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In this Issue:

• Letter from Executive Director Christy Reese
• Dream Big Dreams: Support FACT Oregon
• Discover and Discuss
• Just for Youth

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Families, Friends, Allies, and Partners, 

This month’s newsletter is a little different. I write today as a mother of a son with disabilities, who I promised when he was born that I would do everything I could for him. I write out of sheer frustration with what I see before me, what we hear from families, and what our children are asked to endure. At the risk of “ruffling feathers,” though not with the intent to do so, I ask you…implore you... to engage with us now in a social justice movement for people with disabilities. 

Coming out of the pandemic, the disparities that children with disabilities face are cast in sharper contrast than ever before. Day in, day out. And at its core is ABLEISM. 

It is time to call it out and address it head on. Math and reading proficiency and graduation rates for students with disabilities are among the lowest in the state. We need to acknowledge that we are not giving kids with disabilities the same opportunities to succeed as other students. Our kids are not learning, and their families are tired. Yet ableist systems and practices continue that put our kids on the track to nowhere. 

It is time to stand up and say we can no longer place the burdens and inadequacies of systemic issues squarely on the backs of children with disabilities. I am not downplaying the pressures on our teachers, support staff, and systems, and I understand how deeply stressed and under resourced they are. But I believe we must change HOW we talk about issues like workforce shortages, budget shortfalls, and/or behavior supports. We must shift the burden of systemic failures off students and address broader questions: 

FACT Oregon strives to be part of the solution. We provide technical support to districts and community partners to help them support children with disabilities and their families effectively. We work with ODE and school districts to raise family voice and encourage family engagement. We educate parents on IDEA principles and processes so they can engage appropriately and meaningfully, share their vision, and clearly communicate with school teams. And we train parent leaders to participate in equity-based school reform efforts. 

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP to ensure that the rights of youth with disabilities and their families are protected, enforced, and prioritized. I invite you to join us in this work. HOW?

FACT Oregon’s mission is to empower Oregon families experiencing disability in their pursuit of a whole life. We believe in and work towards a future where communities are accessible, inclusive, and empower the self-determination of people with disabilities. But that future can only happen when we come together to make it a reality. 

Christy Reese, Executive Director

Wherever you are across the state, we invite you to join us in the critical work of equipping and empowering families experiencing disability.

Presenting Sponsor

Oregon Partners for Education Justice. OPEJ is a cross-cultural statewide network of community-based organizations, culturally specific service providers, and education advocates championing a racially just and community-centered education system for Oregon.  

The Children’s Agenda. Over 127 nonprofits who believe in the power of community-driven solutions to create a more equitable future for all children come together to focus on improving the well-being of children, youth, and families in Oregon.  

Early Childhood Coalition. The Early Childhood Coalition (ECC) envisions an Oregon where all children experience high-quality early learning and care that is culturally responsive, welcoming, and accessible; where child and family experience directs policy and investment toward creating and sustaining a culture of abundance, care, and joy.  

Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition. The Oregon DD Coalition advocates on behalf of and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and support organizations in Oregon. We influence DD service and community support systems and legislation by communicating with a common, consistent voice – creating better opportunities for Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

What is Ableism?

Watch this video by @teawithhb