 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!  It's October, and you know what that means... fall leaves, cooler weather, and NDEAM!
NDEAM stands for “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” It’s a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote inclusive hiring practices. While NDEAM comes around every October, at UCP Oregon, we're committed to creating access and opportunity all year long! That’s why we created our Employment Solutions division almost 20 years ago! Since then, we’ve assisted hundreds of job-seekers and employers in the Portland area. Are you a job seeker with disabilities? We offer a huge range of customized services, including:
Are you an employer who has hard-to-fill positions? Or are you hoping to make a difference with very little time commitment? We offer a range of services including:
Whether you're a job-seeker or an employer, Employment Solutions is here to help you make meaningful connections. Reach out to us today to learn more!  Happy birthday to the “Americans with Disabilities Act” (ADA)!
We’re proud to tell you that the national UCP organization (United Cerebral Palsy) played a big role in getting the ADA passed. Here, in their words, is what they did:
And it worked! The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed on July 26, 1990. It has been described as “the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities.” It prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. Today, UCP Oregon celebrates the ADA and the progress our nation has made towards a more inclusive society. But there is still work to be done. Join us in our fight to ensure full equality and accessibility for everyone!  This July, UCP Oregon is proud to join the global celebration of Disability Pride Month.
Disability Pride Month is a time to honor the history, achievements, and culture of the disability community. It's a time to embrace and celebrate our unique identities and to amplify the voices of people with disabilities. Join UCP Oregon in celebrating 2024 Disability Pride Month! Together, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone is valued and respected. Curious about the History of Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride Month originated in July 1990, coinciding with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. In 2024, numerous events are scheduled to celebrate Disability Pride Month across various cities. |