CPI Newsletter: Fall 2024
Happy fall! In our latest newsletter, you will find the following information, activities, and resources:
Message from the Director, Jennifer Santiago
Happy Fall, Everyone!
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s that perfect midpoint between summer’s heat and winter’s chill. As the leaves change colors, I'm reminded that change is both inevitable and beautiful. While some changes can be challenging, others bring new opportunities and inspiration. Take a moment this fall to reflect on the changes around you and find inspiration in them.
One significant event every fall is elections. While elections can happen at other times of the year, fall elections often see the largest turnout. Elections are a reminder of how important our participation is in shaping the future. If you’re a citizen and eligible to vote, the process is simple. Inside this edition of our newsletter, you will find information about tools such as the Easy Voter Guide to help make voting easier to understand. Community Pathways fully supports these resources because voting is a cornerstone of our democracy. Read on for more information on voter registration and helpful resources.
We’re also excited to share a number of fun and important fall events in this newsletter. Stay tuned for updates and enjoy all that this wonderful season has to offer!
Training and Educational Opportunity
Join the I/DD Emergency Response Training and Resource Fair
Register now! Join us for an I/DD Emergency Response Training and Resource Fair on either October 16th or November 9th. This event is free, voluntary, and open to anyone who wants to join. The event on both dates includes a 90-minute training on how to prepare for emergencies in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties, followed by a Question and Answer session.
There are two opportunities left to join this event:
Wednesday, October 16th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn more about the virtual training session.
Saturday, November 9th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn more about the in-person training and resource fair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for the training and resource fair? You do need to register to attend the training on October 16th and November 9th. You do not have to register to attend the resource fair on November 9th.
Is this training mandatory? Do I have to come? No, this event is voluntary, free of cost, and open to the public.
Who can attend this event? Anyone who wants to learn more about preparing for emergencies and natural disaster in our local area,
Who is organizing this event and training? Community Pathways and Multnomah County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program.
Do I have to attend on both days? No. The same event is being held on two different dates so more people are able to attend.
What if I can’t join either of the trainings or resource fair? Contact your PA, or email Kristine Olson at kolson@communitypath.org.
Advocacy Events
Join a Fair Housing Council Listening Session
The Fair Housing Council of Oregon, with support from Fairview Trust, will host several listening sessions to more deeply understand the types of real-world discrimination people with IDD face when trying to find housing. Register to join one of two virtual listening sessions to help create fair housing materials and support public policy efforts to advocate for fair and accessible housing for people with IDD.
Next Listening Session
Date: October 10th
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Today: https://bit.ly/3XyWK1r
To learn more, please email Shyle at sruder@fhco.org
Join an ODDS Community Listening Session
Calling all self-advocates! The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) wants to know how they can continue to improve its services. The ODDS leadership team is inviting community members to meet with them and share their experiences. They host monthly community listening sessions on Zoom, as well as in-person sessions across the state. Community members are encouraged to attend! Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about ODDS and its services. There will be discussions to hear feedback and experiences.
All are welcome to attend these monthly listening sessions on Zoom on the Wednesday of the month from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Next Listening Session
Date: Wednesday, November 6th
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Submit Questions and Feedback
ODDS also invites community members to send questions or feedback by 8:00 a.m. on the Monday before each meeting. To provide input, use this feedback form.
Register for a Listening Session
Build a Movement! Self-Advocacy Meeting
What is Build a Movement? Build a Movement is a group of self-advocates with disabilities who come together to discuss important issues. In their final meeting, they invite legislators to listen to their voices.Self-advocates attending will receive a gift card, and food will be provided during in-person events.
Upcoming Meetings
Putting Together the Solution and Practicing the Message
In-Person Meeting: Tuesday, October 22nd, from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.
Zoom Meeting: Wednesday, October 16th, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting with Legislators
In-Person Meeting: Wednesday, November 20th, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Note, locations and Zoom codes will be provided upon RSVP.
To join Build a Movement, send an email to Glennah@UCPConnections.org or call or text 503-522-0409.
Resources
Voting Resources
Find answers to frequently asked questions about voting
Can people with developmental disabilities vote?
Individuals with disabilities have the same right to cast a private and independent ballot as their fellow Americans. The Easy Voting Guide is published by Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), and is designed to be as accessible as possible to people with disabilities. DRO is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse any candidates. In October 2024, DRO will mail a free print version of the Easy Voting Guide to individuals and organizations that have ordered them. A PDF version of the Easy Voting Guide will also be available for download in English and Spanish.
How can I get an Easy Voting Guide?
You can request a free copy of the Easy Voting Guide through the Disability Rights Oregon’s website. The online version of the Easy Voting Guide is also available at easyvotingguide.org. If you have other questions keep reading, or contact Disability Rights Oregon by phone at 800-452-1694, or by email at welcome@droregon.org. If you prefer a paper copy, please ask your PA. Community Pathways will have limited copies on hand.
How do I register to vote in Oregon?
You can register to vote online in Oregon or register by mail by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and sending it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person at your local election office if you prefer.
How do I find my local election office?
You can search for your elections office by county on the State of Oregon’s website.
What is the registration deadline?
The deadline to register online or in-person is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. If you choose to register by mail, your form must be postmarked by October 15.
