In This Edition:

• Upcoming Trainings
• Meet The Staff
• It's Time to Give
• Discover and Discuss
• Share Input and Win!
• Holiday Hours

It’s November, and we’re thinking about community, gathering, and gratitude.

Join us in community through trainings on behavior and the IEP in November and December. Meet staff member Heather Carleton, who loves to build community in Southern Oregon. Learn how to make the holidays more inclusive for everyone, including for people with disabilities. And share your gratitude for community by making a gift to help families get the support they deserve.

In gratitude for the families and mentors in my life, and in celebration of our resilient community,

Christy Reese, Executive Director

All About Behavior Summit: Addressing Behavior in the Classroom and Throughout Life. 

The summit series continues...

November 9 and 16, 6:00-7:30 PM

November 9: Tips and Resources to Help Navigate Behavior Concerns by Age.

November 16: Listen and Learn: A behavior-focused expert panel discussion.

Understanding the Essentials

(in Spanish)

The series continues...

Tuesdays, November 8 and 15, 6:00-7:30 PM

This series supports Spanish-speaking families and partners to understand and engage in special education services.

November 8: Special Education and the IEP: What You Need to Know 

November 15: Dispute Resolution Options in Special Education

This or That? Examining the Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans

Wednesday, November 30, 6:00-7:30 PM

Join us for an overview of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans. During this training, you will learn: 

• The purpose of each program and plan 
• How the programs are the same and how they are different 
• How to prepare for meaningful parent/caregiver participation 

The IEP: What You Need to Know 

Wednesday, December 14, 6:00-7:30 PM

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes your child's special education needs and services. Learn more about how the IEP is developed, and how your involvement is critical!

• Understand the purpose of an IEP
• Explore each step of the IEP Process
• Learn the important role of parents and caregivers in the IEP development

APPLY NOW: Activate Your Advocacy Parent Leadership

Apply by January 6 for Winter 2023 Session (February 6-March 15)

Activate Your Advocacy supports families to have a stronger voice in not only their child’s education and future planning, but also in systems change work that will help disrupt ableism and center equity for all children experiencing disability.  

Candidates must commit to all 12 sessions.  

Meet the Staff: Heather Carleton

Our staff and their collective knowledge are FACT Oregon’s greatest asset. This month, Heather Carleton (she/her), a Program Specialist, shares:

• how she and her family navigate disability;
• her passion for supporting families and building community

“INVOLVE your kids! If your child isn’t already part of their IEP process by middle school, start bringing them. To quote my middle schooler when a teacher told him he had to do something because it was on his IEP: 'Well that isn’t a goal I wrote. I didn’t write it, and I don’t want to do it.'”

It's the TIME to GIVE! Donate to Support Families.

Too many families struggle to access support, services, and resources.

Help them get the support they need by making a gift by December 31.

Discover and Discuss! 

Have a Sensory Friendly and Inclusive Thanksgiving

Children and adults with disabilities may have sensory issues or social and communication needs that make holidays challenging. Here are some ideas from Sensory Friends that may help everyone have a fun and memorable Thanksgiving.

What’s UP EID | Demystifying Disability and The Importance of Allyship

In this podcast, Disability Rights Activist Emily Ladau discusses her new book “Demystifying Disability” and the importance of allyship for the disability community! 

Watch/listen to the podcast with ASL interpretation.

Share Your Input and Win

Since March 2020, FACT Oregon has provided trainings virtually. As we plan our programming calendar for 2023 and beyond, we are reflecting on what we’ve learned and how we hope to serve families and partners moving forward. We'd like to hear from you about what works best for your family, or in your position. 

Please share your thoughts and enter to win our gift card drawing! ONE (1) person will win a $500 gift card. FOUR (4) people will win $100 gift cards. Enter by November 30.

Happy Thanksgiving: Holiday Hours

FACT Oregon offices will be closed on November 24 and 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.