February with FACT Oregon

News and Resources: February 2025

Dear FACT Oregon Community,

Relationships are the heart of our community. This February, we’re focusing on the importance of building strong, healthy, and supportive relationships. Whether it’s friendships, family connections, or romantic partnerships, each relationship contributes to our sense of belonging and well-being.

We’re especially excited about opportunities coming up to strengthen these connections:

Early Childhood Learning Conference on February 8th
Unlocking Potential in Special Education on March 1st

I’m thrilled that Dr. Julie Causton will be a keynote speaker at our March event. Her work has made a profound difference in my own life! Learn more in the presenter spotlight below and don’t miss this chance to hear her speak.

Let’s continue to build connections rooted in respect, understanding, and love.

With warmth,

Christy Reese
Executive Director, FACT Oregon

Virtual Half-Day Conferences

Early Childhood Learning Conference

Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 8:45 am - 2:00 pm | Zoom

A virtual learning day for families of young children with disabilities and the professionals who support them. Get practical tools and knowledge to navigate your child’s early education journey with confidence!

Register | Learn More
Download Flyers

Language Services: Training will be provided in English with Spanish interpretation. Please request other language supports at least 14 days before the event. We will do our best to accommodate.

A teacher sits with students as they do worksheets. Text reads Unlocking Potential in Special Education: Transforming Outcomes for Students with Disabilities.

Unlocking Potential in Special Education: Transforming Outcomes for Students with Disabilities

Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 8:45 am - 1:30 pm | Zoom

Families…educators…school leaders…community partners…are you ready to change how we support students with disabilities?

This conference is your chance to learn new tools, strategies, and ideas from leading experts who are creating spaces where all students can succeed.

Keynote: We’re excited to have Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak as our keynote speakers. National leaders in education, they are called "magical inclusion experts" and "educator's educators."

Together, they will share five powerful and practical strategies to make inclusive education successful.

Don’t miss this opportunity to spark new ideas, learn practical strategies, and connect with a community committed to helping every student shine!

Register | Learn More
Download Flyers (English and Spanish)

Language Services: Training will be provided in English with Spanish interpretation. Please request other language supports at least 14 days before the event. We will do our best to accommodate.

March 1 Presenter Spotlights

Dr. Julie Causton

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Julie Causton from Inclusive Schooling will be a keynote speaker at Unlocking Potential in Special Education! Dr. Causton is a leader in inclusive education and has helped schools and families create classrooms where all students feel like they belong and can succeed.

Read more about Dr. Julie Causton.

Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak

We’re also excited to welcome Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak as a keynote speaker at Unlocking Potential in Special Education! Dr. Pretti-Frontczak is a passionate leader in early childhood education and inclusion. She works closely with Dr. Julie Causton, and together they’ve inspired families and educators across the country to embrace practices that support every child’s growth and success.

Register now to join us on March 1!

New Online Training on Special Education

Introducing a fabulous new online training resource: Understanding Special Education: Introducing the Six Core Principles of IDEA.

This self-paced, on-demand training is comprehensive, interactive, and vetted by the Oregon Department of Education.

Whether you're a parent, community partner, or educator, this on-demand training will give you the knowledge and tools to better understand and take part in the special education process.

Take the training now!

More Trainings

Transition to Kindergarten

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm | Zoom

Get Ready for Kindergarten! For Families of Young Children with Disabilities… Kindergarten is a big change! Understand what’s coming next as your child transitions from an IFSP to an IEP. You’ll learn what happens when your child moves from an IFSP to an IEP, how special education works in kindergarten.how you can help with your child’s education, and tips for getting ready for the transition meeting.

Register: English session | Spanish session
Learn More | Download Flyers

Language Services: Trainings will be provided in English and Spanish. Please request other language supports at least 14 days before the event. We will do our best to accommodate.

Find Us Out in Community

Oregon Statewide Transition Conference
Wed., March 12 - Fri., March 14
The Graduate Hotel, Eugene

FACT Oregon will present and connect with others at this statewide conference for professionals, with a focus on preparing our youth for adulthood. Learn more.

Breaking Barriers: Life Beyond Labels Conference
Tuesday, April 22 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Deschutes County Expo Center

FACT Oregon is proud to support and be a part of Breaking Barriers! The vision of the conference is:

Our vision is for an inclusive community where barriers don’t exist and labels such as disability have no meaning. This conference will serve as a platform to share the unique and diverse perspectives of all members of our community. Together we will learn to create a truly inclusive society, where all people will enjoy a fulfilling and self-directed life beyond labels. Learn more.

Discover and Discuss

Dating, Relationships and Disability

We’re bringing back an oldie but goodie! This podcast offers strategies, encouragement, and mindset tips on dating with a disability. Join Kathy O'Connell, an individual with a disability, as she discusses all things relationships!

Listen to the podcast: Dating, Relationships, and Disability

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Career Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies and making academic content accessible in a hands-on context.

Our own Whitnie Trust, Support Specialist, sits on the Statewide CTE Advisory Council, and she has written a great article about CTE services and how to get the most out of them for youth with disabilities.

Read our blog.

Just For Youth: CTE and Future Build

A graphic showing a simple house with a picket fence and the words Future Build on a red banner above.

Are you thinking about a career in construction, engineering, or manufacturing? Learn about Future Build! This CTE program is through Eugene School District 4J.

Watch the video.

We Need Your Help: Give Today

A child wears star shaped sunglasses and text treads be our superstar, give today and double your impact.

In the face of uncertain public funding, please help us ensure support remains available to families. All gifts are being matched by the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation!

“Your help and guidance… gives me the renewed strength and confidence that we are going in the right direction after our talk today.” - Parent

Give Today