CPI Newsletter: Spring 2026
Colorful tulips with the CPI logo and words Happy Spring
Happy Spring! In our latest newsletter, you will find the following information, activities, and resources:
PA Specialist Corner: The Impact on Social Security Benefits When Parents Retire (Part 2)
Resources and Supports for Daily Life
Resource Fairs, Financial Planning, and more
Free or Low-Cost Community Events and Activities
Game Nights and Adaptive Recreation Programs
Message from the Director, Jennifer Santiago
Happy Spring!
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s CPI customer feedback survey. While this 2026 report reflects the experiences of the customers we served in 2025, the feedback shared helps us improve how we share important information about I/DD services and assist the individuals with disabilities we serve to live empowered, self-determined lives.
We’re grateful for the thoughtful feedback. Your voice matters!
Read the full blog post to see what our customers had to say and how it’s shaping our work moving forward.
Update on 2026 DD Legislative Advocacy in Oregon
This spring, the Oregon Developmental Disabilities (DD) Coalition worked to protect services and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Community Pathways, along with many partners and advocates, participated in this effort.
On February 12, more than 80 advocates gathered in Salem for the GO! Project’s 2026 DD Legislative Advocacy GO! Day event, where participants learned about the legislative process and how to speak with lawmakers about issues affecting the I/DD community.
During the short session, the DD Coalition helped secure several important outcomes. Planned provider rate increases will move forward without delays, helping support the workforce that provides disability services. Lawmakers also passed SB 1576, expanding accessible housing opportunities for people with disabilities.
The DD Coalition is already preparing for the long legislative session in 2027. Deeper funding cuts will likely be proposed at that time and the DD Coalition is working proactively with state partners to come up with solutions now.
To get involved in legislative advocacy or attend a DD Coalition advocacy GO! Day next year, let your PA know or sign up for the GO! Bulletin at: https://orddcoalition.org/go-project/
Get Involved in Self-Advocacy
Self Advocates Taking Action (SATA) meets the second Friday of every month at the Seven Corners Collaborative building (2475 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97214). For questions, contact Jennifer Knapp at jknapp@cvision.org
Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition (OSAC) is a membership based nonprofit that has a healthcare committee and a legislative committee that meet regularly to affect policy change state-wide. For questions, contact Gabrielle Guedon at gabrielle.guedon@askosac.org
Oregon DD Coalition’s (ODDC’s) GO! Project helps connect regional advocates and help them educate others about their stories, concerns, and the impact of policies affecting people with I/DD.
PA Specialist Corner : The Impact on Social Security Benefits When Parents Retire (Part 2)
The last PA Specialist Corner blog post, Planning for the Future and Social Security Benefits (Part 1), discussed changes to Social Security benefits when the parent of a person with disabilities retires. There are also changes to health insurance that follow this shift in benefits.
In this latest PA Specialist Corner blog post, learn more about:
What choices comes with Medicare
What happens to Medicaid coverage when Medicare starts
What support is available to learn about the options and make choices
Meet Rachel H., CPI's New Personal Agent
Rachel joined our team as a Personal Agent (PA) at the beginning of 2026. She has served adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2013, with proud roots as a direct support provider. Rachel has worked in a variety of social service settings, including Supported Living, case management for LGBTQ+ seniors, and with another Metro-area brokerage. Prior to working with Community Pathways, Rachel managed a community living program, also facilitating Person-Centered Plans and benefits navigation.
April is Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and recognize the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of people with Autism in our communities. Acceptance goes beyond awareness; it means creating inclusive environments where autistic individuals have meaningful opportunities for connection, employment, and community life.
At Community Pathways, we are grateful for the organizations in the Portland Metro area and across Oregon that help build a more inclusive community where adults with Autism are respected, supported, and empowered to live self-determined lives in the community.
Resources and Supports for Daily Life
Multnomah County I/DD Resource Fair
On May 21, Community Pathways will be tabling at the 2026 I/DD Information and Resource Fair hosted by Multnomah County.
Stop by our table to learn about brokerage support services (case management services) for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and connect with our team.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: DHS Training and Conference Center (11826 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220)
Parking: Free onsite parking!
Community Pathways is participating in this event, but is not the organizer.
