May with FACT Oregon | Mayo con FACT Oregon

A teacher and 6 students with and without disabilities walk in a nature park on a school field trip. The teacher is pointing out something in the distance.

May with FACT Oregon:
Preparing for Summer and Next Stage Transitions

Dear FACT Oregon Community,

Spring means class field trips, IEP season, and looking ahead to summer. As we spring into May, FACT Oregon is here for you! From in-person special education trainings to community resource fairs to on-demand options, there's something for every family. Make sure your voice is heard through the ODE family survey, and exciting opportunities just for youth transitioning to adulthood.

In community,

Christy Reese
Executive Director, FACT Oregon

Upcoming Trainings

Flyer with QR code to scan going to qrco.de/WC0506

Special Education Basics: What Families Need to Know
Wed, May 6 | 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Washington Street Conference Center
102 SW Washington St., Hillsboro
Register | Learn More and Get Flyer

Learn what special education is, who qualifies, what rights families have, and what to expect from referral through services. Common terms are explained in plain language. In English and Spanish.

flyer in Spanish with a QR code. Link goes to the event page

SPANISH: Getting to Know FACT and Special Education Basics (Migrant Education Program | SOESD)
Thurs., May 28 | 6:00 - 7:30 P.M. | Zoom
Learn More

This training introduces FACT Oregon and the support we offer families. Participants will also learn the basics of special education, including how children are identified and how teams determine if a child qualifies for services.

Out and About at Partner Events

Multnomah County I/DD Information and Resource Fair
Thurs., May 21 | 12:00-4:30 P.M.
DHS Conference Center
11626 NE Glisan St., Portland
Learn More

Kellogg Middle School Multicultural Fair
Wed., May 27, 6:00-8:00 PM.
3400 SE 69th Ave, Portland
Questions? Contact altynaiw@reapusa.org.

Clackamas County Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair
Sat., June 27, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Clackamas County College
19600 Molalla Ave, G103, Oregon City
Learn More

Self-Paced Trainings: Focus on Special Education

A woman sits on the couch working on her laptop

Learn at your own pace. Go to our On-Demand Trainings page for these trainings focused on special education and more:

Understanding Special Education: Introducing the Six Core Principles of IDEA (English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Somali, Ukrainian, Vietnamese)
Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Supports in School (English, Spanish)
Manifestation Determination Review (MDRs), Explained (English, Spanish)
Multilingual Formats: See all offerings here.

VISIT OUR ON-DEMAND PAGE

Discover and Discuss: Summer and Next Stage Transitions

Spring at school is go, go, go until it’s not, but then what?

Here are some things you can do now to prep for summer.

Waiting on assessments, behavior plans, or eligibility determinations? Check with your team immediately to know their timeline while school is still in session.
Plan your summer break wisely! Make sure your child maintains friend groups, has routines that keep them engaged and well regulated, and more. Here are some tips for parents.
Check for free or low-cost activities through your parks and rec. Many, like THPRD, Portland Parks & Rec, and RAPID offer adaptive and inclusive programming or Summer Free for Alls.
Talk about and plan for health care transitions. OHSU’s Lifespan Transition Clinic at the Institute on Development and Disability helps youth 14+ and their families identify the things that are important to them as they move to adult-based services and learn about supports and resources to help manage their healthcare.

Just For Youth: Supporting Youth Advocacy

Aqua and purple Graphic with text that read: Students who are self determined and particiate in their IEPs have better academic outcomes, better post-school employment, and higher quality of life.

Have an IEP?

Check out this Student Rubric from I’m Determined as well as a video series to help you be more involved in decisions that impact your life!

Graduating soon? Looking for a job?

Youth in the Know from SPAN offers great tips and resources.

Join the Transition to Adulthood Council (TAC),

This paid advisory board for people with disabilities aged 18-26 helps health care work better for people with disabilities!
Apply by May 15.

Take Pictures of Your Medical Appointments and Get Paid

Participants ages 18-26 can earn $10. Photos and reflections may be used in a new visual guide for youth transitioning to adult care. Contact Margaret Gibson at gibsoma@ohsu.edu to learn more.

Survey Says: Your Voice Matters!

The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities has drafted its 5-year plan to guide the work that OCDD does to improve the lives of people with I/DD and their families, and it’s time for public comment. Please weigh in by May 18 to share your feedback!

Take the survey (10 mins): English | Spanish

Each year, the Oregon Department of Education requires selected districts and ESDs to conduct a family survey about special education services. This spring, you may get a secure text message or letter with a survey link from your district. Please take the time to complete the survey. This information helps ODE make special education services better.

Is YOUR district or county ESD included? Here is a list.

Raffle Winners

Thank you to everyone who participated in our raffle of 2 trust packages! Results were posted on our raffle page of the website on April 16, and winners have been notified.

Special thanks to Fitzwater Law for their amazing generosity, which helped raise $7,000 to support FACT’s work around the state!

SEE RESULTS

May with FACT Oregon:Preparing for Summer and Next Stage Transitions