Hi there, DEC Community!
Please check out all the good things we are sharing this week, and beyond. Happiness and warm wishes to everyone!
Opportunities for Learning and Social Justice
You are invited to join Oregon Department of Human Services APD leadership for updates on the 2023 Legislative Session
Below is information on how to join us and information on future meetings.
DATES: April 26, May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21
TIME: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
HOW TO JOIN: Register for the meeting series using this link https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItcuutqD8rE7l_gqVTurc4ac23U5WYIfo
WHAT Legislative Activity Update Meeting for APD Community Members
ACCESSIBILITY: Live captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided. For questions about accessibility, please send an email to apd.communications@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
Final meeting in the series: A final update meeting about the 2023 Legislative Session will be on June 28. To register for the June 28 meeting use this link https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItceyrqz4jHU4xKYR21tSyvFtfL99LX1g.
Linn Benton Health Equity Alliance is offering the chance for people to become qualified healthcare interpreters.
Please see more info here: Free Qualified Healthcare Interpreter Training
Here is the latest from FACT Oregon: Upcoming Trainings / Próximas capacitaciones
Grassroots Oregon
The Oregon DD Coalition created Grassroots Oregon (GO!) Project in July 2004 to connect regional advocates, identify issues of concern in communities statewide, and provide technical assistance regarding issues related to individuals with developmental disabilities. Learn more here: GO! Project | Oregon DD Coalition (orddcoalition.org)
PAID interview opportunity from community member Laura Rodriguez
Laura Rodriguez is a student researcher at Portland State University.
From Laura: I’m looking for folks who want to share their story of looking for work or experiences at work for my dissertation project. My study is about understanding the experiences, good and bad, of women of color or non-binary people of color with intellectual disabilities when looking for work or working.
Your story is important! What I want to understand:
- Your story of looking for a job.
- What has helped you get a job?
- What would make finding a job easier for you?
What will happen in the study?
- You will have a one-on-one interview with me. A shorter second interview may happen if I need to ask any follow-up questions.
- You can always have a friend or family member with you during the interviews.
- You can do the interview over video (Zoom), phone, or in-person. Depending on what you want.
- The 1st interview will take 1 hour. If there is a 2nd interview it will be 30 minutes.
- Everything you say will be private and confidential. You can stop at any time and it will not harm you or the services you receive.
- You will get a $40 Starbucks, Amazon or Target gift card for the interview.
If you want more information about this study, please contact Laura Rodriguez by email rodrig29@pdx.edu or cell phone (971)264-1257. THANK YOU!
Coming soon! Keys for the People: A BIPOC-Centered Housing Festival (formerly ‘Keys for the Culture’)
DATE: April 29
TIME: 1:00 – 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Corvallis Community Center (C3) 2601 NW Tyler Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330
This event is the second annual BIPOC-centered housing festival, and our community partners are delighted to build on the success of their prior event and make an even bigger impact. Please spread the word!
Disability Culture and Pride Building
This week on Monday you can jam out with DEC’s Magic Luscious Spirit Sounds Music Collective!
Every first and third Monday of the month
DATES: April 3 and 17
TIME: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: In-person at Turn, Turn, Turn (8 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211)
AND Virtually over Zoom (click here for link)
Meeting ID: 814 6878 7797
Passcode: 053972
For more info, email Scott at music@disabilityequitycenter.org
This week on Wednesday is also DEC’s Moth Dreams Collaborative Art & Zine, an art meet-up and zine collective!
Every first and third Wednesday of the month
DATE: April 19
TIME: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: In-person at the Kennedy School in Portland, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
AND Virtually over Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97490882507
Meeting ID: 974 9088 2507
For more info, email Kate at kate@disabilityequitycenter.org
Adventures Without Limits is working to get the word out about their upcoming Banff Mountain Film Festival in Portland, OR at Revolution Hall next month.
This 3-night film festival is their largest fundraiser of the year and is critical in supporting efforts to provide accessible and inclusive outdoor adventures for all. Spread the word!!
Health, Wellness, and Navigation Support
Overcoming Obstacles to Dental Care
Do you or your loved one struggle with getting dental care? Capitol Dental’s Overcoming Obstacles to Dental Care program is made especially for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
They will pair a Community Health Worker (CHW) with an Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist (EPDH) to provide many dental services onsite in your home or care facility, and assist you with obtaining follow up care. Call them today to schedule an initial appointment.
Their 24-hour number is 1(800) 525-6800 or to reach the Community Health Worker call 1(503) 446-0029!
Medicaid Redeterminations
As of April 1, 2023, all states have resumed checking Medicaid eligibility (also called redeterminations) after a three year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (CAA), states could begin redeterminations as early as February, with terminations for individuals found ineligible beginning as early as April. The CAA redeterminations process is known a Medicaid “unwinding.”
Find out more information here: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Unwinding and Returning to Regular Operations after COVID-19. Find all of Justice in Aging’s COVID-19 and Public Health Emergency (PHE) Unwinding Resources page.
If you need some community and support to feel more connected, grounded, and loved, you can still connect with DEC even though our Wednesday Wellness support group that happens each week from 5-6pm is currently full.
Please email corvallisdisabilityjustice@gmail.com or text 404-825-4524.
We are always here for you!