Newsletter: Friday, August 6th
New Oregon Mask Requirements
Are you confused by the new mask recommendations? Don’t worry – we are breaking it down in today’s newsletter!
The OHA now recommends (as of July 27th, 2021) that people should wear masks again, in public indoor settings. This change in recommendations is because of the Delta variant (it is as contagious as chicken pox!). This means it is spreading faster than previous variants of the virus, causing more people to become sick.
Why are they being recommended now? Health experts are finding that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people can spread the delta variant. If you need to go inside a public place (like a grocery store) where you are unsure if others are vaccinated, it’s best to wear a face covering, whether or not you are vaccinated. Wearing a face covering lowers your risk of spreading COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated.
Remember, if you are fully vaccinated, you are very well protected from COVID-19 and its variants, but you may get a “breakthrough” infection, because the Delta variant is so contagious. These infections will most likely be mild (or you may not get symptoms at all), and there is a very low chance of being hospitalized. However, you may spread it to others, especially if you don’t have symptoms.
Oregon Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) has also changed guidance to, again, require face coverings in some services such as group Day Support Activities (DSA) and group employment. If you have workers working in your home it is up to you if you require face coverings.
Below is a list of places which might have separate masking guidelines that you will need to follow:
Correctional Facilities
Public transportation (including airplanes)
Certain workplaces may use their discretion and ask visitors to wear masks
To read the OHA news release, see here.
Customer Highlight - Zach
Zach giving the thumbs up!
This month, we are highlighting Zach, who has made incredible personal strides over the last few years. Some things he is proud of include moving into a new apartment, learning to manage his feelings and reactions, nurturing some fun new hobbies and succeeding in losing over 110 pounds! He has fostered a new sense of confidence over these years and realized that he deserved a better quality of life than he had been living previously. We chatted with Zach about his progress, hobbies and what he’s most proud of.
Zach next to a waterfall
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Zach.
You guys helped with the whole court issue, help[ed] [me in] getting out more.
What are your hobbies?
Gaming, archery, fishing
Tell us about your new apartment! What is your favorite thing about it?
The bathroom, the kitchen. Bigger & can fit a whole turkey for holidays, for the other apartment I’d have to cut the turkey in half. Full size stove & dishwasher. Computer stuff all set up.
How has it been working with John? What are the best things about working with him?
Get to go places, good to have someone to talk to who understands.
Your provider and PA are so proud of you and the growth that you’ve made. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Losing weight! [I] ha[ve] now lost 110 pounds.
What would you tell other people about your journey?
That it’s been a rough one but if you wait good things happen. I get help, I get my sleep study done, I go on hikes.
Zach walking down steep steps.
A big thank you to Zach for sharing his story with us. We also caught up with CPI Personal Agent, Jessica Gentile, and Cornerstone Mentors of Oregon Provider, John Whitson, who have both worked with Zach.
Zach did not have a provider when Jessica Gentile, his Personal Agent, first started working with him a few years ago. Zach is very clever, and bright, but struggled with anger and contempt over issues that occurred long ago. He was frequently getting into mischief with neighbors and strangers, acting as a vigilante seeking justice in random situations. Zach does not like to see injustice, and has put himself in harm’s way many times to assist strangers. By working with a behavior specialist, Zach has learned to manage his feelings and reactions and to understand why he sometimes felt the need to respond to dangerous situations which involved strangers. Since working with We’ve Network’s Behavioral Specialist, Will Lillard, Zach has made some really great strides in this area!
Jessica and Zach found John after about a year working together. John has been instrumental in supporting Zach. John knew that Zach deserved a better quality of life than he had previously been living, and knew that Zach could learn the skills that he needed to be successful in achieving the life he wanted.
The apartment that Zach and his wife Ashley were sharing was less than 1,000 square feet. The apartment was primarily dedicated to housing Ashley’s doll collection. The size and condition of the apartment was a great cause of stress to Zach, and he did not feel that he would ever be able to move. After four reasonable accommodation requests, they were finally permitted to move!
