CPI Newsletter: Spring 2025
Spring is officially here! In our latest newsletter, you can find the following information, activities, and resources:
Message from the Director, Jennifer Santiago
Learn more about Medicaid and find resources
Ben’s Story: The Annual Polar Plunge and Special Olympics Oregon
Message from the Director, Jennifer Santiago
Happy Spring!
Many questions have been coming into our office related to Medicaid and services. No one knows right now what reductions to Medicaid will mean. Our current fight is to ensure that as many people as possible understand what Medicaid is and what pays for it. For those using Medicaid services, we know that the current rate of pay and reimbursement for the work Medicaid funds is not enough. We also know that every cut to our state programs, like schools and other essential services, results in fewer dollars to fund services like I/DD services.
Here are some of the things that Medicaid pays for:
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work in individual homes or meeting community members for services. DSPs also support people with employment, housing, and other essential needs. Independent agencies employ these workers, many of them non-profits.
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are employed by customers or someone close to them. They work in the home or community with individuals, helping with many of the same services as DSPs.
Case Management, Personal Agents (PA) and Service Coordinators (SC): Community Pathways does this work. We are the primary conduits for helping explain and navigate complex systems. We provide support for finding and accessing a wide range of services and supports. We also monitor services to ensure they are happening.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is health insurance. Many customers of Community Pathways use OHP for all their medical care.
Who is eligible for Medicaid? People with an income equal to social security (SSI) or less (currently $976.00/month). People who receive services from agencies like Community Pathways can earn up to 300% of the SSA amount (or up to $2928/month) and still retain the above Medicaid services. Earning over the SSA amount allows people to earn money from employment or other sources without losing essential services or healthcare.
Our current focus is ensuring people understand what Medicaid is and how it helps people in need and our larger society. You can help by contacting your state or federal legislator to tell them how vital Medicaid services are to you. If you have a story to share about how Medicaid helped you, please reach out to us at info@communitypath.org
Resources and Trainings
Section 8 Waitlist Opening: Join a Free Webinar Training on April 8th
Providers! Join a free webinar training on April 8th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. to learn about rent assistance waitlists, including a Section 8 waitlist, opening on April 15th.
The webinar training on April 8th will provide information about which Home Forward apartment communities’ waitlists are opening, how to pre-register for the application, what you’ll need to apply and how to get help applying.
Home Forward will begin accepting applications for the “Section 8” Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist, as well as waitlists for 13 Home Forward apartment communities, starting Tuesday, April 15 at 9:00 a.m. through Monday, April 21 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Learn more at homeforward.org/waitlists
Join a Housing Resource Fair on April 19th
Join a family friendly event with community and housing resources for people with I/DD at the Salem Convention Center (200 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301) on Saturday, April 19th from 9:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.
Free lunch options and kid-friendly activities will be provided!
This resource fair is presented in partnership by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon and the Fairview Trust.
For more information, email information@fhco.org
Save the Date! Clackamas County DD Resource Fair on June 21st
Clackamas County residents are invited to join the 2nd annual Clackamas County Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair.
Date: Saturday, June 21st
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Clackamas Community College in the Gregory Forum Building
Address: 19600 Molalla Ave, G103, Oregon City, OR 97045
If you have questions, contact your Personal Agent or email info@communitypath.org
Self-Advocacy Opportunities
Accessible Housing Advocacy Campaign
Advocates rallying outside Oregon State Capitol building to support Senate Bill 444
On March 20th, Community Pathways joined over 55 advocates at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem for a rally to support Senate Bill 444. This bill would require more accessible housing for individuals with I/DD and older adults in Oregon. After the rally, participants went and spoke with their legislators and their staff about why housing accessibility is important to people with disabilities and why SB 444 should pass.
To learn more about the housing advocacy campaign in Oregon, visit Community Visions’ website at cvision.org/learn-advocate/housing-campaign/
Get Involved in DD Legislative Advocacy
The Oregon Developmental Disability Coalition's GO! Project Advocacy Team is offering support, training, and information to help individuals interested in DD advocacy to make a difference.
The GO! Project offers opportunity and support to connect with local legislators during the upcoming legislative session. Here are some of the opportunities you can join in on.
Join in-person sessions at The Oregon State Library (250 Winter Street NE, Salem) in Room 102 and 103 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on:
Thursday, April 17th
Thursday, May 22nd
Thursday, June 12th
At these sessions, the Oregon DD Coalition team will provide Legislative Advocacy Training from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You’ll also have the opportunity and support to schedule visits with your legislators, receive important updates, and complete the GO! Project Survey.
Show your unity in advocacy for I/DD services by wearing something yellow!
To find out who your State Senator and State Representative are, visit www.oregonlegislature.gov.
For more information about the event, visit the Oregon Developmental Disability Coalition's website or follow them on Facebook at @orddcoalition. You can also contact them by email at oregonDDC@gmail.com.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get involved and advocate for important issues in the 2025 Legislative Session!
Ben's Story
Special Olympics Oregon Athlete, Employee, Advocate, and Fund Raiser
In a recent interview, Ben Fields, an athlete and full-time employee at Special Olympics Oregon, shares about his experience doing the 2025 Polar Plunge and the work he does to help raise money and advocate for Special Olympics Oregon at the state and federal levels.
Holiday Closures
Memorial Day: Monday, May 26
Juneteenth: Thursday, June 19