I think I may already be registered. How do I check to make sure?
You can check to see if you are registered to vote on the State of Oregon’s website. You will need to type in your first name, last name and date of birth to search. Voter registration information is updated daily.
What documents will I need to register online?
You will need a driver’s license, driver’s permit, or ID card number issued by the Oregon DMV. If you do not have any of these, you can still use the online form. You will need to enter some personal information (including the last 4 digits of your social security number). The information will display on a voter registration card (PDF document) that you will need to print, sign and deliver to your elections office to complete your registration.
What is the deadline to vote by ballot drop box or mail?
The deadline is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Your ballot must be postmarked by November 5, 2024 if it is sent in the mail. To find a drop box near you, check out the Oregon Drop Box Locator after October 16, 2024.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program
The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with friends and family, but sometimes that involves travel. Travel can mean exciting new experiences, but also crowds, noise, smells, digital signage, and other kinds of high impact sensory input. These environments combined with the time issues related to travel can be challenging.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
How to Get a Sunflower Lanyard
Here are three easy ways to get a lanyard:
Go to the PDX International Airport and ask at any airline ticket counter or visit the Travel Oregon Welcome Center in baggage claim.
Email the Autism Society of Oregon: Info@AutismSocietyOregon.org. To get a lanyard before your next trip, you must give a minimum of 14 days’ advance notice of future travel.
Ask your Personal Agent at Community Pathways for a lanyard, or email our Admin team at info@communitypath.org
Community Event and Awareness Event
Join the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin Oregon is one of the most unique, free, fall Festivals in Oregon! Since 2004 people from around the country have gathered to watch costumed characters paddle giant pumpkin boats in a series of races. This fun filled weekend includes Pumpkins and Pints which features a giant pumpkin weigh-off, the 5K Regatta Run/Walk, and Pumpkin Regatta festival and pumpkin races.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - Regatta 5km Walk and Run (registration is required).
10:00 a.m. - Festival activities begin.
12:00 p.m. - Pumpkin Races
2:00 p.m. - Pumpkin Races
3:00 p.m. - Kids' costume contest
Location: Lake of the Commons in Tualatin (Google Maps:8325 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, OR 97062)
Read more about the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
This October, partners for Oregon’s Employment First Initiative are offering a series of webinars to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It’s a time to highlight the value and talent people with disabilities bring to Oregon’s workplaces and economy. It’s also a time to recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.
This year’s theme of “Access to Good Jobs for All” specifically speaks to Oregon’s commitment to expand the number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the quality of those opportunities.
Webinar Details
All webinars will be on Tuesdays from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Zoom. (You do not need to register in advance.)
Use this link to join any of the webinars: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1602939567?pwd=111yWSRJfBEqvhXmWgbXjxAlEBrpPa.1
Captioning, American Sign Language interpretation and Spanish interpretation will be provided.
For questions about accessibility, or to request an accommodation including language interpretation, please contact employment.first@odhsoha.oregon.gov. Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the events.
Webinar Dates
October 8: Financial Empowerment Tools Supporting Good Jobs for All
October 15: Stop and Learn for Business: Going beyond bias to achieve good jobs for all
October 22: Beyond the Classroom: Career paths for students with disabilities
October 29: Good Jobs for All with Vocational Rehabilitation, presented by AbleNet
This series is hosted by the State Rehabilitation Council, the Oregon Department of Education the Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Employment First initiative and office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Fun Activity
DIY Fall Leaf Garland
Embrace the beauty of fall by creating a charming leaf garland using materials from your morning walks! Not only is this a fun and creative project, but it’s also a sustainable way to decorate your home. When you’re done enjoying it, simply compost the leaves. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
Beautiful leaves (collected during your walk)
A cardboard box or a sturdy lid for collecting leaves
A regular sewing needle
Thread (choose any color you like)
Scissors
A heavy book (to press the leaves if you want them to stay flat and last longer
How to Make Your Garland in 3 Easy Steps
Gather Your Leaves
Head out on your walk and collect an assortment of leaves. Bring along a cardboard box or a sturdy lid to make gathering easier.
Pick more leaves than you think you’ll need; this way, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes time to string them together.
Prepare to Thread
Important Tip: When threading your leaves, be sure to stitch at the top of each leaf. This prevents them from spinning and showing the less colorful underside.
Take your sewing needle and thread it with several feet of thread. You can use any color thread, but orange, black, or white are recommended. Using orange thread looks nice, but white or black work just as well!
Leave plenty of extra thread at each end to make handling easier. It's often simpler to create multiple shorter strings of leaves rather than one long one, which can tangle.
String Your Leaves
Start threading the leaves onto the string. You can arrange them in a specific order or let them fall randomly for a whimsical, mid-flight look.
Final Thoughts
Your garland may not last as long as a plastic one, but the joy of gathering leaves and crafting something beautiful is priceless. Plus, embracing the fleeting nature of fall adds to its charm. Enjoy your seasonal creation!
Share Your Creation
If you do make a Fall Leaf Garland, please share it with us by sending a photo to info@communitypath.org or post it on Community Pathways’ Facebook page!
Holiday Closures
Veterans Day Monday, November 11
Thanksgiving Thursday, Friday November 28, 29
Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25
New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1