June 2019 Newsletter

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Dear FACT Oregon friends, Welcome to summer! The end of the school year is the typical “tell” that summer is here, but this year we are also waiting for the end of the 2019 Legislative Session. These last weeks of session are tied in knots, leaving everyone with a bit of uncertainty, and there is already discussion on the need for continued advocacy for the education funding secured in the Student Success Act. I would like to give a huge shout out to our community partners in advocacy at Children First for Oregon , Alliance for Early Intervention , and the Developmental Disability Coalition for their focused work in areas that impact families raising a child experiencing disability. We learn so much from them as we grow in our policy work. This month FACT Oregon had an incredible opportunity to present at a Senate Education Committee informational hearing, at the invitation of Senator Wagner’s office. We shared information on special education in Oregon with panelist including myself, Elliott Dale (FACT Oregon board chair), Heather Olivier and Paulina Larenas (FACT Oregon program coordinators), and our West Linn-Wilsonville School District partners, Dr. Kathy Ludwig (Superintendent) and Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams (Assistant Superintendent). The presentation materials can be viewed online . We were thrilled to have this opportunity and excited to end by sharing the FACT Oregon focus areas . So much of what we shared anchors on recognizing that how we see disability is changing – that changes in disability culture more readily embrace that disability is a part of human diversity and that people experiencing disability don’t need to be cured or fixed to be full, contributing members of community. We celebrate this month the 20th anniversary of the Olmstead Supreme Court decision which set this change in motion saying that services supporting individuals must support the independence of the person and be provided in the most integrated way possible. I encourage you to read more about this landmark case! Sincerely,

Roberta Dunn, FACT Oregon Executive Director

FACT Oregon Is On The Move!

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You Have A Right To Summer Fun!

Summer break is here, and that means a variety of summer camps and programs. These programs offer children a tremendous opportunity for personal growth outside of the school year. For families with children with disabilities, it's important to understand your child’s right to access these summer programs. Both government and privately run programs are required to make certain accommodations to allow your child an equal opportunity to enjoy these summer activities.

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Did Your School District Make The Grade?

We all know that kids receive report cards – did you know that your district and school do, too? The Oregon Department of Education partnered with FACT Oregon, hearing from families across the state, as it was redesigning the Special Education Report Card. How did your school or district do this year? You can view the At-A-Glance School and District Profiles and the Special Education Report Cards for school districts now.

Volunteer With Us!

We need volunteers for the All Ability Tri4Youth! From set up to course monitoring to assisting at the Family Fun and Resource Fair, there's something for everyone and we can promise a fun day for all! Sign up to volunteer!

Sponsor An Athlete At The All Ability Tri4Youth!

The All Ability Tri4Youth is coming up! Help keep this event accessible for all by sponsoring an athlete! Sponsorship starts at $35 per athlete, but any amount helps, and will go directly to making sure those who experience a financial burden will still get to enjoy all that the All Ability Tri4Youth has to offer. Together, we can change the face of disability and bring the power of inclusion to community sports! Sponsor an Athlete!

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