Zach near a rock wall (and waterfall)
Zach also had been having ongoing issues with a neighbor. This neighbor had been seeking Zach out and harassing him regularly, posting pictures of him on social media and spreading false information about him. With John’s support, Zach was able to manage his reactions and avoided getting into any altercations with the neighbor. This neighbor sought a permanent stalking order against Zach. Jessica and John supported Zach with the phone court appointment challenging this. Zach won this case, and the stalking order was denied. Zach was granted a restraining order against the neighbor.
When John began working with Zach a couple of years ago, Zach mentioned that he wanted to get into archery. John knew about an archery range in Washington Park, so they went together. Zach brought a bow with him that he had purchased at a garage sale, and upon reaching the range, some older gentleman figured out that the bow wasn’t strung correctly. They quickly set about getting it ready to go, and threw in a few safety lessons for Zach! Within 30 minutes, Zach was shooting arrows.
Zach and John visited the archery range together weekly, but one day Zach injured his hand pulling an arrow out of the target and needed to go to the emergency room. On the ride back to his apartment, Zach seemed very upset, although the doctors told him that his hand would recover soon and that there was no nerve damage. Zach then revealed that seeing his weight on the scale at the ER upset him.
Since John had gone grocery shopping with Zach before, he mentioned that Zach could stop drinking soda, which would potentially have spectacular results. “But I love it,” Zach said, in a wavering voice. “Do you love it more than not liking seeing how much you weighed today?” John replied.
John thought that Zach had only lost a few pounds after making this change. Zach was weighed recently at a stress relieving program he had started. He revealed to John what his original weight had been during that first trip to the ER. Since that day, Zach had lost 110 pounds!
Zach’s weight isn’t the only thing he has turned around. On so many levels, Zach has found a new sense of confidence and has begun using it as a base from which he can react—or not—to the chaos around him.
Zach doing one of his favorite hobbies; fishing!
*This story has been edited for length and clarity.
A big thanks to Jessica, John, Will and most importantly, Zach, for sharing this empowering story! Community Pathways loves to share your stories. Please contact the Communications Manager, Liz Kuth, at ekuth@communitypath.org if you would like to share yours! We look forward to hearing from you.
Oregon Brokerages Study
In Japan, many people with I/DD still live in institutions and don't have the option of living in the community like in Oregon. PSU’s Regional Research Institute is working on a study with a researcher in Japan (Ken Shimura). Ken wants to learn more about how the Oregon brokerage system works to see if something similar could be done in Japan. If you experience I/DD and work with a brokerage (like Community Pathways), they would love to hear from you! Participants will receive a $20 gift card for their time.
If you are interested in participating in the study, contact your PA.
Emergency Preparedness
Source: Ready.gov
As the Wildfires taught us last September, being prepared for an emergency is extremely important. This year, we want to be ready as wildfire season is already here, much earlier than usual. You might need to leave home quickly, and having an emergency plan for yourself and your family is important.
This month, we are sharing some resources that will help! As always, if you need help planning or signing up for any resource, contact your PA. Watch FEMA’s video here, for an introduction to emergency preparedness.
1. Get Informed
Source: Ready.gov
Which disasters could happen in our area? Which would call for an evacuation (like a wildfire) or which would call for staying where you are?
Know your evacuation levels: People who need help or more time to evacuate should leave at level 1 or 2.
Level 1: Get Ready – Pack your valuables (including documents like passports, insurance information, medications, medical equipment and animal vaccination records)
Level 2: Be Set – Monitor local news and weather alerts. Follow your local sheriff’s office and fire department’s social media pages
Level 3: GO! – Evacuate immediately
Sign up for emergency alerts NOW: Last year, many of us hadn’t signed up for emergency alerts yet. Emergency alerts are sent directly to a cell phone via text or email. There are a few ways to sign up for these alerts:
Text a zip code to 888-777 – this is the national emergency alert system, Everbridge. Alerts can also be sent to an email address.
Visit OR-Alert at https://oralert.gov/ - this is the Oregon specific emergency alert system. To sign up:
Type in an Oregon zip code, and the system will bring up the county. There will be a link that says “Sign Up Here”.
