Developmental Disability Awareness Month

In celebration of Developmental Disability Awareness month, we want to recognize the accomplishments of people with disabilities and raise awareness about barriers that individuals with disabilities still face in connecting with the wider community. Raising awareness includes sharing resources, participating in advocacy efforts, connecting through stories, and supporting advocacy groups like Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), The Arc (our local chapters are The Arc Oregon, The Arc Portland Metro, The Arc Lane County and The Arc Southwest Washington), and the newly formed Kathryn Weit Foundation, created in honor of the legendary advocate who championed equal rights and a full life for every ability.

History: Treatment of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in the United States

Over 5 million people in the US are estimated to have a developmental disability, and 900,000 adults in Oregon experience one. People with DD were historically excluded from schools, community activities and other aspects of community life. Many individuals were put into institutions with, now, unthinkable conditions. For more information about the history of the harsh treatment of individuals with Developmental Disabilities, see here. It’s important to remember history so we don’t repeat it. Thankfully, today, individuals with DD have many of the same rights, freedoms and protections shared by everyone. The fight to ensure these equities across the country and here in Oregon, remains a priority.

In 1975, the Developmentally Disabled Assistance bill was created. This bill stated that people with IDD have the right to treatment and services in the least restrictive environment possible. However, institutions were still very active in the US at that time. Over the next 20 years, changes were made to the bill, focusing on independence, productivity, community integration and inclusion. There were also revisions made to emphasize dignity, personal preferences, and ownership of making decisions about their own treatment. In the year 2000, the bill was changed again, making sure that people with IDD would get safe care, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. This amendment increased the accountability of programs, which led to the closure of many state-funded hospitals and institutions.

History of IDD Advocacy and Brokerages in Oregon

In 2000, as Oregon’s state institutions (such as Fairview) were closing, a group of individuals with DD and their families pursued access to support services that they were entitled to. The settlement is known as the Staley Settlement. The Staley Settlement led to the creation of brokerages here in Oregon. Brokerages were developed by individuals who receive services, family members, community members and overseers of state services such as the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities and Disability Rights Oregon. Brokerages were built on the foundation of self-determination and that our governing boards must be made up of 50% people or family members of someone who experiences a developmental disability. This helps ensure we always remain close to the people we are supporting and that the guiding principles of our agency remain true to those we are here to serve.

Community Pathways is one of fourteen Brokerages across the state of Oregon. To find out more you can visit My Brokerage My Choice. Oregon is made up of a variety of services. Brokerages are part of a larger “Case Management System” that includes partners like the County Developmental Disability Programs (CDDPs), Oregon Developmental Disability Services (ODDS), which provides guidance, regulation and oversight of services, and advocacy organizations like DRO and OCDD. Together we all come together to make sure people with DD in our state get the best possible support and services.

Kathryn Weit, 1947-2021

In 2021, the DD Community lost one of its fiercest advocates. Kathryn Weit was a mother, advocate, mentor, and the creator of one of the largest DD movements in Oregon. After attempting to navigate the broken DD system in the early 1980s for her son, she changed her career from reading teacher, to become an activist, policy analyst, and lobbyist at the state capitol in Salem, OR. This new career launched an advocacy effort that reached thousands of other families and people living with DD. Kathryn was instrumental to the rights and protections that individuals experiencing DD in Oregon have today.

After Kathryn’s passing, the Kathryn Weit bill was created (Senate Resolution 201) to remember her great contributions to Oregon and people with disabilities. A huge thank you to Senator Gelser-Blouin for bringing this resolution forward. It was a powerful day on the Capital - one fitting for Kathryn.

CPI honors and remembers Kathryn’s dedication and fierce contribution to DD advocacy in the state of Oregon. Her legacy lives on, in the changes she helped create for the DD community. She changed many lives in her lifetime - more than we will likely ever know. For more information about Kathryn and her legacy, see The Kathryn Weit Foundation’s website here.

Carewell Training - Deadline Approaching for PSWs

CPI wants to remind PSWs who have not yet taken the Carewell refresher training, that the deadline to complete it is March 31, 2022! CPI also urges individuals and employers to check with their PSW’s to make sure they have taken the training. ODDS has stated that providers may lose their provider number if this required training is not completed by the deadline.

The 12.5-hour free training is delivered by Carewell, is completely online and can fit in around anyone’s schedule.

The Carewell Refresher is split into two parts. The first part is the self-directed online refresher (8 hours). The second part is the refresher workshop which is 4.5 hours and may be taken live online several times per week, including weekends. Once the refresher training is complete, PSWs will receive a $200.00 stipend!

