 We're sad to announce that the 2020 Walk, Roll 'n' Run (WRR) is cancelled. In a normal year, the WRR is UCP's biggest event. It raises crucial funds for our Family Support Department, allowing us to provide vital supports for families raising kids with cerebral palsy. But... it's not a normal year. It's 2020. And that means we need your help more than ever! That's why we're asking you to donate in your usual WRR amount. Or even consider donating more!  Here’s a lovely story for a lovely day!
If someone in your family uses a wheelchair, you know how hard it can be to take a vacation… let alone go camping! UCP’s Family Support Director, Katherine, loves to go camping. Recently, she got to take her son (who uses a wheelchair) with her, thanks to the kindness of an awesome UCP parent! The parent, Lisa Ledson, lent Katherine and Nic a 40-foot, wheelchair-accessible RV and a wheelchair ramp. Katherine and Nic stayed at the Mt. Hood RV Resort. Katherine says that the resort was incredible for wheelchairs. They also went to Wildwood Recreation Park on the Salmon River, which has accessible trails for wheelchairs. We're excited to announce that UCP, along with Abeona Group, is hosting a Zoom class about government benefits for individuals who experience disabilities!
Join us on August 18th at 7:00 PM. You'll learn how programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, K-Plan, ABLE Act, and more can help support your loved one, and how to best navigate the complexities within these programs. *Zoom Registration Required* Register here. NOTE: Please contact Hayley Palmer with any questions or concerns: 503-914-1285 or hayleypalmer@financialguide.com
The program is called Amazon Smiles. It's incredibly easy to set up.
Last week, UCP Oregon and the nation celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Did you know that an 8-year-old girl who experienced cerebral palsy helped get this bill passed? Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins crawled up the 83 stone steps that lead to the U.S. Capitol. "I’ll take all night if I have to," she said. Joining her on her journey were some 60 other activists who also cast aside their mobility devices, all with a goal of demonstrating the everyday barriers experienced by people with disabilities. Jennifer is still a disability rights activist today. Learn more about her story here.
COVID-19 is certainly proving to be a marathon!
UCP Oregon is committed to responding to COVID-19 in a way that keeps customers, employees, and the community safe. At this time, there are no plans in the works to change our current strategies (keeping the office closed and limiting face-to-face supports as possible). If needed, we will make some adjustments in specific service areas to be responsive to customer needs. But, rest assured, that these adjustments will be made cautiously and thoughtfully. As always, we thank our employees. All of them are working under unprecedented conditions, especially those that are providing in-person supports. Many folks have experienced changes to their roles and duties, and are having far less social interaction with team members. They are handling these changes with grace and grit. A shout-out to our customers as well. Many folks have their supports changed or paused. We're grateful for their flexibility and resilience. We'll get through this, together. One day and one step at a time. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, UCP has decided to postpone the Family Conference until 2021.
We look forward to seeing you then! To UCP Employees, Customers, and Community Partners: UCP stands against racism, and stands behind justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many other Black women and men who have lost their lives. UCP’s mission is to lift up, support and advocate for and with people with disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in our community. Many of the people we support and employ are also Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and as such at greater risk of violence and harm. UCP believes all humans should feel safe and supported by our organization. We will not tolerate inequality, injustice, or exclusivity of any kind in our community. The time is now to assure that extends specifically to the Black people we support and work alongside. There is so much more to say, so much more to do, individually and as a community. As Adrienne Maree Brown says, All the big things that we are longing for are made up of a lot of small, personal, radical, brave choices. We can do it. Together.
Our customers are our best role models during this time of uncertainty. They're the real experts at navigating barriers, exceptions, and challenges. They already know how to wade deep into unknown waters, deal with uncertainty, and find coping mechanisms.
Our employees are, as always, rising to any challenge, whether it's finding personal protective gear and emergency supplies, or finding ways to help customers socialize at a distance. It is clear that we ALL take the business of providing human services seriously. Reopening:
One day, one customer, one step at a time. Sincerely, Ann Coffey, Executive Director |
NEWS Archives
September 2020
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
|
UCP Oregon is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
©2020, All rights reserved. Privacy Policy |
UCP Oregon
305 NE 102nd Avenue, Suite 100 Portland, OR 97220 Phone: 503-777-4166 Fax: 503-771-8048 |