Transition to Adulthood: One Family's Journey



My son turns 21 this summer, and the transition to adulthood is one of the biggest milestones we’ve experienced.


It felt big and unknown to me; I knew how to be the mom and support my teenager. We supported him in making choices when possible, but ultimately, we, as adults, had the final say.


Then he turned 18. His everyday support needs didn’t really change, but suddenly he’s an adult, and he’s supposed to have the final say…what on earth does that look like? It turns out that it can look different for different families; it really all comes down to support needs. We decided to treat it like the Least Restrictive Environment in school. We’re starting from a place of supported decision making, and my husband and I have power of attorney. Our son retains his rights, and we support him in making decisions. If necessary, we can step in and make decisions that are important for the medical office and insurance navigation! It’s been working for us for almost 3 years now; if we find that he needs more support, we can explore more restrictive ideas like guardianship later. Otherwise, he’s living his best life, learning the skills needed to be an adult, and about to graduate from the school district transition program! He's also discovered a passion for dance in the last couple of years and his dance class is the highlight of his week!


Steph Widler, Parent and Advocate for her son.


If you have questions or need help navigating the transition to adulthood, please reach out to us at 541-548-8599 or email info@codns.org


Meet the Rest of the CODSN Peer Navigator Team

What is a Peer Navigator?

A Peer Navigator is someone with lived experience with disability who understands what it’s like to navigate services and supports. They walk alongside families to help them find resources, understand systems such as schools and healthcare, and connect with their community. Peer Navigators don’t have all the answers—but they help you figure out the next step, one step at a time, so you don’t have to do it alone.

Leah Powers ~

A few things about me:


I am a mother of four wonderful daughters.

I live in La Pine.



I LOVE farm birds such as chickens, geese, and ducks.


My passion is meeting folks where they are and supporting them on their journey.


Serving North Klamath and South Deschutes Counties — Gilchrist, Chemult, Crescent, and La Pine.

Christina Coshow ~


Hello! My name is Christina Coshow, and I am the Peer Navigator for the Sisters area of Deschutes County.


I became a Peer Navigator with CODSN because, as a parent of a high‑special‑needs toddler and a former teacher, I want to help other families navigate the world of disabilities and community services. It’s tough, often unexpected, and can be complicated. I want to help families connect with the services they need and deserve, ease some of the stress of figuring things out on their own, and simply be there so they know they’re not alone.



Serving Sisters in Deschutes County.





Steph Widler ~


Steph loves puzzles, finding answers, and helping people get their needs met. Supporting families as they understand and navigate the systems she has spent years learning for her own family feels like a meaningful way to make a positive difference.



Serving North Deschutes and Jefferson Counties.

Your Feedback = Stronger Support for Families


We’re gathering input from families and community partners in our network, and we want to hear from you. Your insights help CODSN improve services and better understand the needs of individuals with disabilities in our region.



The survey takes 10–15 minutes, and your responses are confidential.


As a thank‑you, every family who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card!


Your voice matters—and we’re grateful for it.

Scan the QR Code or CLICK HERE to take the Family Survey!

Scan the QR Code or CLICK HERE to take the Community Partner Survey!

Volunteer Corner

Save the Date: Summer Kickoff Picnic ~

Attention Location & Time Change

Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 4:30 pm – 6:30pm. American Legion Park 850 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond. Get ready to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer with us! Our annual Summer Kickoff Picnic is a fun, welcoming event for families, and we’d love your help to make it amazing. Volunteers help make the magic happen.

You’ll get to:

  • Welcome, families and community partners
  • Help kids enjoy yard games, a piñata, and all the summer fun
  • Support our team as we share disability-related resources
  • Make sure everyone gets their fill of free picnic food, snow cones, and cotton candy

It’s a simple way to give back, meet great people, and help families feel supported and included. If you want to spend a sunny afternoon making a big difference, this is the perfect event for you.


Save the Date: Bike for Life Camp is back! June 22–26, 2026.

Get ready for one of the most joyful weeks of the year! Bike for Life Camp helps children and adults with disabilities learn to ride a 2‑wheel bike - a skill that can open doors to friendship, family connection, and greater independence.

