News and Resources: May 2025
Focus on Mental Health and Disability

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Navigating Special Education: IDEA, IEPs, and Communicating with your School Team

Tuesday, May 6 | Medford, OR (Location provided after registering)
Dinner: 5:30-6:00 PM | Training: 6:00-7:30 PM

Join FACT Oregon, The Arc Jackson County, Autism Society of Oregon, and Bridging Communities for this collaborative event. This session will help you:

• Understand the core principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• Communicate more effectively with your school team

• Feel confident and prepared for your next IEP meeting

We’ll share tips, tools, and examples to help you be active, informed partners in the IEP process. Educators and community partners are also welcome—let’s work together to support student success!

Training 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.

Register | More Info | Flyers

Ready Together: Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen anytime—wildfires, earthquakes, power outages, and more. Planning ahead helps keep your child safe.

This two-part training series will help you think about your child’s unique needs and create a plan that works for your family.

Part 1: Learn and Plan!

Wednesday, May 14 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Zoom

We will think through emergency planning and talk about:

• What emergencies happen in Oregon and how they may affect your family.

• Your child’s unique needs (mobility, communication, sensory, and medical).

• Building a step-by-step emergency plan that works for your family.

• What to include in an emergency kit (beyond the basics!).

• Finding help and resources in your community.

Register | More information | Digital Flyer

Part 2: Make & Take Workshop

Wednesday, May 21 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Zoom

Put what we learned in Session 1 into action:

• Create your family’s emergency plan using the Integrated Supports Star

•  Build your emergency kit list with must-have items for your child

•  Work with other families to problem-solve and finish your plan

•  Practice your plan so you feel ready

• Ask questions and get support from others

Register | More information | Digital Flyer

We have created three new storybooks in English and in Spanish to help families and children with disabilities prepare for a fire, a flood, or an earthquake. Read, download, or order physical books here.

Q&A with ODE, CODSN and FACT Oregon

Tuesday, May 13 | 12:00 -1:00 P.M. | Zoom
Thursday, June 5 | 6:30 - 7:30 P.M. | Zoom

Do you have questions about special education in Oregon? Join co-hosts FACT Oregon and CODSN for a virtual question and answer time with the Oregon Department of Education.

Interpretation support is available with 72 hours’ notice.

Register and submit your questions!

Overview of Developmental Disability (I/DD) Services in Oregon
(In English | Spanish)

This course will help you understand how these services support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and their families, to live full and meaningful lives.

You'll learn how to access DD services, the types of support available, and how DD services can work with family, community, and personal strengths.

Register at our On-Demand Trainings page.

Understanding Special Education: Introducing the Six Core Principles of IDEA (In English | Spanish)

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.

Register at our On-Demand Trainings page.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—so let’s talk about it. Whether you're looking for someone to talk to or text, a video to share, or just a place to learn, we've got your back!

YouthLine is a free peer-to-peer help, support, and crisis line for youth aged 10-24. No problem is too big or too small! Youth peers are available 4-10 PM every day!

Watch a video about YouthLine.

Your generosity helps us provide free 1:1 support and trainings to families across the state. If you value our work, we’d love your support!

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