elimination of transportation services for people with disabilities
- 10% reduction in rates for providers who perform residential supports for adults with disabilities
The State has said as recently as the week of January 8th that they have no contingency plan if these measures fail.
The Independence Northwest Board of Directors supports a YES vote on Measures 66 & 67.
To read more about INW’s effect on our local economy, click here and remember to vote on January 26th.