We’re looking for volunteers to join us for this unforgettable week.


Each session is 1 hour and 15 minutes, and volunteers can sign up for as many sessions as they'd like. We encourage volunteers to stick with the same session each day if possible to build a good relationship with their rider. We also know life is full, so we’re always happy to work around family and work schedules.

Why volunteers matter:

You’re the heart of this camp. Your encouragement, presence, and steady support help riders build confidence and experience the joy of biking.

Perks:

• Free lunch for volunteers who help during the lunch session

• Snacks available throughout the day

• A week full of smiles, breakthroughs, and community


Mark your calendars — more details and sign‑ups coming soon!


Questions? Reach out to Stefany at stefany@codsn.org or call 541-390-2208

Events & News

CODSN Families ~ Get $100 to Start Your Oregon ABLE Savings Account Now!


CODSN has partnered with the Oregon State Treasury to help you save. The money from the account can be used for everyday needs, unexpected expenses, or for long-term goals. The eligible expenses are geared towards improving health, independence, and quality of life. They are tax-free.


Here's How it Works: 

  • Step 1: Get Your Promo Code
  • Step 2: Open Your ABLE Account
  • Step 3: Receive Your $100 Bonus!


Contact CODSN at info@codsn.org or call 541-548-8559 to get your promo code and for help setting up your account! Promotion codes available through July 31st, 2026.



Central Oregon


Summer Kickoff Picnic ~ Redmond. Attention Location & Time Change

Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 4:30 pm – 6:30pm. American Legion Park 850 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond.


Save the date: June 17, 4:30–6:30 PM at the American Legion Park in Redmond! Enjoy free picnic food, snow cones, cotton candy, disability‑related resources, a piñata, and yard games. A fun, welcoming event for all! More details coming soon! Check out our next newsletter and visit us on social media!

Click here to register.

Click here to download flyer.


Bike for Life Camp ~ June 22–26, 2026. We’re gearing up for another incredible week of Bike for Life — a camp where children and adults with disabilities learn to ride a 2‑wheel bike in a safe, supportive, and joy‑filled environment. It’s truly one of the happiest weeks of the year, filled with confidence‑building moments, community connection, and lots of smiles.

More details and sign‑ups will be shared soon — stay tuned!

Click here to register.

Click here to download the flyer.


Jason's Run and Recharge Respite Night.


  • Wednesday August 12th ~ registration opens July 8th


  • Wednesday, September 23rd ~ registration opens August 18th


  • Wednesday, October 21st ~ registration opens September 17th


Each respite night is from 5–8pm in Redmond, families of children with disabilities (birth–18) are invited to drop off their child for an evening of fun, connection, and care—while you take time to relax and recharge! Each family receives a $100 gift card at drop-off. A cozy, welcoming, and inclusive space! Siblings are welcome too! Spots are limited. Registration when it opens can be found at codsn.org/events-and-calendarQuestions, need help registering, or need accommodations?

Call 541-548-8559 or email info@codsn.org.


Crook County


Prineville Caregiver Meetups. Need a break, a laugh, or just to connect with others who get it? This is a welcoming space to share stories, sip coffee, and build community. This group meets twice a month. Join us Saturday, June 13th, and Tuesday, June 16th,12:30-2pm at Golden Coffee Co. located at 129 NW 4th St. in Prineville. To RSVP or for questions, email info@codsn.org or call 541-548-8559. 


Deschutes County


Potty Training Workshop: Join a free Potty Training Workshop for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–5. Tuesday June 2nd, 2026. 10:00 am - 11:30 am.

Family Resource Center, 2500 Twin Knolls Dr. #130, Bend, OR 97701

FREE childcare, refreshments, and a free toilet seat.

Offered in Madras, Prineville, and Bend.

Click Here to Download Flyer

Click Here to Register


Parent and Caregiver Meetup ~ NEW to SISTERS ~

A NEW and welcoming space for parents and caregivers of people with disabilities to share stories, share ideas, and/or simply enjoy the company of others who understand the special needs world we live in!

