Empowering families experiencing disability.
Join us for a virtual inclusive afternoon of programming designed for our disability community over Zoom. Sept. 12: Stories & Songs; Oct. 10: Bingo & Trivia. This program is open to all! Register to receive Zoom link (all ages welcome).
www.BeavertonLibrary.org/Register
By Executive Director, Roberta Dunn
It was in a college psychology class that I was first introduced to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the five tier triangle that identified the meeting of individual needs to the ability to experience individual growth; the idea that one built upon another in a hierarchy. It sat well with me then and still does, but all these years later, I can’t help but apply this to the experience of the many people in my life that experience disability, including my own son. Too often, in our journey in disability, the emphasis of needs as being “special needs” somehow diverts pursuit of Maslow’s five basic needs. It launches us in focused pursuit, and possible acquisition, of meeting one’s physiological and safety needs, but often stops there. And while advocacy efforts have made strides in securing access – to school, community, etc., simply being able to access something falls short of belonging. Is that the end of growth for friends and family members experiencing disability – basic needs met in a safe place that they are able to access? No way!
Let’s change the narrative, let’s flip this scenario on its head. January 20th is the MLK National Day of Service, a great opportunity for you and your child/young adult to plug into community; a great opportunity to celebrate what makes us unique – our strengths, our gifts and our talents. Visit the website and find a site near you where your family can shine!
Remember a time when you felt esteem, pride, success – a time you felt your personal best. Wasn’t it amazing?! Everyone, including our children experiencing disability, deserve opportunities to experience that. Let’s make it happen this MLK Day of Service.
We look forward to hearing your stories. And remember, our communities are stronger and more vibrant when they are inclusive!
https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/mlk-day-service
¿Alguna vez ha tenido problemas para participar en una actividad que no era accesible para usted? ¿Ha sentido o visto las lágrimas, la frustración y la tristeza como resultado de esto?
En FACT Oregon, interactuamos con familias todos los días a cuyos hijos se les dice que no pueden participar en actividades, o que pueden pero solo de forma limitada, en un lugar determinado, o si es que no es “demasiado difícil”.
FACT Oregon creó el Triatlón de Todas las Habilidades Tri4Youth para brindar a los jóvenes con y sin discapacidades la oportunidad de competir juntos en un triatlón abierto y accesible para todos. La participación en deportes y recreación en la comunidad son una parte clave para tener una vida plena, para muchas familias. Todos nuestros niños merecen participar de una manera que celebre su esfuerzo, reconozca las barreras y también sus necesidades para que puedan tener éxito.
Lea esta historia de Angie Sims acerca de la experiencia de su hija:
“A menudo es difícil para Ruby participar en deportes o eventos organizados. Le cuesta mucho seguir conceptos e instrucciones. Ruby tiene varios diagnósticos que pueden explicar por qué ella”se comporta un poco diferente en la vida” – epilepsia, autismo, ADHD … ¡pero para nosotros, es solo Ruby! Este año, Ruby participó por primera vez en el Triatlón de Todas las Habilidades Tri4Youth de FACT Oregon. Ella se divirtió, ¡y nosotros también!
Ruby tiene más éxito cuando puede mirar y luego hacer las cosas y cuando está familiarizada con un lugar. Afortunadamente, FACT Oregon permitió que los participantes vinieran el día anterior a dejar las bicicletas, ver las instalaciones y mirar el curso. También compartieron una historia social y un tablero de comunicación, y vimos un video sobre el evento y hablamos sobre cómo todos participan de manera diferente. Ruby se sintió muy independiente y empoderada al participar con su compañera de equipo y cuidadora Dawn mientras nosotros la animábamos desde un costado. Aunque estaba nerviosa, también estaba emocionada, y con todos animándola, ¡Ruby se sintió como una estrella! Pudo tomar esa energía y mantenerse enfocada a cruzar la línea de meta.
En el triatlón de Todas las Habilidades Tri4Youth, todos son ganadores. Todos los participantes reciben apoyo y es un evento sin presión, y con la única expectativa de divertirse. Y realmente, ese es nuestro enfoque principal en la vida. En otros eventos, sentimos la necesidad de explicar los comportamientos de Ruby o enseñarle las normas sociales que no comprende completamente. Pero en FACT Oregon, solo vimos aceptación.
