Correction! February’s News & Resource Guide Inside!

February News and Resources

Dear Families, Partners, and Friends,

As we embrace the vibrant energy of February, I extend warm greetings to our wonderful FACT Oregon community. This month, we celebrate Black History Month and explore the intersectionality of disability within the rich tapestry of Black history. In doing so, we point to the significant contributions of Black Americans with disabilities and pay tribute to civil rights leaders and activists who were instrumental in advancing the rights of people with disabilities.

In this newsletter, you will also find upcoming trainings, including our Special Education Summits and Activate your Advocacy Parent Leadership Program, along with resources to empower and support you on your journey of navigating disability. Thank you all for being an essential part of FACT Oregon's mission.

In gratitude,

Christy Reese, Executive Director

Special Education Summits

Join us as we explore special education and the IEP, share strategies to communicate with your child’s school, and talk about how to resolve disagreements.

Special Education Virtual Summit
Saturday, March 2 | 8:45 am – 2:30 pm | Zoom

Northern Oregon Learning Summit
Saturday, April 27 | 8:30 am – 4:00 pm | Hood River

Presented in partnership with:

Parent Leadership Program
Applications Now Open!

The purpose of Activate Your Advocacy (AYA) is to train and engage parents and family members who want to advocate for education system changes that improve outcomes for children with disabilities.

We are thrilled to announce two AYA cohorts this spring: one in English, and, for the first time, a Spanish-language cohort led by our bilingual program coordinators.

English sessions will meet Mondays and Wednesdays, April 1-17 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Zoom

Spanish sessions will meet Mondays and Tuesdays, April 29-May 21 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Zoom

Spanish Community Virtual Drop-In Hours Change of date!

First Wednesdays. February 7, March 6, April 3 | 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Families navigating disability and special education meet with bilingual staff to receive support, information, and community connection in Spanish. Bring your questions. Click here to join by Zoom!

Discover and Discuss

Front page of The Black Panther newspaper

Black Panthers: Unsung Heros of the Disability Movement

As we commemorate Black History Month, discover a lesser-known alliance – the Black Panthers' crucial aid during a 25-day sit-in for disability rights in 1977. Learn about their support and the role it played in shaping key legislation. Read the full story here, and witness this piece of history unfold in the award-winning film Crip Camp.

Honoring the Legacies of Black History Makers with Disabilities

Black Americans in the civil rights movement have been instrumental in championing disability rights in America. The progress we’ve achieved in addressing the needs of historically marginalized communities is greatly thanks to the leadership of Black Americans with disabilities.

Learn about the vital work of leaders like Brad Lomax, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Donald Galloway in this article. Then dive into the stories of eight influential Black Americans with disabilities who have played key roles in shaping American history here.

Lomax, a disability rights advocate and member of the Black Panther Party speaks at a rally.

Disproportionate Disciplinary Practices Impacting Students of Color with Disabilities

Students of color with disabilities are disproportionately pushed into the school-to-prison pipeline, according to a recent study by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. This article from the American Bar Association (ABA) Journal highlights the urgent need for reform in K-12 disciplinary practices, emphasizing the intersection of race and disability. For detailed statistics and insights, read the full report here.

Black and Disabled Activists You Need to be Following!

Discover the revolutionary work of community attorney Talila "TL" Lewis, fashion and style icon Danielle Oreoluwa Jinadu, model, designer, and content creator Shelby Lynch, lifestyle brand creator Lauren “Lolo” Spencer, poet and musician Keith Jones, and author and influencer Tiffany Hammond of Fidgets & Fries and for a sampling of modern-day changemakers who are making waves in social justice, equity and inclusion.

Shelby Lynch, Glamour Magazine’s Self-Love issue cover star.

Just for Youth

In recognition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, we would like to highlight the important role that Career and Technical Education plays for students of all abilities.

Did you know that transition services designed for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and graduating with a non-standard diploma can include post-graduation goals, including those related to training, education, and employment?

Discover how Oregon’s Inclusive Career Advancement Program (ICAP) helps people with disabilities access the training they need to find a pathway to a career, and explore this article on thriving in trade school with a disability.

Support for Financial Empowerment Work

We are grateful for the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s Department of Consumer and Business Services in selecting FACT Oregon as a 2024 Statewide Outreach Sponsorship recipient. This award supports FACT Oregon’s financial empowerment work for youth with disabilities and their families.

Additionally, OnPoint Community Credit Union named FACT Oregon as a 2024 Financial Wellness Partner. A $15,000 gift supports our work on youth financial empowerment.

Share the Love: Support FACT Oregon

Please continue to share the love and support FACT Oregon as we work together to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

GIVE TODAY