When: Tuesday, June 16th, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Where: Sisters Coffee Company, 273 W Hood Ave Sisters, OR 97759

To RSVP or for questions, contact 541-548-8559

Click Here to Download the Flyer


Ladies Who Lunch ~ Bend. Ladies Who Lunch is a welcoming space for women who care for someone with a disability—a place to connect, share ideas, laugh, and celebrate small wins. Whether you're seeking support, encouragement, or simply a moment among those who understand, you belong here! Join us on Tuesday, June 30th, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Cascade Lakes Pub (21175 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend). To RSVP or for questions, email info@codsn.org or call 541-548-8559. 


Harney County


Oregon ABLE Savings Plan Training ~ “Save for today and invest for tomorrow.”

The mission of the Oregon ABLE Savings plan is to help everyone with an eligible disability be empowered to make decisions with their money that impacts their health, independence, and quality of life so that they can be ready for whatever tomorrow may bring.

-Oregon ABLE Website

When: Wednesday, June 10th. 5:30-6:30 pm

Where: Symmetry Care 181 N Broadway, Burns OR 97720.

This is an in person training with a virtual presentation from John Valley with the Oregon State Treasury Department. Questions? 971-813-4944 nichole@codsn.org

Click Here to Register

Click Here to Download the Flyer


Community Inclusive Track Meet Join us at the Burns High School track for lots of fun.

When: Friday, June 5th, 1:00 pm.

Where:  Burns High School Track, 1100 Oregon Ave. Burns OR 97720.

Track Practice Sessions: May 22 and 29, 10 am Burns High School Track

Run – Walk – Roll – Throw - Jump!

To Register: Call Symmetry Care: 541-573-8151 or CODSN 971-813-4944

Click Here to Download Flyer.


Movie Night Under the Stars ~ Bring a chair, blanket, and friends.

When: Wednesday, July 15th 7 pm yard games, Movie @ 8 pm.

Where: Cornerstone Lawn, 610 W Monroe St, Burns, OR 97720

Download Flyer Here


Klamath County


Chiloquin Spring Planting Day ~ Join us for a fun afternoon of planting in partnership with the Chiloquin Library.

When: Friday, June 5th. 3:30 pm

Where: Chiloquin Library, 140 S. 1st Ave Chiloquin, OR 97624

Need Help? Call Stephanie 541-550-8993

Click here to register.

Be Prepared for Extreme Weather

Prepare Now For:

  • Power Outages
  • Extreme Heat
  • Flooding
  • Wildfire Smoke
  • Thunderstorms
  • Get Informed
  • Make a Plan
  • Build a Kit
  • Be prepared
  • Sign up for Alerts

Prepare now for what the summer may bring! Watch our online videos to help you

Get Informed ~ Make a Plan ~ Build a Kit ~ Be Prepared


CLICK HERE FOR THE CODSN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS VIDEO LIBRARY

Prepare for Summer

Cooling Kits

CODSN Families ~ Cooling Kits are available for a short time!

Contact our Bend office if you would like one. First-come, first-served with limited supply.


Click here to share about the program.


Click here to learn more about the Cooling Kits.


Contact information: info@codsn.org or call 541 548-8559


Brought to you by CODSN and Oregon Health Authority

Support and Partnerships

Donate Here, QR code to codsn.org/donate, Every donation allows us to continue serving families and individuals wit hdisabilitis in our community. Join us in making a difference by supporting CODSN as we serve families navigating disability across Central and Eastern Oregon. Graphic of a hand holding a heart-shape.  Central Oregon Disability Support Network..

CODSN is a nonprofit that relies on grants and donations to offer no-cost peer support, training, and events. Your gift helps us keep these services free and reach more families. We are grateful for your support—please consider donating today. Visit codsn.org/donate/ to learn more.

Any information provided by CODSN, its staff, and/or its volunteers is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any information expressed or implied is not intended nor should be construed as legal, medical, or other professional advice. This email may contain information that is confidential. If you are not the addressee, or if it appears that you have received this email in error, please advise me immediately by reply email, keep the contents confidential, and immediately delete the message and any attachments from your system. If you wish to subscribe to this newsletter/become a member of CODSN please click here.