August 2021 eNews

UPCOMING EVENTS  To see upcoming trainings and activities check out the August Calendar! COVID-19 VACCINE ACCESSIBILITY KITS The Oregon Health Authority is rolling out COVID-19 Vaccine Accessibility Kits to support people who experience disabilities at vaccination sites. The kits include communication tools and other accommodations, such as visual communication cards, to help people have a positive vaccination experience. SENSORY ZONE OPEN FOR FAMILIES AT SUMMER EVENTS Families Connected is excited to bring back its Sensory Zone! Designed to help families at community events, the Sensory Zone provides a safe, welcoming space for children (and their adults) to take a break. Children can access headphones and other sensory tools to help with self-regulation or simply take a breather in a calm environment. Families Connected will host the Sensory Zone at the United Way 75th Anniversary Kickoff in the Park on Thurs., Aug. 5 at Alton Baker Park and at the Willamalane Park and Recreation District Children's Celebration on Sat., Aug. 7 at Island Park in Springfield. Stop by and say "hello" while enjoying these fun family events.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY 101 TRAINING  Join Families Connected and Melissa McCart with the University of Oregon Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT), for a free Traumatic Brain Injury 101 Webinar on Fri., Aug. 20 from 1-2 p.m. McCart will share information about interventions and best practices that improve outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). She will also share research and training information that CBIRT is spearheading to improve the lives of children and adults with TBI.

SUMMER FUN CONTINUES IN AUGUST  Families Connected continues to host a weekly event for parents and children to enjoy fun summer activities. Come to Fun at Meadow Park every Tuesday for water play, arts and crafts, and conversation. After playing in the park, parents are invited to attend Hot Topic Wednesday to talk, share tips and celebrate parenting successes in a supportive environment. Hot Topic Wednesday will be held on August 11 and August 25.

REGISTER NOW FOR PLAY YOUR PART AUCTION Registration is now open for The Arc Lane County's Play Your Part Virtual Auction to benefit the building of the second phase of the Arc Park. Sign up now to participate in a fun evening for a great cause. Be sure to check out the exciting silent and live auction packages. Silent auction bidding will kick off at noon on Sat., Aug. 8, and will close at 5 p.m. on Sun., Aug. 15. Join us for the thrilling live auction on Sat., Aug.14 at 6 p.m.

TAKE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY  Families Connected Lane County Developmental Services wants to hear from families receiving disability support services. Take the Lane County Developmental Services 2021 Customer Satisfaction Survey to share anonymous feedback on your experiences.

PURCHASE EMPOWER SHIRTS TODAY  Educational Equity Now has created Empower & Inspire T-shirts to highlight its mission of advocating for education reform.   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.

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 recommendations for redesigning case management services with the goal of making it easier for families to access and use services.   Take this survey by Aug. 31 to help ODDS improve the case management system and better support individuals with disabilities.

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

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