A Message from our Executive Director - Jennifer Santiago

Community Pathways was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kathryn Weit. Kathryn was an integral advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly in Oregon. Kathryn played a vital role in creating, structure, vision and foundation of many services, including Brokerage services. The way Kathryn worked was often described as “magical”. She always seemed to know who to talk to, what to say, and most importantly, when to say it. She worked tirelessly to ensure people who experience disability were heard.

Kathryn was also instrumental in the creation and voice of Oregon’s Developmental Disability Coalition. Kathryn knew our collective voices, through the Coalition, helped bring strength to the essential messages, by and for, people experiencing developmental disabilities. She worked with families, providers, individuals, legislators, and state leaders to build a person-centered support system. Her legacy of advocacy will continue for many years to come. It lives on through the Coalition’s GO! Project, through Oregon’s Brokerage Association (OSSA-Oregon Support Services Association), and many other organizations. Together we will continue forward with what Kathryn taught us to advance the quality of lives for those experiencing disability. To learn more about current advocacy efforts, including links, tools and videos on how to get involved see the Brokerage Association blog post here.

For those of us who knew Kathryn, we knew her strength, wit, intelligence, kindness, and foresight. Time and time again, she found a new advocate and encouraged us to find our voices, strength, and path towards a better future. Kathryn is already deeply missed. At the same time, her voice of advocacy lives on in many of us. We will continue to carry her passion forward, teaching others what she taught us.

As Kathryn so eloquently said in an interview with Independence NW, “… we need to remain focused on the goals, the vision that people with disabilities, with appropriate supports, can create a full life, rich in friends and meaningful community connections, employment and significant relationships. It is what we want for all our children.”. To learn a little more about Kathryn, we encourage you to read INW’s article from 2014 here.

Kathryn will be sorely missed, and her contributions to the field will not be forgotten. Our hearts go out to her family, who we know must grieving even more than we are.

CDC Updated Guidelines – Travel During COVID-19

The summer of 2021 is fast approaching, and the CDC has come out with some updated guidelines around travel! Currently, if you are fully vaccinated, you can now safely travel within the US/US Territories.

I’m sure we are all dreaming about lying on beaches, seeing family and friends, attending festivals or visiting our beautiful national parks and campgrounds. However, we do still need to be cautious around people we don’t live with, even when we are enjoying the summer sun.

The CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated, because travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s recommendations for unvaccinated people.

The CDC will update these recommendations as more people are vaccinated, as rates of COVID-19 change, and as additional scientific evidence becomes available. This guidance only applies to travel within the United States and U.S. territories.

I am fully vaccinated. What has changed for me? What hasn’t changed?

People who are fully vaccinated can now travel safely within the United States. If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to get tested before or after travel unless your destination requires it. You do not need to self-quarantine once you have returned home, unless you notice any COVID-19 symptoms.

Fully vaccinated travelers should still follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including:

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth; masks are still required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and train stations.
Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and isolate and get tested if you do develop symptoms.
Follow all state and local recommendations/requirements.

How do I know if I have been “fully” vaccinated?

People are considered to be fully vaccinated either:

2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or;
2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

If you have a condition or are taking medication that weakens your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure or want more information. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.

Why do I have to still wear a mask if I’m fully vaccinated?

Masks are still recommended for everyone as it is one of the best ways to protect others from getting COVID. Since we don’t know who is fully vaccinated and who isn’t, it is still best practice to continue to wear masks. The vaccine greatly reduces the chance of catching COVID-19. However, there is still a very small chance that fully vaccinated people can still catch the virus and spread it to other unvaccinated people. Unvaccinated people are still at risk for major illness and death related to COVID-19. Masks are still important to wear until most of the population is vaccinated.

I am unvaccinated. What are the CDC travel guidelines for me?