Para nosotros, el triatlón de todas las habilidades Tri4Youth es una forma divertida de ser parte de algo más grande. Es realmente mágico estar involucrado en una comunidad que nos permite a todos reconocer la vida por lo que realmente es. ¡Doy gracias por Ruby por que me llevó a estar en este lugar en la vida y agradezco a FACT Oregon por la educación continua, el apoyo y los eventos únicos que nos permiten unirnos y ser testigos de la grandeza en todas sus formas!”
Pero FACT Oregon necesita su ayuda. El triatlón de Todas las Habilidades Tri4Youth es una de las muchas formas en que apoyamos a las familias y las conectamos con los recursos y con la comunidad. Nuestros entrenamientos y nuestra línea de apoyo de familias para familias ayuda a las familias a obtener información y orientación sobre educación especial, servicios de discapacidad, comportamiento, tecnología de asistencia, visión, acceso a la comunidad, planificación para la edad adulta y más. Este año hemos estado viajando por todo el estado con nuestras Cumbres Regionales de Aprendizaje gratuitas de un día. Y nuestro equipo de apoyo ha estado ocupado comunicándose con las familias por teléfono y correo electrónico en inglés y español, y con el uso de intérpretes en otros idiomas.
Su generosidad garantiza nuestra capacidad continua de apoyar a las familias que viven con discapacidad.
Estamos agradecidas/os de la fundación The Collins Foundation POR EL DESAFÍO 1: 1 MATCH.
Have you ever struggled to participate in an activity that was inaccessible to you? Have you felt or seen the tears, frustration, and sadness that result?
At FACT Oregon, we interact with families every day whose children are told they can’t participate. Or only in a limited way. Or only in a certain place. Or only if it’s not “too hard.”
FACT Oregon created the All Ability Tri4Youth to provide youth with and without disabilities an opportunity to compete together in a triathlon open and accessible to all. Participation in community sports and recreation is a key aspect of pursuing a whole life for many families. All our kids deserve to participate in a way that celebrates their effort, recognizes barriers, and addresses their needs so that they can be successful.
Read this story from Angie Sims about her daughter’s experience:
“It is often difficult for Ruby to participate in organized sports or events. She has a hard time following concepts and directions. Ruby has several diagnoses that help explain why Ruby “does life” a bit differently — epilepsy, autism, ADHD…but for us, it’s just Ruby! This year Ruby, participated for the first time in FACT Oregon’s All Ability Tri4Youth. She had fun, and so did we!
Ruby succeeds best when she can watch and then do and when she is familiar with a venue. Thankfully, FACT Oregon allowed participants to come the day before to drop off bikes, see the facilities, and look at the course. They shared a social story and communication board, and we watched a video about the event. We talked about how everyone participates differently. Ruby felt very independent and empowered participating with her teammate and caregiver Dawn while we cheered her on from the sidelines. Although she was nervous, she was also excited, and with everyone cheering for her, Ruby felt like a star! She was able to take that energy and stay focused through the finish line.
At the All Ability Tri4Youth, everyone is a winner. Every participant is genuinely supported, and the event is relaxed, sensory friendly, and with no expectations except to have FUN. And really, that is our main focus in life. At other events, we feel the need to explain Ruby’s behaviors or teach her social norms she doesn’t fully grasp. But at FACT Oregon, we just see acceptance.
For us, the All Ability Tri4Youth is a fun way to be a part of something bigger. It is truly magical to be involved in a community that allows us all to recognize life for what it really is. I give thanks for Ruby leading me to this place in life and thank FACT Oregon for the ongoing education, support, and unique events to allow us to come together and witness greatness in all of its forms!”
But FACT Oregon needs your help. The All Ability Tri4Youth is one of many ways we support families and connect them to resources and community. Our trainings and peer support line help families get information and guidance on special education, disability services, behavior, assistive technology, visioning, community access, planning for adulthood, and more. This year, we are traveling across the state with our free day-long Regional Learning Summits. And our support team is busy connecting with families by phone and email in English and Spanish, and working through interpreters in other languages.
Your generosity ensures our ongoing ability to support families experiencing disability.
We are grateful to The Collins Foundation for a 1:1 CHALLENGE MATCH.
Donate today to take advantage of this 1:1 match of new and increased gifts!