Ver en Español

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, 

November marks National Caregiver Awareness Month, a time to recognize the tireless dedication, advocacy, support, and love that is poured out by parents, families, and other caregivers. For us, it's not just a month on the calendar; it's a tribute to the heart, soul, and spirit of our community. But it is also a reminder of the sacrifices, challenges, and lack of time or resources for self-care that many caregivers across our state experience.

We share with you stories of triumph, resources to empower and nourish you, and a reminder that you are seen and not alone. We celebrate you -- the caregivers -- whose love and determination knows no bounds and whose well of resilience needs replenishing often.

With deep gratitude from one caregiver to another,

Christy Reese, Executive Director



Upcoming Trainings

Spanish Community Support Hours

The second Wednesday of each month via Zoom, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Upcoming dates: 11/8, 12/13, 1/10/24

Receive support and information in Spanish, and connect with your community. Drop-in hours are an opportunity to ask questions and learn from the experiences of others. No registration required. Join using this link.

Special Event: Pint Night at Oakshire Brewing

November 8^th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Board President Kyle Reardon has organized a pint at Oakshire Brewing in Eugene, where $1 from every Core pint sold will benefit FACT Oregon, empowering families experiencing disability.

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month

In the United States, November is designated as National Family Caregivers Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the dedication of over 50 million family caregivers nationwide. This month serves to highlight the significant contributions of caregivers and advocate for increased societal support.

Families and Stories: Parents of Children with Disabilities

Cozy up with your favorite beverage and read these empowering stories of parents, caregivers, and children sharing their journeys of caring for and being a young person with disabilities.

10 Soul-Healing Tips to Prevent Caregiver Burnout

A guide created by Caring Bridge titled 10 Soul-Healing Tips to Prevent Caregiver Burnout identifies symptoms that may indicate the serious condition of burnout and tips for caregivers on taking care of themselves, too. Also check out these 5 Simple Ways to Thank a Caregiver.

Parents of Kids with Disabilities Are in Mental Health Crisis

Well + Good highlights the mental health crisis faced by parents of children with disabilities, emphasizing the overwhelming stress, isolation, and burnout resulting from navigating complex healthcare and educational systems, and suggests ways others can help them feel seen and appreciated.

Who is Allowed to Save the World?

Part of Medical Motherhood’s Disability Defender Series, this episode explores the issue of caregiver work-life balance.

Credit: Medical Motherhood

Unseen Documentary: How We’re Failing Caregivers and Why it Matters

The Unseen Documentary (How We’re Failing Caregivers & Why It Matters) is hosting a Global Screening Event for National Family Caregivers Month. The film makers hope to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.

Creating Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces Toolkits

1 in 5 working Americans are caregivers, and 33% of caregivers have left a job because of caregiving stress. Clearly, it’s time to rethink how we support caregivers in the workplace to improve their overall wellbeing and productivity. Explore the employer toolkit and advocate toolkit, created by the folks behind Unseen Documentary and Homethrive. For bonus employer points, take the assessment to learn how caregiver-friendly your workplace is. Your employees will thank you!

Discover and Discuss

Disability Justice Movie: We Are the Most Beautiful People

We are the Most Beautiful People | Adults with Disabilities, filmed in Portland, is a documentary illuminating the intimate and unforgettable stories collected from a wide array of persons with disabilities from around the world.

This groundbreaking film challenges societal norms, exploring the profound themes of ableism, racism, intersectionality, and the distinction between Disability Rights and Disability Justice. View the extended clip here.

A music video to accompany the film was created by Emmy award winner Toni Hickman and Matthew Monias.

Just for Youth

Navigating with Niko

Join Niko, a 22-year old autistic adult from North Portland, as they explore their experience with person-centered planning, challenging societal expectations and emphasizing interdependence over independence. The article beautifully illustrates the potential for self-directed living, fostering empowerment and interconnectedness.

Navigating with Niko is part of a regular series at Autism Empowerment and Spectrum Live Magazine by Niko Boskovic.

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 [email protected].

Statewide Events and Resources

CODSN Holiday Support Virtual Training Series

November 8^th, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Central Oregon Disability Support Network will be hosting a free workshop focusing on self-care strategies for caregivers during the holiday season.

Top Ten Techniques

November 9^th, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Top Ten Techniques is a is a 2-hour fun and interactive workshop hosted by Portland Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR). This workshop is ideal for anyone wanting to better understand evidence-based supports that work to engage individuals experiencing autism.

Health Emergency/HERO Kids Registry

November 9^th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Hero Kids is a new, voluntary, statewide program that lets families and young adults give emergency providers important Health information BEFORE an emergency happens. Join this FREE workshop hosted by Swindells Resource Center where you will learn specific steps to take prior to an emergency, medical emergency protocol letters: how to get one and what it should include, and family tips for working with emergency medical services.

Submit Health Care Comments by November 13^th

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has introduced a new rule enhancing regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This landmark law safeguards people with disabilities in federally funded programs from discrimination, and has not been updated in 40 years. Share your thoughts on the new rule by November 13, and spread the word!

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).

One Page Profiles for the Medical Setting

November 27^th 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Spanish)

November 28^th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Providence and Lydia Dennehy from the Oregon Family to Family Information Center will host an interactive workshop exploring how to build or adapt a One Page Profile that is especially geared to the medical, dental, or therapy setting.

Zetosch Funds

Applications are open from November 1^st-30^th

The Sidney and Lillian Zetosch Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation helps children with special health needs succeed in school. Low-income Oregon children aged 3-21 with diagnosed disabilities or special health needs may apply for educational equipment such as Apple iPads, iPad Minis, MacBook Air laptops, apps, and cases.

Thank You!

The JTMF Foundation for your 1-year general operating grant in support of families navigating disability.

The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation for helping us sustain and grow our impact with a 3-year general operating grant.

We're beyond thrilled to partner with these two organizations as first-time funders for FACT Oregon. Together, we can empower and equip families to navigate, access, and advocate for the services and opportunities people with disabilities need to thrive at home, in school, and in community!

Do you have a funder you'd like to introduce us to?

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.

Were you forwarded this newsletter? You can subscribe to receive it directly here.

View as Webpage