Create a login and profile with a name and email address
Put in your cell phone number
Choose what you would like to know about, ex. fires, floods, other incidents like tornadoes
Finish!
2. Make a Plan:
Source: Ready.gov
How could a disaster affect you? Could you make it on your own or would you need help? Planning for your regular needs is important, as well as what you would do if your regular resources are unavailable.
Do you have a good support network in place? These people could be friends, roommates, family, co-workers or neighbors. Make arrangements with at least 3 of these people if you will need help. Other steps could include exchanging keys, showing them where you keep your emergency supplies and/or sharing copies of your important documents. Keep a contact list for these people in your emergency kit!
Create your family emergency communication plan and share it with your support network. Write down all contact numbers including doctors or heath care providers, and an out of town contact. Come up with a meeting place.
Will you need accessible transportation? Calling 211 is an option, but in an emergency it may take a long time for rescue workers to get to your location.
Do you have medical equipment that needs electricity? Talk to your doctor or health care provider about preparing to use it during a power outage.
Make sure you can still get your benefits by setting up direct deposit with SSI or other services – paper checks may be delayed during an emergency. If you need to evacuate you may not be able to get back home to the mailbox.
Source: Ready.gov
3. Build a Kit:
Source: Ready.gov
Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies. A disaster kit is a collection of household items you may need if there is an emergency. For a full list of items, see here. For a printable list, see here. Your basic kit should include:
Water (a gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
Food & manual can opener (3-day supply of non-perishable food like canned goods)
Battery-powered, hand crank or solar radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit including non-prescription medication (like pain killers, antacids etc.)
Whistle (to signal for help)
Sanitary items (moist towelettes, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items)
Local maps
Cell phone with a charger
Cash and important family documents saved on a thumb drive or in a waterproof container (more on this later)
Face coverings and dust masks
You also may need:
Items for babies or children (formula and/or baby food, bottles, diapers, wipes)
Items for pets (food, extra water, litter box or poo bags)
Sleeping bags or blankets
Change of clothing and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher and waterproof matches
Wrench or pliers (to turn off water/gas in your home)
Prescription medication (at least a week-long supply), as well as a list of all meds, dosage and any allergies
A list of the style/serial number of medical/assistive devices including instructions
Important Documents and Personal Items:
Most documents, like insurance policies, bank records and medical records can be saved electronically on a thumb drive.
Some other original copies of documents should be taken with you, such as passports, IDs and birth certificates.
Think about which personal, priceless items you have, such as photos, heirlooms or jewelry. Make a list of them, and take photos.
Source: Ready.gov
Storing your Kit:
Keep this kit in the same place in your home and have it ready to go.
If you use a car regularly, keep another small kit of emergency supplies there too.
Maintaining your kit:
Keep canned food in a cool dry place
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
Replace expired items as needed
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit
4. If there is a Disaster
Source: Ready.gov
Communicate with your support network right away, including your Personal Agent. TIP: Text messages are usually more reliable than phone calls during an emergency.
Have an emergency charging option for your phone and mobile devices in your emergency kit and car. Put your phone in low-power mode or airplane mode to save battery.
If you need to evacuate, grab your emergency kit and personal documents/items and leave immediately. Proceed to your emergency meeting place or alternate shelter.
If you need shelter, text “SHELTER” and your current zip code to 43362. The Red Cross will also have a list of open shelters in your area.
Register with the American Red Cross’ Safe and Well site to let friends and family know you’re ok!
5. Other ways to prepare
Source: Ready.gov
Learning safety skills before an emergency is another great way to be prepared! Read a full list here.
Some skills to learn:
First Aid & CPR
How to use fire extinguisher
Fire safety (such as stop, drop and roll)
How to shut off utilities (like gas, water and electricity)
In case of bad air quality:
Purchase an air purifier or air filter if you don’t already have one (if you need more information, contact your PA)
Purchase fans or make sure your older fans are clean of dust
Make a plan to stay inside!
