As a reminder, parents of children with a developmental disability and people 16 years and older who experience disabilities arecurrently eligibleto receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of Phase 1A-Groups 2-3.
Families Connected will host a COVID-19 Vaccine Panel Discussion with an epidemiologist from the Oregon Health Authority on March 30. Come get your questions answered about the vaccine in a safe, supported environment.
Also check out the latestOregon Employment First Podcastwhere representatives from the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services discuss the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout for Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members and support professionals.
Lane County moved from extreme risk to high risk category, meaning indoor dining, fitness facilities and indoor entertainment establishments are open with limited capacity. See theOregon Health Authority's Activity Guidance by Risk Category.
The statewide family networks, including Families Connected, need your help! Funding for the family networks was cut in the special legislative session last summer. Read the latestGO! Bulletin to learn more. We need parents to share their stories of how the family networks have helped them. Ask your legislators to contact members of the Ways and Means Committee and request they reinstate the family network funding.
To help parents prepare for remote advocacy, the Oregon DD Coalition has created a series of Advocacy Videos.
LearnWho Represents Youand send your legislators an email to share what the family network means to you and your family. Alternately, you can request a virtual meeting with your legislator. Email Nancy if you would like Families Connected to join you for these meetings.
CELEBRATE SPRING WITH FAMILIES CONNECTED
Families are invited to celebrate sping's arrival with a fun
bird feeder activity kit. Families Connected will provide kits to families who reserve them. All kits will be available for pick-up on March 18, just in time to celebrate spring's official arrival on March 20.
Supported Decision-Making is a process that can be used to support adults who experience disabilities in making their own choices in important areas, such as healthcare, finance and employment. Watch this video to learn more aboutSupported Decision-Makingand how this tool can be used to promote self-determination and independence.
BRIGHTER DAYS ON THE HORIZON
With the COVID-19 vaccination rolling out, there is light at the end of the tunnel (at long last!). Just last week, Lane County moved from an Extreme Risk to a High-Risk category.
Perhaps, this has you thinking about breaking out of the house this spring and summer? Here's a webinar onSummer Camp Opportunities(passcode .eESKR8K)to get you excited about your post-pandemic summer travels.
OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH, PARENTS
Youth and young adults who experience intellectual disabilities and their caregivers can earn $100 ($50 gift card for each person) by answering interview questions about their moods, feelings, emotions and behaviors. Learn more about thisOpportunity for Youth with Disabilities, or contactLori Hodge.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
Oregon State University is recruiting parents and caregivers for its Play2Cope study on recreation and coping among families with children during COVID-19. Interested parents can complete thePlay2Cope Surveyonline. For more information, email Xiangyou Shen or Megan MacDonald.
HELPFUL TAX TIPS
The deadline for filing 2020 taxes is Thursday, April 15. Remember, families raising a child with a disability may qualify for the Disability and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Also, read these IRS tips to speed up refunds during the pandemic.
The Arc Families Connected
provides peer support to parents on their journey of raising a child with a disability.