TAKE ARC PARK ACTIVITIES POLL
TO HELP PLAN SUMMER FUN

The Arc has hired Sarah Clark to be the recreation coordinator for the Arc Park. As the recreation coordinator, Sarah will plan, organize and lead fun activities inside the Arc Park this summer. Learn more about Sarah here.

Sarah has already started planning for this summer, and she would like to hear from families. Take this Arc Park Activities Poll to weigh in on what you and your family would like to see inside the Arc Park this summer. Our goal is to use this new space to help foster friendships, encourage personal growth and provide fun for people of all ages and abilities.

Please help Sarah by completing the poll by April 29.
NEW DD AWARENESS POSTER FEATURES
FAMILIES CONNECTED MEMBERS

The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities has created a new Developmental Disabilities Awareness poster featuring photos from Dreams Without Limits, a recent book published by The Arc Lane County.

The posters are designed to raise awareness about the importance of including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life and they highlight the many ways people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. See the English poster and Spanish poster. The poster has been translated in other languages, and is available through the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities.
EUGENE 4J SCHOOL DISTRICT LOOKS FOR PARENT ENGAGEMENT IN SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

The Eugene 4j School District is continuing its search for a new superintendent, and community engagement is an important component of the search process.

The district is currently looking for community members to participate in the interview panel for the superintendent candidates. Parents are welcome to nominate themselves or nominate someone else to participate in the interview process. Simply complete the online interview nomination form by Sun., April 10.

Parents may also submit interview questions for consideration for the interview process with the superindentent candidates.
GIVE YOUR INPUT ON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS BY APRIL 15

In 2021, the Oregon State Legislature passed SB 744, which directed the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to review state high school graduation requirements.

As part of that work, ODE wants to know what matters most to people about earning a high school diploma. In particular, ODE wants to hear from communities who have not been well served by the education system, including students with disabilities, English language learners, immigrants and refugees, students who move frequently, and Black and Native and Indigenous students and other communities of color. 

Please take this online survey by April 15 to share your feedback with ODE. The survey is available in multiple languages.
PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY TO END APRIL 16

In January 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allowed parents/guardians of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities with significant support needs to be paid to provide supports to their child during the Public Health Emergency caused by the COVID pandemic.

The Public Health Emergency is scheduled to end on April 16. Parents who are being paid to provide supports to their children need to plan accordingly, whether this is recruiting and hiring direct support professionals for your child or applying for a new Medicaid program operated outside the K Plan.

Read this letter from Lilia Tennity, director of the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services, for more information.
ARTISTS INVITED TO SUBMIT WORK TO
FESTIVAL OF ART FOR ALL

KindTree – Autism Rocks invites artists to submit their work for the Festival of Art for All, which will be held August 6. Artists may submit paintings, drawings, poetry, sculpture, videos, audio, fabric, woodwork or art in any other mediums. 

The Festival of Art for All, a community celebration of local art created by individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, will feature a variety of music, interactive crafts, art, a talent show, food vendors, live performances and videos.

Read the Art Submission Guidelines, and use the Artist Guild Submission Form to enter a copy of your artwork.
RELIEF NURSERY SHARES UPDATED
COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

Relief Nursery has released its new Community Resource Guide to help connect families to local resources and support services.

The guide provides a list of agencies that can help families access the supports they need, whether its mental health resources or food and housing. The updated guide features a new section on nature, outdoor recreation and gardening.
OREGON PUSHING TOWARDS
MORE INCLUSIVE PRESCHOOLS

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) was recently awarded a federal grant to create a framework that can be utilized throughout the state to support young children who experience disabilities in inclusive preschool settings.

ODE released its first annual report, called the Oregon Early Childhood Inclusion Initiative, to outline Oregon's progress in supporting preschoolers with disabilities in more inclusive settings.

TAX CREDIT FOR DEPENDENTS WITH A DISABILITY

This year's tax deadline falls on Friday, April 15.

Families raising a child with a disability may qualify for a tax credit. Read the Internal Revene Service's Disability and the Earned Income Tax Credit for more information.
REGISTER NOW FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY CAMP

Registration is now open for KindTree– Autism Rock's Friends and Family Camp, which will take place August 25-28. The Friends and Family Camp is a uniquely designed camping adventure for individuals and families experiencing autism. Peope of all ages and all abilities are welcome.

Download and complete the Camp Registration Form. Scholarships are available. Contact KindTree– Autism Rock for more information.