Important Links
Wildfire map, search by zipcode
Pacific power outage map (you can report an outage using the button on the website or text OUT to 722797)
Portland General outage map (Report an outage online or by phone)
Stay Cool, Stay Safe
Source: Ready.gov
It’s August, which means hot weather! We’ve already had a couple of heat waves this summer, and we wanted to share some ways to stay cool, as well as how to stay safe when there is extreme heat.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for hot weather resources, cooling center locations and other information if the temperature rises above 95 degrees!
Extreme heat can be dangerous. Follow the tips below to stay cool:
Source: Ready.gov
STAY HYDRATED - this may be one of the most important things to do in extreme heat. Make sure to drink lots of fluids, even if you aren’t thirsty. Sports drinks can actually de-hydrate you due to their sugars, so water is best.
Stay inside and out of the sun if possible (especially during mid-day when it is the warmest, 12-2).
If you must go outside, put on and re-apply sunscreen often, wear a hat, and wear lightweight (and light colored) clothing that is loose-fitting.
Avoid turning on your oven or stove if possible.
Only open doors and windows during the coolest part of the night.
Make DIY cool packs: freeze wet washcloths or fill a sock with rice, tie in a knot, and then freeze. You can also mix 1-part hand sanitizer to 3 parts water and freeze in a ziploc bag (double bagged if possible).
Take a cool shower or bath.
Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for DIY A/C.
Mist your top sheet with water before going to bed - this will make it cooler while you sleep.
Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
Know the Signs: Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat Exhaustion
Mild heat illness. Signs are:
Rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing
Heavy sweating
Extreme weakness
Dizziness
Nausea, vomiting
What to do:
Remove excess clothing.
Rest in a cool area.
Drink plenty of water.
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
Heat Stroke
The body cannot control temperature, can lead to death or disability. Signs are:
103-degree temperature or above
Confusion
Rapid pulse
Loss of coordination
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
Throbbing headache
Seizures, coma
What to do for someone with heat stroke:
Call 911.
Move to a cool, shaded area.
Offer water
Offer a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
August Craft – Watermelon Paper Fan (via the Kindergarten Connection)
Source: The Kindergarten Connection
This summer has been anything but COOL – so why not try out this fun watermelon paper fan? A great activity to do with kids, it’s inexpensive and easy.
Supplies
paper plates
large popsicle sticks
masking tape
stapler
pink, green, and black paint
paintbrush
cotton swab
Instructions
Source: The Kindergarten Connection
Flip the paper plate over so the bottom is facing up.
Paint the middle of the plate pink, and the outside rim green.
Let the paint dry completely. Then use a cotton swab to paint the black seeds on top of the pink.
Once the black paint has completely dried, fold the paper plate in half.
Open the plate and use masking tape to attach a large craft stick for the handle of the fan. Use a stapler around the outer rim of the plate to seal the edges of the plate shut.
Now you’re ready to cool down! Pair this craft with some fresh, cold watermelon and a glass of your favorite icy beverage.
Upcoming Events
Housing Independence Events
Source: Housing Independence
During the month of August, Housing Independence is hosting more great events such as:
Cooking Club (this month they are making different recipes with chicken!)
Read Along (continuing the Harry Potter series with 3rd book, The Prisoner of Azkaban)
Yoga (join provider Nic over Zoom to practice deep breathing and yoga poses!)
Uno (online!)
Acting at Commonwealth park, in person (Friday, August 13 and Friday August 27)
See their full list of events and dates in their August newsletter!
To sign up for in-person events or to try out some online events, please email/call Rene directly at renea@housingindependence.org, or by phone at: (503) 719-9711. Housing Independence are still offering 4 classes free of charge to anyone who would like to try out their program.
UCP Connections
Source: UCP Connections
This month, UCP Connections has some really great events happening such as:
Singer-Songwriter Night with Chibia Ulinwa (tonight, Friday, August 6th at 7pm)
Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest: Herb Walk (Saturday, August 7th, 9-3)
Coffee and Connection night
Virtual Movie Night (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off!)
Superman Game Time
Dances with DJ Lamar
Virtual Bingo Night
All events are hosted on zoom, and will also be listed on their Facebook page. If you need more information, contact Glenna Hayes at Glenna.Hayes@UCPConnections.org.
Their August calendar can be found here.