Independent Living Resources
 

Monthly News & Updates
 

May 16, 2025 | Issue 4

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


Medicaid remains at risk for budget cuts affecting thousands of individuals in the aging and disability communities.


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!
 

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, Q Center, and 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



Oregon Tradeswoman 30th Annual Career Fair

Saturday May 17, 2025


A great way to meet potential employers and learn about opportunities to earn a livable wage!


30th Annual Tradeswoman Career Fair



Metro's Nature in Neighborhood Community Choice Grant Focus Workshop

Saturday May 24, 2025


People of Clackamas, share your parks and nature ideas for your neighborhood!

Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods community choice grants put community members in the lead to imagine, design and choose parks and nature projects. Your ideas and votes have the power to help shape the future parks and natural areas in your neighborhood. Metro will invest $2 to $3 million in projects imagined by you and your neighbors.

 

Join us for a focus workshop around accessibility in nature spaces for Clackamas County, where you can share stories, engage in inspirational activities, brainstorm and submit ideas with the help of professional designers! 

 

Lunch will be provided! All ages and abilities welcome!

 

Date: Saturday May 24, 2025

Time: 11am - 3pm

Location: Oregon City Public Library - Community Room

For more information email: katherine@colloqate.org

Please RSVP here to make sure we have enough food and to provide us any accommodation needs you may have. 
 
 
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a green ribbon with the text May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
 

Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1949 and continues to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health. Despite growing awareness, stigma remains one of the most persistent barriers to accessing mental health care.

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 is: "Turning Awareness Into Action."


To support this initiative, Mental Health America has provided an action guide to help individuals and communities move from awareness to meaningful change.


You can access the guide by clicking the link below:
Mental Health American Action Guide

INDEPENDENT LIVING SPECIALISTS
Meet the IL Staff; from right to left and top to bottom. Sue Muth IL specialist under an image of an avatar with pink hair smiling and waving, Ryan Skelton IL Specialist below an image of a man smiling in a motorized chair in front of a statue with palm trees, Brian Carlson Information and Referral under an image of a man smiling with a brown sweater, Jessica Harlem-Siegel IL specialist and information and referral under an image of a smiling woman in front of a flowering bush, Nikki Dolan IL specialist under an image of a smiling woman in a black dress suit

Independent Living Specialists offer many services to meet the needs of the disability community. Our skilled team of specialists are trained in Options Counseling and Information and Referral (I&R) through the ADRC in addition to offering courses in Rent Well, traumatic brain injury support groups, independent living skills and peer support.


To learn more about Options Counseling and Information and Referral check out the accessible flyer linked below.


Options Counseling and I&R 
a green background with a thought bubble and the words upcoming in black and events in red

ILR's Upcoming Events

Cancer Screening and Prevention Educational Event:


May 20, 3035 1-3 PM at Independent Living Resources (hybrid option available)


Participants will receive a $35 gift card for participation!


Registration is required.


Sign up by emailing Michelle at michellew@ilr.org
Event Flyer

Rent Well Upcoming Course:


Looking to increase your readiness to rent a home? Join Jessica at our next Rent Well course! Recruiting now.


Register with Nikki at nikkid@ilr.org or Jessica at jessicahs@ilr.org
Rent Well FAQ

American's With Disabilities 35th Anniversary Celebration
Event Flyer with ILR logo in the right text reads: Independent Living Resources ADA Celebration Day July 29, 2025 11 am to 2 pm Independent living resources 1839 NE Couch St. info@ilr.org. In Bright blue and green text reads Music food games prizes and more. Image of illustrated individuals with various disabilities across the bottom of the flyer

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday July 29, 2025

11 am to 2 pm

Independent Living Resources


35th Anniversary of the ADA celebration at ILR is happening July 29, 2025. There will be music, vendors, food, games, prizes, raffles, guest appearances and more! Save the date and join us for an Epic celebration of disability rights! Click the link for an accessible PDF version of the flyer
ADA Day Celebration Flyer 
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Independent Living Resources | 1839 NE Couch | Portland, OR 97232 US

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