The IEP: What You Need to Know

(Sessions presented in English and Spanish)

Saturday, March 11, 9:00-10:30 am

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! Attendees will:

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

Self-Determination & Financial Empowerment

(Presented in English with interpretation) 

Tuesdays/Thursdays, April 4 - May 11

Tuesdays: 6:00-7:30 pm (presentations)

Thursdays: 6:00-7:00 pm (optional coaching/ support) 

During this 6-week cohort, youth 14+ with disabilities will learn the importance of self-determination in financial planning and gain skills and tools to empower them in making financial planning decisions. Participants must commit to all 6 Tuesday sessions.

Participants will:

• Know key differences between banks and credit unions, including the use of credit and debit.
•  Understand decision making when determining how and where to spend their money.
• Gain information about benefits counseling, including how employment may impact SSI/SSDI benefits.
•  Learn about ABLE Savings Plans.

Breaking Barriers Conference: “Life Beyond Labels” 

SAVE THE DATE: April 11, 2023, The Deschutes County Fairgrounds Redmond

FACT Oregon will present at CODSN’s Breaking Barriers conference as they return to an in-person event in 2023! Breaking Barriers gathers people of all abilities together to create inclusive communities and challenge existing perspectives. Attendees will learn how to support people experiencing disability across all areas of their life by hearing directly from self-advocates and others with expertise to share.

The FACT Board of Directors is a dynamic group of leaders committed to FACT Oregon’s mission, vision, and values. They actively champion and steward the organization to help us do the best work possible in pursuit of our goals to equip and empower families and transform disability. As a family led organization, FACT Oregon’s board maintains a majority presence of parents of youth with disabilities and seeks to have diverse leadership that reflects the diversity of the families and communities we serve. Take a moment to get to know some of our Board members! More introductions to come next month! 

The 2023 long session is in full swing, with a key deadline coming up on March 17th for bills to be scheduled in committees. Visit our Policy and Advocacy page to inform yourself about current education-related policy issues and legislative actions that impact children with disabilities and their families. And learn how to share your story with your legislators or with committees working on these bills.

FACT Oregon is also proud to participate in several advocacy coalitions. Learn more about their goals and legislative agendas:

• Oregon DD Coalition
• The Children’s Agenda
• Oregon Partners for Education Justice