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Dear Families, Friends, and Partners,

Welcome to July, Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the history, achievements, and experiences of the disability community. We at FACT Oregon will be taking a moment to honor the celebration of our identities and contributions and keep challenging ableism. I invite you to join us!

July 4th and the fireworks that come with it are not always a welcome time in our family. If that sounds familiar, check out our tips for creating July 4th celebrations that are sensory-friendly, so everyone can enjoy the festivities.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Dream Big Dreams fundraiser! Your contributions make a huge difference for families navigating disabilities.

In community,

Christy Reese, Executive Director

Look! Think! Act!
Family Data Leadership Training
A mom puts a hearing aid in a young toddler's ear as the child leans on a picture book.

July 16,17, 18 and 19 | 10:30 am – 12: 00 pm | Virtual

The Power of Data:
Join us for a four (4) session learning series to help family members to:

  • Learn about the importance of data

  • Participate in important data discussions that impact children with disabilities and their families

  • Create positive change at the local and state level

Who Should Attend:
Parents and caregivers of children Birth – 5 who receive or who are eligible to receive early intervention or early childhood special education (EI/ECSE). If your child is older and you are interested, please let us know and we will add you if space is available.

Participants are expected to attend all four sessions.
 Register 

Find us out in the community

Forest Grove Resource Fair

Thursday, July 11 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Echo Shaw School, 914 S Linden St., Cornelius

Meet with our bilingual staff at this event for all migrant families in the Forest Grove School District.
 

Wood Village Night Out

Friday, July 19 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wood Village Baptist Church | 23601 NE Arata Rd, Wood Village

Join us for free resources, live music, games, activities, free food & drinks, equipment road-eo, playeast fun zone, bounce houses, dunk tank, and more!
City Nite Out Wood Village - click for more information

Sensory Friendly 4th of July

Use these sensory-friendly tips for a comfortable and fun 4th of July celebration.

Alternative Fireworks Displays

Watch fireworks on TV or online to control the volume and brightness. Use glow sticks, LED toys, or flashlights for a colorful, less intense light show.

Create Quiet Zones

Set up a quiet space indoors with noise-canceling headphones and soothing activities. Find quieter areas at local events where your family can retreat if needed.

Alternative Celebrations

Join parades, picnics, or community events during the day when fireworks aren’t used. Do patriotic-themed crafts like making flags, decorating cookies, or creating red, white, and blue artwork.

Sensory-Friendly Fireworks

Attend or organize events with silent fireworks or laser light shows. Watch fireworks from a distance to reduce noise and visual intensity.

Bring along sensory items

Use weighted blankets or lap pads for comfort during stressful moments. Bring favorite comfort items like stuffed animals, fidget toys, or chewable jewelry.

Ear Protection

Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to reduce the sound of fireworks. Listen to calming music or white noise through headphones to create a relaxing environment.

Social Stories and Preparation

Use social stories to explain what to expect during 4th of July celebrations. Create visual schedules to help children understand and anticipate the day's events.

Inclusive Activities

Set up patriotic-themed sensory bins with items like colored rice, beads, and small flags. Enjoy sensory-friendly outdoor activities such as water play, chalk drawing, or bubble blowing.

Small Gatherings

Host small family-only gatherings to create a controlled and familiar environment. Coordinate with neighbors for smaller, quieter celebrations without loud fireworks.

Community Resources

Check for community events designed for sensory sensitivities, often hosted by local disability organizations. Connect with other families to share tips and support for sensory-friendly celebrations.

July is Disability Pride Month

July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Celebrate by honoring the history and achievements of the disability community! Learn more about why and how to celebrate Disability Pride Month in this article from The Arc.

Disability Pride Month is a great time to watch some inspiring videos. Here is one of our favorites: Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

The Oregon Disabilities Commission, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon are hosting a Lunch and Learn series in July 2024 to recognize and celebrate the 34th anniversary of the ADA. Sessions are from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesdays in July. Learn more and register!

Just for Youth

Watch this video to learn about the ADA! The ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act (For Kids, By Kids)

Check out the Self-Determination Channel on YouTube! It’s run by self-advocates and features content they create. Tune in to learn more about how to make choices and take control of your life.

Thank You for Helping us Dream BIG Dreams!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual Dream Big Dreams fundraiser! Your support has made a huge difference for families navigating disabilities. The event raised over $23,000 in unrestricted funds for FACT Oregon!

Together, we're making dreams come true for children with disabilities. Thank you for dreaming BIG with us!

Donate Today

Did you know 34% more families called FACT Oregon for support in 2023-24 than in the year prior? Help us be there for even more families across Oregon in 2024-25. Give today!
 GIVE 
FACT Oregon

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2475 SE Ladd Ave. Suite 430, Portland, OR 97214, USA

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