May 2021 eNews

UPCOMING EVENTS To see upcoming trainings and activities check out the May Calendar! TAKE SURVEY TO HELP SHAPE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) wants to hear from parents and self-advocates about proposed Blueprint Recommendations to redesign case management services. The Blueprint Project is a multi-year effort to improve the case management system to make it easier for families to access and use services. Read this Blueprint Project Update to learn more about the project goals and timeline. Take this survey by August 31, 2021, to help ODDS finalize and implement the case management recommendations that will help your son or daughter live a full, meaningful and self-directed life. HELP SAVE FAMILY NETWORKS WITH WITH ONE, SIMPLE EMAIL Great news! After meeting with parents from Families Connected, Rep. Cedric Hayden has introduced a new House Bill, HB 3395, to reinstate funding for the Regional Family Networks, including Families Connected. All bills must have a committee hearing scheduled by May 14 or the bill will die. Please email Representative Anna Williams, Chair of the House Human Services Committee, and request a hearing on HB 3395. Ask Representative Williams to schedule a hearing because the statewide Family Networks are important to families and communities!

FAMILIES CONNECTED TO HOST THREE FUN ACTIVITIES IN MAY  Join Families Connected this month for free fun! First, Families Connected will have Mother's Day Card Kits to Share on May 6. Let the kids make cards to honor special mothers in the community. On May 10, we'll be heading to the exciting Day of Discovery Event at Wildlife Safari. Then on May 17, Families Connected will partner with Burley and Free Bikes 4 Kids for a fabulous, free Bike Giveaway Event!

YMCA RECEIVES TRAINING TO SUPPORT CHILDREN, YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES  Recently, a parent reached out to Families Connected for support when she was receiving daily calls from the YMCA about her son's behavior. Families Connected approached the YMCA and delivered a training to the staff on how to support children with disabilities. Families Connected also helped the children attending the YMCA understand how they can be friends with others who are different. Special thanks to the YMCA administration for supporting this training to help make its programs more accessible for children and families experiencing disability. Several staff members commented they appreciated this training, and they learned valuable tools that will help them welcome and include all children. If you would like help understanding disabilities and how to support children with differences, contact Nancy.

THE ARC OREGON TO HOST VIRTUAL STATE CONVENTION People with developmental disabilities and their families are invited to attend the The Arc Oregon's Virtual State Convention for free. The conference, scheduled for May 5-8, will feature keynote speakers, a virtual town hall, a self-advocate panel, and sessions about the LifeCourse framework, guardianships, housing, public policy, and health and well being. Register online.

IN MEMORIAM: KATHRYN WEIT  Sadly, Oregon lost a huge champion for disability rights. Kathryn Weit was a tremendous advocate, trailblazer and community gem. The Family Networks were the brainchild of Weit, who believed wholeheartedly in the power of parents empowering other parents in their journey of raising children with disabilities. Read the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Tribute to Kathryn Weit to learn more about her work and legacy in Oregon.

PURCHASE EMPOWER SHIRTS TODAY  Educational Equity Now (EEN) is nonprofit dedicated to advocating for education reform. EEN believes education should empower and inspire students to become lifelong learners and that education should support students to pursue strength-based paths and promote positive self-esteem and mental health. EEN has created Empower & Inspire T-shirts to highlight this mission. All profits from T-shirt sales will be donated to Families Connected and other agencies that support people with disabilities and equitable educational outcomes for all learners. T-shirts are $20 and available in black, brown, light green, light purple, light blue and dark blue. To purchase your Empower & Inspire T-shirts, contact Nancy.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES, CAREGIVERS The University of Oregon is looking for youth and young adults who experience disabilities to help develop a diagnostic assessment of mental health disorders among young people with intellectual disabilities. Participants will earn $50 for participating and their caregiver will also earn $50. Learn more about this Research Opportunity or contact James Sinclair.

REGISTER NOW FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAMP Registration is now open for the KindTree-Autism Rocks Friends and Family Camp, which will take place August 27-August 29. The Friends and Family Camp is a uniquely structured summer camp for individuals who experience autism and their families. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend. Preview the COVID-19 safety requirements, and then register online.

ESTEAM SUMMER PROGRAM RETURNS ESTEAM is back! Children and youth ages six to 13 years will soon be able to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math in a fun and inclusive environment this summer. Check out the ESTEAM Summer Schedule, and email Annie for more information. Please note, this is a fee-based summer program, as Medicaid will not allow K-plan funds to be used to pay for ESTEAM.

The Arc Families Connected provides peer support to parents on their journey of raising a child with a disability.

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