Sensory-friendly Vaccine Clinic for Littles, 4th of July Activities, Sensory Zone and Youth Ambassador Program

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out the July Calendar for upcoming trainings and events!

COVID VACCINE, TESTING CLINICS

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) now recommends COVID vaccines for children under age five. As such, The Arc Lane County will host a Sensory-Friendly Vaccine Clinic on July 1 to help vaccinate children five years and younger against COVID.

The Arc's sensory-friendly vaccine clinic is ideal for young children, as it provides extra accommodations to help little ones with the vaccine process. Preregistration for the vaccine clinic is required. Register online.

Children with disabilities may also be vaccinated in their own home. Read OHA's mobile medical teams bring COVID-19 vaccines to families who can't go to them.

VISIT SENSORY ZONE AT COMMUNITY EVENTS

THIS MONTH

To help make summer events more accessible for families, Families Connected will have its Sensory Zone at upcoming summer festivals, including the Oregon Country Fair on July 8-10 in Veneta, the Eugene Riverfront Festival on July 14, Bohemia Mining Days on July 14-16 in Cottage Grove, Noche Cultural on July 16 in Springfield, and the Blackberry Jam Festival on July 30-31 in Lowell. At the Oregon Country Fair, the Sensory Zone will be located in booth M69 inside of Chela Mela.

The Sensory Zone has fidgets, headphones and other tools people can access to help them self-regulate. There is also a quiet space for anyone who feels overwhelmed.

FREE SUMMER FUN STARTS THIS MONTH

INSIDE NEW ARC PARK

The Arc will host free activities inside the Arc Park this summer for people of all ages to enjoy.

From music and dance on Mondays to water activities on Wednesdays and a variety of sensory activities on Saturdays, there will be something fun for everyone to enjoy.

Check out the fun Arc Park Activities scheduled for this month. Preregistration is required for all activities. See the schedule and then register here.

YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM OPEN TO TRANSITION AGE YOUTH

Oregon is one of five states selected to host a Youth Ambassador Program designed to teach youth ages 18 to 26 how to be leaders in their state.

Youth will also learn about advocacy, leadership, and their rights, how to make decisions for themselves, and about alternatives to guardianship.

The Youth Ambassador Program will start July 6, and the group will meet three Wednesdays a month through the end of October. To learn more or to register for the program, contact Nick.

MORE PEOPLE CAN ACCESS SERVICES THROUGH HEALTHIER OREGON PROGRAM

Healthier Oregon, a result of a law passed by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021, ensures all people with disabilities living in Oregon will have access to Oregon Health Plan benefits and disability supports and services, regardless of their immigration status.

The Healthier Oregon program will roll-out in two phases with the first phase starting July 1, 2022 for people ages 19-25 or 55 and older. Learn more at Healthier Oregon. To access services in Lane County for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, contact the Lane County Department of Health and Human Services at 541-682-3695.

PARENTS INVITED TO SHARE SPECIAL EDUCATION CONCERNS, BARRIERS WITH OEA COMMITTEE

The Oregon Education Association Special Education Committee wants to hear about and address special education issues in Oregon schools.

If you have concerns about the special education services your student receives or have encountered any barriers, please complete this SpEd Connect Survey,

BRAIN BUILDING ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS

Looking for ideas to help your children build skills during the summer months? The Harvard University Center on the Developing Child has handouts for parents loaded with games and activities that build brains for children and teens. The handouts are available in both English and Spanish.

The activities, which are categorized by age starting at six months through adolescence, are designed to help improve executive functioning skills through play.

SUMMER BUCKET LIST CHALLENGE IN FULL SWING

Have you been able to cross off items on the Families Connected Summer Bucket List Challenge?

Remember, participants will be awarded fun prizes for completing items on the bucket list. To see how you can have a blast this summer and earn prizes in the process, download your copy of the Families Connected Summer Bucket List Challenge.