Financial and Budgeting Services
Need help managing money, saving, and planning for your future? The Northwest Access Fund is a local resource that offers people with disabilities customized loans, financial coaching, and other resources, including monthly classes on Financial How-To’s for People with Disabilities.
See a list of upcoming group classes here: https://www.nwaccessfund.org/coaching/classes/
Local Food Resources in Oregon
Need help getting food? These resources can connect you to free meals, groceries, and SNAP benefits in the Portland metro area:
211 Info shares information about SNAP benefits, hot meals, free groceries, food pantries and more
Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder website shares places where you can find free food, groceries, and more.
Community Pathways shares information about SNAP Benefits and Food Resources on its website.
Need more help?
Our Personal Agents can also help customers, and their family members and support providers, to connect with food resources or answer questions about eligibility for programs like SNAP.
Free or Low-Cost Community Events and Activities
Join our next CPI Game Night!
Our next game night is on May 21! This is a free event for customers of Community Pathways and members of the I/DD community—including support providers.
There will be snacks, drinks, and lots of games—like UNO, Connect 4, bingo, Chutes and Ladders, and more! You are welcome to bring your own games (that are appropriate for all ages), snacks, and drinks if you want to.
Event Details
When: May 21, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM
Where: 2475 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97219 – on the 4th floor in Room 418
Parking and Transportation: Bus lines stop right outside the building. Free street parking is available on SE Ladd Avenue and surrounding side streets.
Accessibility: The building is universally accessible and includes an elevator.
Let us know you’re coming!
To RSVP, you can either:
Contact your Personal Agent (PA) at Community Pathways
Email info@communitypath.org
Call 503-935-5243
Come have fun, meet new people, and enjoy an evening in the community!
Adaptive Recreation Programs
This spring, enjoy free or low-cost classes, social events, and drop-in programs at local community centers. These programs are designed for adults with disabilities to stay active, meet new people, and explore art, music, and nature.
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) – Spring 2026
Adaptive recreation classes and events include art, music, social activities, and nature programs.
Learn more and sign up: PP&R Adaptive Recreation
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) – Adults Programs
Adaptive and inclusive recreation programs for adults: THPRD Adult Programs
View the Spring 2026 Activities Guide: THPRD Spring 2026 Guide PDF
Emergency Planning and Safety
Planning ahead can help you stay safe during extreme weather, power outages, or other emergencies. These resources can help you prepare.
Find Help During an Emergency
211info can connect you to local emergency resources, including shelters, warming or cooling centers, and other support services.
To find resources near you, visit 211info.org or call 211.
Support for Power Outages
Some Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members may qualify for Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services. These supports may include items like portable power supplies or mini refrigerators to help operate medical devices or store medications during power outages.
Learn more on the Oregon Health Authority’s HSRN website
Learn How to Prepare
Here are two organizations in Oregon that offer tools and training to help people get ready for emergencies:
Upstream Access - Peer-ability Cohort: A short peer learning series that covers emergency preparedness and building support networks.
Be 2 Weeks Ready: Free guides and videos on making an emergency plan, building a supply kit, and storing food and water. Materials are available in multiple languages and include ASL and closed captioning.
Contact Your PA
Customers of Community Pathways, and their support providers, can also contact their Personal Agents to talk more about emergency planning and the supports and services they want and need to stay safe and healthy during and after emergencies and natural disasters.
Simple Recipe for "Enchurritos"
Enchurritos are a fun and tasty mix of an enchilada and a burrito, all in one easy meal! They are simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
You Will Need:
Frozen Burritos
Enchilada Sauce (1 - 10 oz. can)
Shredded Cheese
Cooking Spray or Vegetable Oil
Sour Cream (optional)
Salsa (optional)
Cilantro (optional)
Avocado (optional)
Tools:
Casserole Dish
Oven
Oven Mitts
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Spray the dish with cooking spray or lightly coat with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
Arrange the burritos in the casserole dish.
Pour enchilada sauce on top of the burritos.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Take out of oven and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake for 5 more minutes.
Take out of oven and add your favorite toppings, like salsa, cilantro, sour cream.
Recipe from Accessible Chef
2026 Holiday Closures
Our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays in 2026:
Memorial Day: May 25th
Juneteenth: June 19th
Independence Day (observed): July 3rd
Labor Day: September 7th
Veterans’ Day: November 11th
Thanksgiving: November 26th and 27th
Christmas Day: December 25th