Do you remember what you were doing on July 26, 1990? Probably not. Maybe you weren’t even born yet!
But thirty-three years ago, something amazing happened. It was the day that the “Americans with Disabilities Act” (ADA) was finally passed. The ADA bans discrimination on the basis of disability in the areas of employment, public services, public accommodation, transit, and telecommunications. Berkshire Associates describes the ADA as “the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities.” As the ADA itself says, “The ADA reflects a recognition that the surest path to America's continued vitality, strength and vibrancy is through the full realization of the contributions of all of its citizens.” Happy Birthday, ADA! This is so cool!
Last weekend, several UCP Oregon families were able to spend a weekend at an amazing campground in Yakima, Washington—for free! Camp Prime Time is a nonprofit, and it focuses on children who experience disabilities or who are seriously ill. UCP campers had their choice of activities, including an accessible pontoon boat ride, a ride on an antique wagon, accessible horseback riding, and an accessible bonfire with a marshmallow roast. There was even a wheelchair-accessible treehouse! A gigantic thank you to Katherine Lee Ball, Director of UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department, for applying for UCP to attend and organizing the whole trip! And thanks to a UCP Family Support member, Stephanie, for sharing many of these awesome photos! Happy Disability Pride Month!
What does Disability Pride Month mean to you? For some people, Disability Pride Month is a time to speak out and take action. Other folks may use it as a chance to seek community or share their story. And for some people, Disability Pride Month is a time for deep introspection. Whatever this month means to you, UCP Oregon celebrates you and your story. On June 19th, we hope you’ll join UCP Oregon in celebrating and honoring the 158th anniversary of Juneteenth.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, news did not reach some enslaved communities until over two years later, on June 19, 1865 (now known as "Juneteenth.") Since then, many people have celebrated on Juneteenth each year. Finally, in 2021, Juneteenth was designated as a federal holiday. On Juneteenth--and every day--we recognize and remember the ongoing struggle for equal rights and freedom. Eeek! We're falling a bit behind!
Please remember to keep voting for UCP Oregon every day until July 5th, in Advantis Credit Union's completion to win a $10,000 grant. If we win the grant, we'll be able to give 50 families from UCP's Family Support Department a night of respite at a hotel of their choice. One night away can make a huge difference in the lives of parents who are raising kids with disabilities, many who are caregivers 24/7. PS: Gigantic thanks to the awesome local Advantis Credit Union for offering this grant! We are excited to announce that UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department is hosting its first “For Dads Only” Cabin Weekend!
This is a chance for UCP dads to connect with other UCP dads, and have a weekend away to relax and regroup. You’ll be able to have conversations with other dads who “get it.” The dads will be staying two night at the beautiful L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. The park is 34 miles west of Portland, and features hiking trails, two disc golf courses, mountain bike trails, and more. UCP has been gifted two nights of stays in five different cabins. There could be room for up to fifteen UCP dads to stay the night! PS: A gigantic thank you to the "Explore Cabins and Yurts program" at Oregon State Parks for gifting the cabin stays! Thanks to everyone who starting voting for UCP in the Advantis Credit Union competition to win a $10,000 grant!
As of this moment, we're in second place, which would qualify us for a grant! But we have to keep voting daily through July 5th. To help you remember, we created a fun Printable Voting Tracker.
PS: If UCP wins, we'll be able to give overnight hotel stays to 50 families in our Family Support Department who are raising kids with disabilitites. Some of these parents are "on duty" 24/7, so an overnight break can change lives.
Happy Pride Month!
Around the country, people are celebrating the power of authenticity and self-expression. It’s a time to a time to reflect on the achievements of LGBTQIA+ activists, who have fought tirelessly for equality and acceptance. It’s a time to acknowledge that the fight isn’t over. And it’s a time to support and uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, who so often have been marginalized. This month (and always!) UCP Oregon stands united in our commitment to building a more inclusive and accepting world for all. Happy Pride! Have you been hearing about the new “Beautifica” experience at OMSI?
We’re excited to tell you that UCP’s Family Support Department received 8 adult Beautifica tickets and 3 Junior Beautifica tickets (wheelchair accessible) for June 1 at 5:30pm.
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