The CDC does not recommend that unvaccinated individuals travel right now. However, if you do need to travel:

Get tested (with a viral test) 1-3 days before your trip.
While you are traveling, wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times, avoid crowds and stay 6 feet away from anyone that you aren’t travelling with. You should also wash your hands as often as you can, or use hand sanitizer.
If you were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, you get a positive test result for COVID-19 or you are waiting on COVID-19 test results, you should not travel.
You should not travel with anyone else who is sick.

When you return home:

You should get tested (with a viral test) 3-5 days after your travel.
Self-quarantine for a full 7 days. Even if your COVID test is negative, finish your quarantine time, just to be safe.
If your test is positive, you should self-isolate to avoid getting anyone else sick.
Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

What if I am traveling internationally?

You should check CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination before planning your trip. Every country has different travel restrictions in place right now, including different testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements.

Do your research and be flexible while on your trip. Restrictions and policies may change during your travel.
Check if your airline requires any additional health information, testing, or special documents before boarding.
All air passengers coming into the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.
After your return home, get tested for COVID-19 at 3-5 days post travel (both vaccinated and un-vaccinated individuals). Self-monitor for COVID symptoms. If you test positive or get sick, isolate yourself from others.

Impact Oregon

In January 2021, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) launched Impact Oregon, a new website for to connect job seekers with careers in the developmental disabilities field.

Since then, they have launched an online toolkit and a paid social media advertising campaign aimed at reaching Oregonians about this exciting new resource. They also just released a new promotional video that shows what Impact Oregon does – you can view it here!

Feel free to share this video and website far and wide. If we can spread the word about Impact Oregon as a statewide resource, more Oregonians will learn about the possibilities available in the developmental disabilities field!

Updates on The Blueprint Project

The Oregon Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) division has been working with stakeholders (families, individuals, providers and case managers) to review the role of case managers, which they call the Blueprint Project. In our March newsletter, we shared information about The Blueprint Project and ODDS’ original survey.

In the coming months, ODDS is looking to host some question and answer sessions about the project. Watch our Facebook page and newsletters for more information. ODDS has already made some updates to the survey, based on feedback they received about the original version. This new version will be easier to understand and fill out.

This survey is optional, but it is a very important way for stakeholders to share their ideas, opinions and feedback on redesigning Oregon’s approach to case management. You can take ODDS’ updated survey here or wait until after the Q&A sessions. The survey will be open until August 31st, 2021.

University of Oregon - Share Your Experiences with Mental Health

The University of Oregon has a PAID opportunity for Youth and Young Adults experiencing I/DD (and their caregivers)! Participants will take part in a 2-3 hour virtual interview to talk about mental health. Contact James Sinclair at jamesin@uoregon.edu for more information.

Mother’s Day Craft – DIY Herb Garden

Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday, so this month we are sharing a project to give as a gift to any mother-figure, no matter who they may be!

Herb kits can be bought in-store, but they can also be made by hand. Everyone loves a hand-made gift, so we are sharing a Do-It-Yourself version that can be made to suit any taste.

Materials

2-3 Planters (try old tin cans, solo-cups, paper cups, or small terracotta/plastic planters with drainage holes)
1 Container or Tray (plastic or ceramic is best)
Potting Soil
2-3 Seed Varieties (such as basil, chives or dill)
Cardboard
Sharpie or other permanent marker
Clear Tape
Small envelopes
Ribbon or twine

Tools

Scissors
Drill (if using tin cans)
Hole punch
Gardening trowel

Instructions

Turn the planters upside down onto a piece of cardboard. Trace the outline with a Sharpie or marker, then cut out the shape slightly smaller than the opening of the container.
Using your scissors (or any sharp object) poke 3 evenly spaced holes in the bottoms of your planters for drainage. If you are using tin cans, carefully use the drill to make three holes in the bottoms of the cans. If you are using terracotta or plastic planters, they should already have a hole in the bottom.
Fill each container with your favorite organic potting soil.
Fit your cardboard into each planter to prevent the soil from spilling out. Tape the cardboard into place.
Portion a few seeds into a small envelope for each planter. Label the envelope with the seed type, variety, and ideal growing conditions (this can be found on the original seed packet). Punch a hole in the corner of each envelope, and tie them around the containers using the ribbon or twine.