If PSWs haven’t started the training, register online here to get started.

If PSWs are still working through it, great work! Log in today to keep going.

If PSWs need the Carewell training in a different language, CPI has tried to make it easy by adding the details on our website here. If a training is not currently offered in a PSWs preferred language, PSWs may contact Carewell directly to request an interpreter by phone at 1-844-503-7348 (hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM), or email Carewell.

Ongoing, all PSWs are required to take 12 additional hours of continuing education every two years before they are re-certified.

See here for the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC’s) FAQ about Training Requirements for PSWs and here for Training topics. See here for the OHCC’s Connections Podcast!

Compass Project – Overview

The Compass Project is moving forward to make Oregon’s DD services more person focused, clearer and easier to understand. ODDS is working to make the system even more focused on what people need in their lives based on their needs, interests and preferences.

ODDS is hosting a “Compass Overview” training to help those with DD, their families and guardians better understand the main parts of the Compass Project. These include the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA), exceptions, service groups and more about how the project will affect those who receive services and their families. Please attend.

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 16, 2022 / 6:00 - 7:30PM
For: Anyone who receives I/DD services in Oregon (and their families)
This meeting will be held via Zoom.

For accessibility questions or to request an accommodation, contact the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities at 503-945-5811 or DD.DirectorsOffice@dhsoha.state.or.us. Requests should be made at least three business days before the event. American Sign Language interpretation, Spanish interpretation and Communication Access Real Time captioning will be provided.

Supported Decision Making

Supported decision-making allows individuals with disabilities to make the choices they want about their lives with help from people they trust. It is used to pick who they want to support them and how they want to be supported. The person they choose can help gather information, weigh options, or help the individual communicate their support decisions to others. Supported decision-making may be a good substitute to guardianship, which can be more restrictive.

To help get information out to people, Oregon schools are now required to give information, training, and resources about supported decision-making, as of Jan 1, 2022! Additionally, ODHS has launched a new web page with a fact sheet, brochures and other resources on supported decision-making, which are available in five languages. Also check out the Employment First podcast about supported decision-making vs. guardianship. Guests include Allison Enriquez from ODDS and Sally Simich from the Oregon Department of Education.

New trainings and resources will be added to the ODHS web page regularly.

COVID-19 Updates

Oregon Mask Mandate Lifting as of March 11, 2022

As of March 11th, 2022 Oregon is planning on lifting its indoor mask requirements. This change is due to the lowering of COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases across the state. If COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations increase over the next month, this date and ruling may be changed.

The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) has not changed their guidance, and masks will still be required in health care settings (such as hospitals, doctor’s offices and urgent care centers). This means providers and CPI staff will still be required to wear masks when meeting with customers.

Masks will still be required on public transit like buses and planes. After the 11th, Employers and businesses can also set their own requirements to protect employees and patrons, including requiring masks indoors and proof of vaccination. It is also recommended that individuals still wear a mask in very crowded indoor and outdoor businesses and venues.

Individuals who are more affected by COVID or who live with those who are more affected (like the immunocompromised and adults over 65) may choose to continue wearing a face covering.

This announcement does not mean the pandemic is over. It means that hospitalizations and transmission rates will be low enough that the OHA anticipates significantly less disease, less strain on hospitals and less impacts on our daily lives.

For more information on the general indoor mask requirement, see Oregon Administrative Rule 333-019-1025, the Oregon Secretary of State’s website, and FAQ that is specific to the indoor mask requirement here. For FAQ on the topic of lifting mask requirements in Oregon, see here.

Community Pathways will continue to provide as much information and resources related to COVID-19 as we are able. We are excited to start having more in person meetings and hope the numbers stay low.

At-Home COVID Tests / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

CPI received a large shipment of N95 masks, disposable masks and at-home self-testing** kits that are now available*! We also have a small supply of child sized masks. CPI customers can contact their PA to access tests and other PPE.

*Self-testing kits are available for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if someone they live with has tested positive for COVID-19 or is showing COVID-19 symptoms.

** These tests may only be administered to another individual if (a) the test is being performed under a CLIA certificate of waiver and results are reported to Oregon Health Authority, or (b) the person administering the test is the parent or guardian of the individual being tested. For more details, visit these links: frequently asked questions and Oregon Health Authority guidance.

Special Olympics Oregon 2022 Polar Plunge

On Saturday, February 26th, two of CPI’s awesome PAs were BOLD and got COLD during the 2022 Special Olympics Polar Plunge! Read more below for their reasons for joining the polar plunge, and a bit about how it went for them.

