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FACT Oregon empowers families and youth to navigate and advocate for the supports and opportunities people with disabilities need to thrive. Peer-delivered services are free for families and include a Support Line, trainings, resources, outreach, and advocacy.

News and Resources

Families, Friends, and Partners, 

Welcome to October! This month is full of awareness: Breast Cancer Awareness (my mom is a survivor), Down Syndrome Awareness Month (my son is rather amazing), Hispanic Heritage Month (shout out to some of my colleagues who do amazing work supporting families), AND National Disability Employment Awareness Month [NDEAM] (did I mention my son, who starts his first job in October!!)

Plus, this October marks the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. These laws provide vital protections and support for people and workers with disabilities.

As parent to a transition-aged youth, I know it takes a lot of planning, collaboration, and flexible thinking to help my son establish a clear path to sustainable employment. But as he starts his first real job, I see his pride and excitement, and I am optimistic that the team we have built around him will center his strengths and goals and tap into his desire to contribute. Dennis wants to be a valued asset in the workplace, and he’s a hard worker. He and all our youth deserve to have the supports and opportunities they need to work and thrive in every aspect of adulthood.



So, this month, let’s celebrate NDEAM, recognize the businesses that support people with disabilities, and thank the people behind the scenes who are working to make sure that youth around the state can access employment.

Christy Reese, Executive Director



Upcoming Trainings

Regional Learning Summits - Dive into Special Education!

Join us as we explore special education and the IEP, share strategies to communicate with your child’s school, and talk about how to resolve disagreements. You’ll have the chance to put what you learn into action by preparing your parent input, reviewing your child’s IEP, or developing a one-page profile. You won’t want to miss these full-day, interactive sessions.

Discover and Discuss

Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 - Oct. 15

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the 5.2 million Hispanic/Latinx individuals with disabilities in the U.S. Here's a resource by RespectAbility that showcases some of the contributions that individuals with disabilities who identify as Hispanic/Latinx  have made in our communities. And, remember that our two Bilingual Program Specialists Maria Rangel and Britania Vazquez-Elorza, are ready to support Hispanic/Latinx families wherever they are in Oregon!

Empowering Individuals with Disabilities Through AI Technology

Tyler Wietzman, cofounder, President and Head of AI at Speechify, explores how AI technology is empowering people with disabilities in every aspect of life.

Adaptive Clothing is Hitting the Runways

Discover how adaptive clothing is revolutionizing fashion and making its mark on runways worldwide.

Just for Youth

FACT Oregon’s Transition to Adulthood Page

We are thrilled to announce FACT Oregon's updated Transition to Adulthood page! Explore a wealth of resources designed to support your teen or young adult as they navigate the exciting journey towards adulthood, secondary education, employment, and independent living. Don't forget to check out our Just for Youth page as well!

Alternatives to Guardianship Group

Virtual events will be held the 4th Tuesday of the month, 4:00 - 5:00 PM on Zoom

The Arc of Oregon, FACT Oregon, and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities are building a group to talk about how best to educate youth about alternatives to guardianship. Young Oregonians with intellectual or developmental disabilities (aged 14-26): join us to share what is important to YOU about making decisions and choices about your lives. A $50 stipend per meeting will be provided. For more information email info@thearcoregon.org.

Statewide Events and Resources

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Learning Series

All virtual events will be on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 PM on Zoom

This month, a series of virtual events will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), honoring contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and recognizing businesses supporting them.

OregonSibs: Supporting Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities

Next meetup: Monday, Nov 6th at 6:30 PM

OregonSibs, a newly established chapter of the National Sibling Leadership Network, is hosting monthly virtual meetups. This event aims to help siblings of individuals with disabilities gain insight into their unique experiences. It's also open to parents and supporters interested in understanding the sibling journey.

ASO/Synergy Parent Group

Next meetup: Nov 25th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Synergy Autism is offering a FREE online group for parents of children on the autism spectrum living in Oregon, facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center. Open to parents of children on spectrum of any age (birth - adulthood).

Thank You!

Autzen Foundation for a grant for our Support Line.

The Ford Family Foundation for a grant for Learning Summits in 2023-24.

OnPoint Community Credit Union and its employees for choosing FACT Oregon as a recipient of your employee giving campaign!

The Standard for supporting out Fall 2023 Activate Your Youth (AYA) Parent Leadership Program

Does your company have an employee giving program or offer grants or sponsorships? We’d love to connect and explore different ways that your company and its employees can partner with us. 

FACT Oregon relies on grants, contracts, and contributions from people and organizations passionate about family support and disability equity. Donate what you can today to help us reach and serve families across the state.

Copyright © 2021, FACT Oregon, all rights reserved.

FACT Oregon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the State of Oregon, EIN 36-4533809.

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