Memorial Day – Office Closure

Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 31st in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, June 1st at 9:00am.

Community Pathways honors and remembers those who have given their lives in military service. Our hearts go out to friends and families who have lost loved ones fighting for our country.

Upcoming Events

Portland Parks & Rec Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR) Events

AIR 80s & 90s Virtual Dance Party - Free

Source: Portland.gov — *Source:* *Portland.gov*

Join AIR for a fun and funky dance party on zoom, tonight, May 7, 6-7:30pm PST - Final performance by DJ Princess Jessica!

Zoom link / Meeting ID: 98783714885 / Password: 109998

Any questions? E-mail Jane Doyle at jane.doyle@portlandoregon.gov

AIR Virtual Adult Social – Free

Grab a drink and an afternoon snack and visit with your friends! Each week will have a different theme/activity.

Date & Time: April 6-May 25, every Tuesday, 3-4pm

Ages: 18 & up

Register here / Course #: 1127973

AIR Virtual Drum Circle – Free

You don’t need an instrument to make music! Discover drumming methods by making up your own beats. All you need is your hands, a couple of pencils, and a pot, pan or can!

Date & Time: April 7-May 26, every Wednesday, 3-4pm

Ages: 16 & up

Register here / Course #: 1127994

AIR More Than Words Virtual Book Club – Free

Come by the More than Words book club to have a timeless story read to you, and then discuss with your peers! A great way to practice expressive communication, cooperation and listening skills while chatting about fun literature. This session’s book will continue with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Date & Time: April 8-May 27, every Thursday 4-5pm

Ages: 12 and up

Register here / Course #: 1127981

Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR) Summer Camps

It is that time of the year to start planning your summer! Spend the summer days outdoors with old friends and make some new ones too. Call AIR for more information at: 503 -823-2883, office is open Mondays and Wednesdays 1-3PM.

Registration Date: May 24th, 2021

Date & Time: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00AM – 1:30PM

Drop off time: 8:45 – 9:00AM

Pick up times: 1:30 – 1:45PM

Meeting Location: Varies, Portland Parks

Staffing Ratio: 10:3

Cost: $125 (sliding fee scale available to those within Portland city limits)

Camp COVID Precautions:

Masks will be worn and social distancing will be practiced
Sanitizing between groups and at the end of the day
Will have the same 3 staff scheduled for the whole summer

Schedule:

Teens: 12 -21 Adults: 18 and up

Week 1 June 22 – 24 Luuwit View Park Teen

Week 2 July 13 – 15 Gateway Discovery Adults

Week 3 July 20 – 22 Gateway Discovery Teens

Week 4 July 27 – 29 Cully Park Adults

Week 5 August 3 – 5 Cully Park Teens

Week 6 August 10 – 12 Lents Park Adults

Week 7 August 17 – 19 Lents Park Teens

Housing Independence

This month, Housing Independence is hosting a ton of great events, such as:

Cooking Club & Barista Lydia
Beading and Arts & Crafts Club
Yoga
Dungeons & Dragons
Zoo Excursion

Check out the Housing Independence newsletters here for more info!

Contact DSA Coordinator René Alton at renea@housingindependence.org to join their DSA program and attend all of their awesome events. You can also try a few events before joining.

MEET First PitchFest 2021

Are you looking to get some practice with your virtual interview skills? If so, the Multnomah County employment first group is hosting PitchFest this month! PitchFest is a virtual mock-interview event, which will take place on May 27th at 12:30PM. Participants will get real-time interview practice with employers in the community and/or VR Counselors!

Date/Time: Thursday, May 27, 2021 / 12:30-1:45PM

Register here. There are only a few spots remaining, so if registrants are accepted to participate in the event, they will receive a confirmation email with the zoom link and some more information. If the event happens to be full, they will be placed on a waiting list in case spots open up.

Newsletter: Friday, May 7th