The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraising event for Special Olympics Oregon, helping pay for equipment, travel costs and training for its athletes and volunteers.

The Special Olympics Oregon mission:

“Special Olympics Oregon provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children, youth and adults living with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.”

Linda and Rachel (including unicorn costume!) at the Polar Plunge

Linda, Personal Agent

“I have participated in the Polar Plunge for the last 4 years because I have directly witnessed the positive impact Special Olympics has had on the people I have supported over the years and wanted to give back. Plus, I like any opportunity to wear a costume!”

Rachel, Personal Agent

“This was my first year doing the polar plunge and it will certainly not be my last! My favorite part of the polar plunge and 5k was being able to see people dress in costumes and to see and catch up with former clients of mine, their families and providers. Some of my former clients ended up winning the costume contest and it was great to see them dress up and participate. They ended up winning free pizza. YUM!

The reason for the event is to raise funds for Special Olympic Oregon athletes. Special Olympics Oregon offers 14 Olympic-style sports to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Like all athletes, they love to train, compete and do their best, whether they win or lose. Multiple polar plunge events happen all across the state/country, and world during the winter months, when it’s freezing out! Individuals can participate in the 5k or 10k, and polar plunge event afterwards, where you jump into freezing water. This year we ran into the Willamette River. It was a beautiful 33-degree day. BRRRRRRRR!

*Linda running the 5k before the plunge!*

All in all, it was truly amazing to see people from all of Oregon (police departments, non-profit organizations, school swim teams, etc.) coming together to raise money for such an amazing organization!

Who’s ready to plunge next year? :)”

International Women’s Day

March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD), which celebrates the achievements of women, raises awareness against gender bias everywhere and advocates for gender equality! The first International Women’s Day gathering happened in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than a million people (including men) went to rallies that were focused on women’s right to work, vote, hold public office and to end discrimination against them. For more information about the history of International Women’s Day, see here.

Although we have come a long way in the battle for equality since the early 20th century, there is still work to be done! The 2022 theme for IWD is #BreakTheBias. Bias makes it hard for women to move ahead, and knowing that bias exists (whether it is on purpose, or not) isn’t enough – action is needed to create an equal playing field.

There are many ways to help make our communities gender inclusive. We have to celebrate womens’ achievements and visibility, as well as call out inequality. To do this we need to:

Other ways to celebrate IWD locally:

Go on a hike with Women Who Explore, Tuesday, March 8th, 9AM-2PM
Attend Lunafest, a virtual fundraising film festival (free with registration!) Tuesday, March 8th, 6:00PM
Attend a different virtual event (search here)
Donate or become a part of non-profits that are focused on women, like Women’s Foundation of Oregon, NOW (Oregon Chapter), and Chick Tech Portland.

Spring Craft – Potato Stamped 3D Daffodil (via iheartartsncrafts)

Today we’re sharing a pretty craft for spring using a few easy things from around the house. This yellow daffodil craft will put anyone in the spring spirit!

Materials

Egg carton
Scissors
Yellow and green paint
Paper plate
Card stock
Paint brush
A small round potato (and a knife)

Directions:

Take the potato and cut it in half to create a stamp. Put some yellow paint onto a paper plate. Take half the potato and put the flat side into the paint. Stamp onto the cardstock 5 times making a flower shape.
Cut out one section of the egg carton and paint the whole thing yellow. Set aside to dry.
Take the section of egg carton and glue it into the center of the daffodil when it is dry.
Add a stem to the art piece using green paint.

St. Patrick’s Day Recipe – Chocolate Guinness Cake (via Taste of Home)

Say Slainté to St. Patty’s Day with this chocolate Guinness cake! This dessert is tried and tested – guaranteed to make any chocolate lover click their heels together.

Ingredients

1 cup Guinness (dark beer)
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
2/3 cup sour cream
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

For Topping:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9-in. spring form pan and line the bottom with parchment; set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; whisk in sugar and cocoa until blended.
Mix the eggs, sour cream and vanilla together; whisk into beer mixture.
Combine flour and baking soda together; whisk into beer mixture until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Remove cake from the pan and place on a platter or cake stand.
For the topping: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and cream; beat until smooth (do not overbeat). Frost top of cake. Enjoy!

Upcoming Events

March Fourth Band 19th Anniversary Tour

Join in the “sonic explosion” with MarchFourth on their 19th anniversary tour! The internationally-acclaimed show has 20 musicians, dancers and artisans. Get ready to dance along and “experience pure joy”! Their Portland show is tonight, so grab your tickets asap! Look out for their

This evening tickets are general admission (standing only), all ages! Balcony seating is sold out.

