March 2020 Newsletter
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Greetings,
March is a special month for us – It is Developmental Disability Awareness Month! This awareness month has been celebrated since 1987 under President Ronald Reagan, who said that individuals with developmental disabilities should have “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” At Community Pathways, we hope to encourage self-determination and provide opportunities for you, our customers, every single day. This month in particular is a distinctive time to celebrate the rights and services you have, while advocating for the goals you are still working toward! It is also the time to spread knowledge to the broader community who might not understand what it means to experience DD.
We’d like to take a moment to thank all of our customers who have completed and turned in the feedback surveys. If you are a customer who hasn’t completed the survey yet, don't worry - you still have time! The surveys are due back on March 16th. Your opinion matters greatly to us! We look forward to the incoming responses.
Jennifer Santiago
Executive Director
PROVIDER UPDATE: EVV REMINDER
This is a final reminder that all PSW’s must either be using eXPRS Mobile-EVV, or have an approved exception for not using EVV, as of March 31, 2020. After April 1, 2020, ODDS will begin enforcing this rule and taking action against PSWs who repeatedly fail to use EVV to record their time. Don't forget to make this change! Visit our webpage for details about EVV and exceptions.
CORONAVIRUS AND STAYING HEALTHY
Coronavirus commonly spreads person-to-person through respiratory droplets of the virus transferred in the air or on surfaces. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever or cough, it is recommended to stay home and maintain distance from other people in order to prevent spreading infection. Shortness of breath is also a common symptom; you should inform your doctor right away if you are experiencing this. Keep yourself and those around you in good health! Some of the best prevention for catching the virus is to clean frequently used surfaces with antibacterial wipes and wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Life is better with clean hands!” Visit the CDC website for more prevention tips and helpful information on Coronavirus.
Linda dressed as Alpha from The Walking Dead in preparation for the Plunge
POLAR PLUNGE SUCCESS
Community Pathways' PA, Linda Peck Athens, has completed her fundraiser with a grand total of $1660 raised for Special Olympics Oregon. She did her 5K and Polar Plunge dressed as Alpha from The Walking Dead and is now rocking a new hairdo, thanks to all of you who donated! This is a cause we can all be proud of, especially during Disability Awareness Month! Way to go, Linda, for initiating and following through with such a wonderful campaign!
Advocate for YOU!
What does Developmental Disability Awareness Month mean to you? For Community Pathways, it means broadening general knowledge about self-directed lifestyles for individuals. It also means encouraging opportunities to advocate for YOU, our customers. There are many ways you can advocate for your own rights and spread awareness. Here are just a few ideas:
Attend Self-Advocates Taking Action (SATA) meetings to share your thoughts, listen to others, and stay updated on supports and services. The meetings are ongoing every second Friday of each month at 11 AM–1 PM and they are held at Seven Corners Collaborative, 2475 SE Ladd Ave Portland, OR 97214. For more information contact Jennifer Knapp at jknapp@cvision.org.
Stay in touch with legislative laws by visiting the Oregon DD Coalition website and stay caught up on the GO! Project Bulletin.
Make an impact on social media! Include #DDAwareness20 throughout the month of March in posts and photos. Tag your local legislators, businesses, schools, news stations, and local leaders to get them involved! Your rights for supports and services are important. Make yourself heard!
“Luck is not found, but it is made.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th!
RESOURCES
Community Warehouse
If you need new furniture, try the local furniture bank! It is a warehouse stocked with donated and lightly used furnishings and household goods. More information on regulations, scheduling, and pricing for services is available on the Community Warehouse website.
Farmers’ Markets
Most of Oregon Farmers’ Markets accept SNAP benefits. Some offer an incentive to double the food bought with a SNAP purchase. There are markets throughout the Portland metro area, and quite a few are open year-round! Search for a local market here and discover your benefits.
Community Vision Housing Access Program
This program offers planning and education to find affordable housing! Learn more information about the program services and eligibility here.
UPCOMING CPI EVENTS
Game Night
Wednesday March 11 at 4-6 PM
2475 SE Ladd Avenue, 4th Floor, Portland, OR 97214
Relax, have fun, and play board or video games provided by co-host Saturn Support.
LGBTQ+ Meetup
Thursday, April 2 at 4-6 PM for ages 18+
2475 SE Ladd Avenue, 4th Floor, Portland, OR 97214
Come hang out in a safe space and celebrate the beginnings of spring with CPI. April showers bring May flowers! Crafts, cookie decorating, and light snacks provided.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Portland Parks and Recreation: Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR)
AIR programs host many different field trips in the winter and spring, such as adventures to Mark Hatfield's Aquarium or to the Humane Society. Many are wheelchair accessible. Please note that fees apply, but there is an opportunity to apply for scholarships & financial assistance here. Learn more details about the field trips in the AIR online event catalog.
