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:

• Pella
• OHSU
• Zupan’s Markets
• McCoys Millwork
• Fulcrum Fitness
• Fred Meyer
• JC Penney
• Walgreens
• Carls Jr
• Levys Restaurants
• Home Depot

 
We can assist with everything from resume creation, job searches and interviews, to on-the-job coaching and training.

As you may know, UCP’s second brokerage, UCP Mentors, just celebrated its first birthday.

To celebrate, Sasha Vidales, the UCP Mentors Brokerage Director coordinated an event called “UCP Day at Camp.”

Employees from both brokerages attended. They explored the trails, practiced archery, navigated the aerial course, did some arts and crafts, and more!

PS: a giant shout out to Sasha for coordinating the event. It was so much fun!

Today marks the first day of “National Hispanic Heritage Month,” celebrated each year from September 15th through October 15th.

This is an important month—a time to think of the contributions and history of people who identify as Hispanic in America.

UCP Oregon thinks it’s also important to talk about the intersection of race and disability this month. More than 5.4 million Americans who identity as Hispanic also experience a disability.

The intersection of multiple identities is complicated.
​
As Roque Gregorio Renteria (an LA-based screenwriter and comedian who uses a wheelchair) says, “There’s often a trade off when multiple identities are present. People want to focus on my Hispanic identity or my identity as a person with a disability and not examine both.”​

However, some Hispanic celebrities who experience disabilities have begun to share their experiences and voices. Notable examples include Michelle Rodriguez and Salma Hayek; and singers Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez.

​Yesterday was the 2022 UCP Family Support Picnic.

What a sweet day of community connection, fun and delicious food. 

Click through the slideshow above to see all the pics!

​Join UCP Oregon in celebrating “Direct Support Professionals” Recognition Week! We’re celebrating all week long (September 11-17, 2022).
 
Currently, UCP employs 93 Direct Support Professionals—also known as DSP’s.
 
UCP’s Direct Support Professionals work one-on-one with our customers. They assist customers wherever needed—at home, on the job, and out in the community—ensuring that our customers have independent and fulfilling lives.
 
So, the next time you see a Direct Support Professional, make sure to tell them how awesome they are!

We’d like to share a new resource with you, created in partnership by the UCP national organization (United Cerebral Palsy) and the ADAPT Community Network.

It’s called “Start Here” and it’s a digital platform for the parents of children who experience disabilities.

Start Here will provide information on the basics on various intellectual and developmental disabilities (such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and spina bifida) and other topics, such as how to be an effective advocate for your child.

Alas, as you may have guessed, there will be no 2022 Walk, Roll 'n' Run (WRR).
 
The WRR is UCP Oregon's biggest special event. It raises funds for the hundreds of families and kids who use the services of our Family Support Department.
 
So we're going to need your help more than ever!
 
That's why we're asking you to donate in your usual amount. Or even consider donating more! Every dollar makes a huge difference.

 
We are excited to announce that our 2022 Family Support Picnic will be held on Saturday, September 10th.

It's going to be AWESOME! Learn more (and RSVP!) below.
​