 Did you know that March 25th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day? The nationally recognized holiday was created in 2006 by a non-profit parent advocacy group called “Reaching for the Stars.” One way to make a difference on this day is to help spread awareness with your community. Here are some facts you might like to share:
Here are some other simple ways to make a difference on National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day:
PS: Want even more CP facts? Check out this link.
 Reminder! UCP Oregon’s “Bill Porter Memorial Fund” is closing soon! We are accepting applications through 5pm on March 31st. (The application period began on March 1st.)
Applicants must be receiving contracted supports from UCP Oregon, or be active within UCP’s Family Support Department to be considered. Applicants are encouraged to be creative and inventive when deciding how to use funds—the funds can be spent on almost anything that will improve their quality of life. Here are a few examples:
 March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It is also a time to recognize the unique challenges faced by women, including those with disabilities. This week, we learned of the sad passing of Judith Heumann, one of the world’s most recognized disability advocates. At the age of two, Judith contracted Polio and lost the ability to walk. When Judith attempted to start kindergarten, the principal physically blocked the family from entering the school, calling Heumann a “fire hazard.” Luckily, Judith’s mother fought for her daughter’s right to an education. Judith went on to graduate with a BA in 1969. In the 1970’s, after battling the New York Board of Education, Judith became the first teacher in the state to use a wheelchair. Later in her career, she helped establish the Independent Living movement. Judith also worked for the Clinton Administration and served as Assistant Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama. She worked for the World Bank and the State Department. As she said, When I was in the State Department, I took the bus to work every day, I traveled around the world, and I demonstrated what is possible. I think that sent an important message: Don’t assume my life is a tragedy or that disabled people have nothing to contribute. We are leaders, fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons, we are capable voters and contributors, and we are not invisible. Judith also played a important role in the development of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2020, Judith was the star of a documentary, “Crip Camp” and also published a memoir, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist. Judith passed away on March 4, 2023. Armando A. Contreras (the President and CEO of the United Cerebral Palsy National organization) writes, Our nation has lost one of its greatest champions in the fight for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities… Ms. Heumann lived life fully, fearlessly and zealously advocating to change society’s systemic social and physical barriers against people with disabilities. Her life’s work helped reshape and elevate the world’s view of what a person with a disability can achieve. Are you looking for something fun to do in March?
Lisa Dixon, a Program Manager in UCP’s Supported Employment Department (Employment Solutions), discovered that Portland Audubon is hosting an "Accessible Birding Outing” at Whitaker Ponds on March 25th, from 10am-12pm. Portland Audubon says, “Migration is just starting, so we’ll look for some early songbirds, as well as woodpeckers, ducks and perhaps even some raptors. Together we’ll make our way through the natural area by foot or by wheelchair, observing and learning about birds, plants, and other wildlife. Portland Audubon says that the event is "reserved for people who identify as disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent and their family, friends or caregivers. Our accessible outings are made for and led by birders with disabilities. Beginning birders are welcome!"  Hey! Did you know that March is Women’s History Month?
As journalist Melissa Young says, “Women have been making history for centuries; for some, this was the only choice they had.” Women with disabilities make history, too. Melissa reminds us that, for many women who experienced disabilities “it was either live the way others expected them to or fight for the lives they knew they (and all people with disabilities) deserved.” Famous women who experience/experienced disabilities include:
LEARN MORE:  March is a busy month!
It’s Women’s History Month. It’s also National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. And it’s National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! Since UCP Oregon’s roots are in cerebral palsy, we thought we’d start out by talking about National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. The goal of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is to push for positive change in education, healthcare, and the employment world. UCP Oregon does advocacy work on a local, state and national level. You can make a difference, too! HOW TO CELEBRATE:
 Hello! We are pleased to announce that UCP Oregon’s “Bill Porter Memorial Fund” opens March 1st at 8am. WHO CAN APPLY: Applicants must be receiving contracted supports from UCP Oregon, or be active within UCP’s Family Support Department, to be considered. WHEN: Applications will be accepted from March 1-31, 2023. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:
AWARDS PROCESS: Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Team with oversight from the UCP Board of Directors. Award recipients will be announced in early May. WHAT SHOULD APPLICANTS APPLY FOR: Applicants are encouraged to be creative and inventive when deciding how to use funds—the funds can be spent on almost anything that will improve their quality of life. Past examples have included home modifications, assistive technology, travel, and education. See the website for more examples. QUESTIONS: Call UCP's Executive Director (Ann Coffey) at 971-235-9543, or email her. It’s 2023. Across America, states are supporting the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
You can learn how every state is doing in The Case for Inclusion 2023: Making Good on Our Nation's Promise of Community Inclusion for All. The report was released on February 28th, and was created by United Cerebral Palsy National organization, ANCOR, and the ANCOR Foundation. This year's report includes the following insights:
Download a PDF copy here.  Did you know that one of the families in UCP's Family Support Department have a goat farm? It's Fraga Farm, about a 45-minute drive from Portland.
The owners have invited all the families in UCP's Family Support Department to the farm for a day of hanging out with their newborn baby goats! Participants will get to get up close and personal with the baby goats (“kids”), including cuddles and bottle feeding. The event will be held on March 5th. We want to extend a huge thank you to Fraga Farm, especially the hosts, Elisabeth Bueschen-Monahan (the Herd Manager) and Steve Monahan (the Cheesemaker) for creating this awesome opportunity for our families!  Due to popular request, you can now donate directly to UCP’s Family Support Department!
Your donation will assist 800 families who are raising children with developmental disabilities, right here in Oregon. Our Family Support Department is there at every stage, from the moment of diagnosis to the time when the child is ready to start their adult life. We offer monthly support groups, information and referral, fun outings, and workshops and classes. But most importantly, we offer hope, a sense of connection, and lots of fun along the way! Thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do it without you! |
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