“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr. Every year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day invites us to pause and reflect on Dr. King’s words and the values he stood for. His message always resonates—but this year, it feels especially present. Dr. King challenged us to look beyond ourselves, to notice where injustice exists, and to recognize our shared responsibility to one another. Dr. King’s vision reminds us that justice isn’t abstract or distant. It shows up in everyday choices—in how communities care for one another, and in whether everyone is given the opportunity to belong, participate, and thrive. And so we pause today, and consider—individually and together—what it takes to build A Community for Everyone. 
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—a time to recognize the vital contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive workplaces.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of NDEAM, with the national theme “Celebrating Value and Talent.” It’s a fitting reminder that when workplaces welcome all abilities, everyone benefits—businesses, communities, and our shared economy. At UCP Oregon, we see that truth every day through "Employment Solutions" (our Supported Employment division), which partners with Oregon businesses to match skilled, motivated employees with meaningful jobs. From finding a great job to applying for jobs to on-the-job coaching, our team helps people find and keep work they love—and helps employers discover the immense value of a diverse workforce. We’re proud to join our colleagues across the UCP network in celebrating the talent and dedication of workers with disabilities, and the employers who make inclusion a priority. Explore UCP Oregon’s Supported Employment services: 
 Register Now: UCP’s Conference on Latinos With Disabilities (Free & Virtual)
Our national partner, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), is hosting a free two-day virtual conference all about the experiences of Latinos with disabilities. This online gathering will bring together self-advocates, families, educators, and community members to talk about culture, disability, and identity—and to share stories, challenges, and successes. Highlights:
Event Details:
 July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate disability as identity, culture, and community.
But this year, it also arrives in the shadow of uncertainty. With major cuts to Medicaid recently signed into law, many in the disability community are feeling the weight of what might come next. That’s why this month matters more than ever. As UCP Oregon's Executive Director, Ann Coffey, writes, “Pride isn’t about ignoring hard truths. It’s about embracing the whole story—joy and pain, struggle and strength—and finding ways to move forward, together.” Read Ann’s full message here. We’re also taking time this month to honor the Disability Pride Flag, a powerful symbol of visibility, identity, and resistance. Did you know it was redesigned in 2021 to be more accessible for people with visual sensitivities? Here’s what each part of the flag represents:
You can learn more about the flag’s redesign here. Whether you’re celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between—we’re glad you’re here. #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPride2025 #UCPOregon #MedicaidMatters #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs  June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate, reflect, and stand with our LGBTQIA2S+ community. At UCP Oregon, we honor the diverse identities and experiences within our community, including those of our clients, families, and staff. This month (and always!), we’re proud to recognize the strength and resilience of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, especially those living with disabilities. Your stories matter, and we're here to support and uplift you. Looking to join in the celebrations? Here are some local events happening around Portland:
Pride is more than a month—it’s a commitment to inclusion, visibility, and love. We stand with you this June and every day.  It’s April 1st—and that means it’s Autism Acceptance Month.
At UCP Oregon, we believe in listening to autistic voices, honoring lived experience, and creating real inclusion—not just awareness. We’re proud to support autistic kids, adults, and families every day of the year. We’re glad you’re here.💛 PS: We asked a UCP employee (who’s also the parent of a child who experiences autism) to share a few favorite resources. See below. She also recommends searching the hashtag #ActuallyAutistic to hear directly from autistic people in their own words. Resources:
 💚Happy Spring! Happy National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day! 💚
Today—March 25th—we’re joining people across the country to celebrate National CP Awareness Day! Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood, but it’s also about so much more than a diagnosis. It’s a vibrant, diverse community of kids, adults, families, caregivers, and allies who are redefining what inclusion, opportunity, and independence look like every day. Here at UCP Oregon, we’re celebrating all the amazing folks with CP who are part of our community! Plus our Family Support Department is getting in the spirit today with a fun bowling outing, where kiddos and families will be decked out in green to celebrate. 💚 Want to know how YOU can support CP awareness?💚
 Hey UCP Oregon friends!
Wow, what a busy month! At UCP Oregon, we’re celebrating: · Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. · National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (March 25th). · UCP Oregon’s Bill Porter Memorial Fund 2025 Application Period (March 1-31st). We’re also celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The 2025 theme for DDAM is “We’re Here All Year.” Because people with disabilities aren’t just part of the community in March—they’re here, making a difference, every single day. DDAM started in 1987, when President Reagan officially declared March as a time to raise awareness about inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. We’ve come a long way since then, but there’s still more to do! This year’s DDAM theme was chosen by people with disabilities to send a clear message: they are part of the community every single day, not just in March. It’s a reminder that inclusion, accessibility, and belonging should happen all year long. At UCP Oregon, we see that in action every day—people with disabilities working, creating, advocating, and living their lives just like everyone else. And when we make our communities more accessible, everyone benefits. We’d love for you to be part of this month’s celebration! Share a story, a photo, or a moment that highlights inclusion in action. Let’s show the world what real belonging looks like. #DDAwareness #ddawareness2025 #DDAwarenessMonth  Happy almost spring! And happy Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. Seventeen million people experience CP worldwide; in the United States, around 1 million people experience CP. UCP Oregon has been supporting folks who experience CP since 1955. We’re proud to be part of this community and to offer the resources and advocacy that help people with CP live life on their own terms. 💚 Want to support CP awareness?💚
PS: On March 25th, our Family Support Department will be celebrating a fun bowling outing, where kiddos and families will be decked out in green to show their support. Check your email, because an invitation went out earlier this week!  Happy Thanksgiving, UCP Family!
Today, we’re feeling extra grateful for all of YOU—our amazing customers, staff, families, board members, supporters, and partners, as well as the larger intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community. You’re the heart of everything we do, and we couldn’t be more thankful to have you in our corner. We also want to take a moment to reflect on what this day means for Indigenous peoples. For many, it’s not just Thanksgiving—it’s also the National Day of Mourning, a time to honor the strength and resilience of Native communities and to remember the injustices they continue to face. So, as you gather with loved ones, let’s celebrate all we’re grateful for while also committing to building a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Wishing you love, connection, and a full plate this Thanksgiving! |