Parents to eight-year-old twins, Nicole and her spouse struggled to figure out next steps after a series of instances at school made them question whether the right behavior supports were in place. With FACT Oregon’s help, her family is now on a path to getting her children what they need to access their education and thrive.

Alisha recently faced a tough situation when her son's school threatened to expel him because of some behavior issues related to his disability. See how she learned to advocate for her son.

Meet Kari Q., a neurodivergent parent to five neurodivergent kids. Kari's journey through education, disability, and health systems has been challenging as she navigates systems that aren’t designed for people like her and her family. In this blog post, we explore Kari's advocacy journey.

Christina’s son’s disruptive behavior at school led to the threat of expulsion earlier this fall. How Christina is navigating this situation – and how she is advocating for her son – is the parent hero story we share today.

FACT Oregon is dedicated to empowering families and individuals navigating disability, reshaping perceptions of disability, and advocating for a society in which all people can thrive. Our Support Line provides a lifeline to families navigating the complex worlds of special education, disability services, and future planning. We seek to provide a safe space for families to ask questions and discover practical solutions or next steps they can take. We are proud that this service is an essential resource for families across the state and are privileged to receive positive feedback about the impact we have on the lives of the families we support. Here’s a closer look at our Support Line and the ways that families engage with us. 

As we step into the new school year, our Back-to-School Checklist provides essential tools to kick off the new year with confidence!

Healthier Together Oregon (HTO), the State Health Improvement Plan, is a transformative initiative that envisions a healthier and more equitable Oregon, ensuring that every resident can thrive. HTO has developed a comprehensive plan with clear strategies to address health disparities, foster collaboration, and achieve health equity throughout the state.

At FACT Oregon, we wholeheartedly share HTO's core values and mission. Our organization is deeply committed to promoting health equity and creating an inclusive environment for all Oregonians, regardless of their background or abilities. We focus on empowering families and individuals with disabilities, proudly aligning ourselves with HTO's inspiring vision. Together, we strive to provide the necessary resources and support for everyone to thrive.

Two new staff members delve into their perspectives and suggestions for making the most of the summer months.

Whitnie Trost shares more about her efforts to support the self-determination of her son Chris, who is 20. “Moral of the story: expect little, get little. Expect a lot and provide the right support and prompts, and Chris will rise to the occasion and do a great job.”

Disparity of access to key services impacted Alicia and her family as they navigated disability early on, and it has ignited her desire to help others. Read her story.

Maria and Angelica, two of our Program Specialists, share their tips for having a festive holiday season with their kids without overwhelming them.

One of my life’s biggest riddles to solve is still decoding what Chris feels, needs, and wants and what supports work best for him…Together, we’ve discovered that there is almost always a solution to any puzzle. We only have to find the pieces that fit just right.

Heather Carleton is a program specialist at FACT Oregon. Heather shares how she and her family navigate disability and how she builds community and positive change.

We had so much fun at the Southern Oregon All Ability Tri4Youth Bike-Run in Ashland on October 1! Over 90 athletes with and without disabilities participated, as well as 50 volunteers.

Maria Rangel, especialista en programas bilingües, comparte sobre cómo ella y su familia navegan por la discapacidad, las barreras que enfrentó al abogar por su hija y su pasión por apoyar a toda su comunidad de habla hispana para que se sienta conectada y empoderada.

Maria Rangel, Bilingual Program Specialist, shares about how she and her family navigate disability, the barriers she faced in advocating for her daughter, and her passion to support her entire Spanish-speaking community to feel connected and empowered.

“Surrounded by other parents going through similar things, I realized for the first time that disability is a natural thing, and that once we’ve embraced and accepted it, we can all have a beautiful journey. Not always an easy journey. But a journey to a real destination.”

“Trajectory gave us a roadmap to personalize.” - Angelica Butler, program specialist, shares her family’s disability journey and advice to families experiencing disability.