Independent Living Resources

Monthly News & Updates

April 9, 2025 | Issue 3

Since 1957 Independent Living Resources has been creating opportunities, encouraging choices, advancing equal access and furthering the level of independence for all people with disabilities through our commitment to the Independent Living Movement.

an image of a judges gavel sitting on a desk with a blurred image of a woman sitting in a wheelchair

Advocating for Disability Rights

ILR is committed to advocating for our consumers and the disability community by embodying the Independent Living Movement. As the rights of individuals are being challenged in the courts, we have an opportunity to directly advocate for ourselves and each other

Currently MEDICAID and Department of Education is being targeted and the rights for individuals with disabilities could be eliminated. This means thousands of Oregonians are at risk of losing health coverage and accessibility supports in education and employment.

You can act by contacting your legislator to speak on the behalf of individuals with disabilities for maintaining access to critical medical insurance.

MOBILIZE FOR MEDICAID; Contact your representatives NOW!

Send a letter to your representatives to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education and protect our civil rights!

OREGON ADVOCACY AND HELP LINES

Click the links below to access advocacy information and hate reporting lines.

Find your Legislator call or write to share your experience and what you want to see them advocate for.

Department of Justice information about Oregon as a sanctuary state and links to call the hotline or report potential violations via the website

Oregon Department of Justice hotline and messaging to report non-emergency bias for protected classes

"Social Justice and Community Resilience"

Oregon.gov page dedicated to listing other reporting hotlines such as APANO, QCenter, racial equity support line

11 hands coming together in the center. Hands belong to individuals of different ages, genders, races. An image of inclusion and community

Community Partner Events

Home Forward

Will begin taking applications for two rent assistance waitlists. These waitlists are for:

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.
13 Home Forward apartment communities (property-based waitlists).

Waitlist opens Tuesday, April 15 at 9:00 a.m. to Monday, April 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

You can apply online at beginning Tuesday, April 15 at 9 a.m. Click here to apply

Accessible Yoga for chair users at the People's Yoga

Next class is April 12 from 6-7 pm.

These classes are donation-based ($0–$20 suggested, but not required).

Click the link to sign up

Yoga Flyer

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an image of five silhouetted purple figures holding hands with the middle figure displayed as colorful puzzles pieces in front of gray watermark of the world, the words beneath the figures read; It's okay to be different, Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism affects 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the US, and may even be higher when accounting for those who remain undiagnosed. As we continue to learn about the nuances of autism more individuals are able to seek diagnosis and get the supports they need.

If you would like to learn more about autism and find local resources visit Autism Society Oregon for a comprehensive space for individuals with autism, parents, friends, teachers, providers, etc. to increase understanding and awareness.

a smiling woman with a beanie covering long dark braids, she is wearing a puffy orange jacket. Her daughter is lying her head on her shoulder smiling with her tongue out. She is wearing a yellow jacket. There are tall brown grasses in the background with water and a blue grey horizon

We’re delighted to introduce Tiffany Kirkpatrick as the new Deputy Director at ILR!

With over 20 years of experience in social services, Tiffany is a proven leader in program development, community engagement, and volunteer management.

Her career highlights leadership roles running the Gladstone Community Center, and Volunteers of America Oregon Adult Day centers. She also worked at OHSU’s Alzheimer’s Research Center, where she combined her expertise in aging and disability advocacy with culturally competent service delivery w/ older African Americans.

Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications/Public Relations, a Master of Arts in Gerontology/Interdisciplinary Studies from Marylhurst University, alongside coursework in Nonprofit/Public Administration at Portland State University.

As a mom to her daughter, Parker Simonne, Tiffany enjoys kayaking, exploring culture through travel, making textile art, dancing, and attending live music.

"I am someone who values and enjoys making meaningful connections both professionally and personally; and look forward to advocating and supporting the deserving community of ILR consumers and their families".

WORK INCENTIVES NETWORK

Meet the WIN Team: three images next to each other. First image is a smiling woman with blonde hair a black and grey checkered jacket and a Rosie the Riveter shirt on, under her picture is her name Carol Van-Atta, the next image is a smiling man in a wheelchair with a dog over his lap, he is wearing a UNLV beanie, under his picture is the name Bradley Boe, the next image is a smiling young woman with dark hair and braces, she is wearing a light blue denim jacket, under her picture is the name Monaj Alexander

Work Incentives Network is a state network that offers benefits counseling to help individuals receiving state and federal services to continue receiving their benefits while returning to work. Our work incentives coordinators are here to help you maximize your benefits!

Benefits may include SNAP, Health insurance such as OHP and Medicare, Veterans benefits, TANF, WIC, Social Security and Disability income (SSI/SSDI), and more.

"More money in your pockets or your purse"

If you or someone you know is looking for support or is in an overpayment contact ILR to get connected with a coordinator today!

WIN FAQ