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Here is a recent letter from UCP Oregon's Board of Directors regarding the paying of parents of minor children who experience intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD).
 We think all of us are beautiful people! And so does a local filmmaker named Zian Chavez.
Zian is making a documentary about the lived experiences of people who experience disabilities, here in Portland and around the world. The film is entitled “We are the Most Beautiful People.” UCP Oregon sponsored the documentary, and some UCP Oregon customers have been interviewed as a part of the project. The film crew is interviewing people who experience disabilities all over the globe, including Ghana, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and the United States. Zian herself experiences disabilities. As Zian says, “I’ve lived half of my life with a disability. In my own experience of… living with chronic pain and discomfort with MS, I couldn’t imagine feeling beautiful.” That’s why she decided to make this documentary. She adds, “This is a film unfolding the real life of adults with disabilities… Our triumphs, our failures, our dedication to living our best lives.” As a sponsor of the project, UCP will benefit from the film’s earnings. We’ll also be working to ensure that there’s a film viewing for our customers, families, employees, and community partners. Zian will be applying for film festivals in the fall of 2023. The film has an expected release date of December 3, 2023. Stay tuned for more information!  It's October, and you know what that means... fall leaves, cooler weather… and NDEAM!
NDEAM stands for "National Disability Employment Awareness Month." NDEAM happens every October, but at UCP Oregon, we believe in creating and celebrating access and opportunity every day! Our Supported Employment division (Employment Solutions) currently supports 30 customers, all of whom experience disabilities, to find and keep their dream jobs. Our customers are currently employed at workplaces across the metro area, including:
We can assist with everything from resume creation, job searches and interviews, to on-the-job coaching and training. |