Date/Time: Friday, March 4th / 8:00PM

Location: McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR

Tickets here

Say Goodbye to Winter Dance Party

Join the folks from Portland Parks & Rec AIR for a spring dance party to shake off those winter blues! For more information contact Jane Doyle, PP&R AIR Program Coordinator at jane.doyle@portlandoregon.gov.

Date/Time: Friday, March 4th / 6:00-7:30PM

Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 824 6845 3418 / Passcode: 476476

Disability Justice Dreaming

Disability Justice Dreaming is a Portland based Disability Justice gathering space, focused on disabled art, justice, culture, leadership and more! For and by Queer and Trans (QT) + Black, Indigenous, Multiracial and People of Color (BIPOC). For more information, email rebel@disabilityjusticedreaming.org.

Dreaming sessions are a gentle space to build community and reflect. Come as you are! Upcoming sessions:

Monday, March 7th 6-7PM
Monday April 11th 5-6PM
Monday May 2nd, 4-5PM

Portland St. Paddy’s Day Parade

This year the 33rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Portland LIVE and IN-PERSON! For more information visit the parade website.

Date/Time: Sunday, March 13th / 1:00PM

Location: Starts at Ferwood/Cleary School (33rd and Hancock) Parade Route

PHAMEtastic 2022

Break out your best TV character costumes for PHAMEtastic’s preshow virtual costume contest! PHAME students will judge the contest, and the best costume wins a prize!

The PHAMEtastic Auction will also be happening during preshow! Check out their auction items here – bidding begins Monday, March 14th at 12PM!

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 16 / Preshow 6:00PM, Livestream 6:30PM

Pre-register here

Housing Independence March 2022 Events

Housing Independence has a ton of great events happening this month! To sign up for an event, tell your PA or email Amy Reza at amyr@housingindependence.org. Anyone is welcome to try up to three activities for free before deciding to join their DSA program. There are some in-person events happening this month as well (limited to 5 clients, masked).

Some examples of events (see full list in the newsletter here):

Anime Club (Zoom)
Book Club (Zoom)
CeramiCafe trip, 3/7 11AM-3PM
Bar Bingo at Dublin Pub, 3/8 & 3/22 5-10PM
St. Patrick’s Day Party (Zoom), 3/17 4-7PM
Big Al’s Half Price Arcade Night, 3/28 2:30-5:30PM

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Family Camp – Registration Open

The Mt. Hood Kiwanis Family Camp registration opens on March 7th! Explore camp life in a safe and supportive environment with family and caregivers while experiencing activities like horseback riding, an adventure course, swimming, hiking, and learning Mt. Hood Kiwanis camp songs! Cost is $90 per person and includes 3 days and 2 nights of lodging, meals and activities. For more information, see their website here.

This summer there will be two camps:

Family Camp #1 June 12-14, 2022
Family Camp #2: June 15-17, 2022

2022 Employee & Program Participant Art Show

Multnomah County DCHS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is hosting the 12th Annual Employee & Program Participant Art Show in April 2022! Unfortunately, due to COVID safety they will not be hosting an Art Show Reception this year.

Who can submit art?

Individuals served by Multnomah County IDD Services or by a Multnomah County Support Services Brokerage (CPI, Inclusion, INW, UCP Connections, UCP Mentors); and
Multnomah County IDD employees.

Where will the art show be?

The art will be displayed all year in the IDD Program Offices on the 6th floor of the 5 Oak Building (209 SW Oak St. 6th floor) and West Gresham Plaza (2951 NW Division St. 2nd floor).

How do I add my art to the show? What if I still have art to pick up from the 2020 show?

Individuals can register by filling out a form here. PDF versions of the form should be submitted with art for 2022. Art should weigh less than 5 pounds and have hanging hardware attached. This art label should be attached to the back of each piece of art.

Individuals who need to pick up art from 2020 or drop off new art should go to Multnomah County IDD (Gresham office) on Tuesday, April 12th, 2022 between 9am - 5pm. The new delivery address is: Multnomah County IDD, Gresham office, 2951 NW Division St. Suite 200 (2nd floor), Gresham, OR 97030

Tenant Education Class

Interested in finding affordable housing? Want to learn skills to be a successful renter including about renter’s rights and reasonable accommodation requests? Join Community Vision’s Tenant education class in April!

Contact Tova Hershman, Housing Access Coordinator at 503-970-9354 or tova@cvision.org to sign up and for more details.

Classes run 2:30-4PM on the below dates:

Thursday, April 14th
Friday, April 15th
Thursday, April 21st
Friday, April 22nd
Thursday, April 28th
Friday, April 29th