 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  At UCP Oregon, advocacy is more than just a word—it’s a commitment we embrace every day.
Whether we’re speaking up for (and with) our customers at the Oregon State Capitol or partnering with other organizations to defend vital services, we believe that every voice deserves to be heard—loudly, clearly, and often. If you're wondering what's happening on the national advocacy front, we hope you'll read this brief newsletter from our Executive Director, Ann Coffey.  A recent Executive Order is bringing changes that will impact the disability community, and we know many people have questions. We're here to break down what this means for the individuals and families we serve.
In this update, you’ll find:
Read the full update here. Stay informed and connected—your voice matters!  UCP Oregon Community, As many of you know, UCP Oregon is currently wading through tides of information related to the President’s recent Executive Orders. One Executive Order relates to Medicaid. As a non-profit, it is not UCP Oregon’s role to represent political opinions. Rather, our role is to focus on legislation and the potential impact to our mission, values and the communities we serve. However, these Executive Orders, if implemented, will have a large impact on the entire UCP Oregon Community. Medicaid provides essential healthcare for millions of people, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Right now, Medicaid is at risk, and we need your help to protect it. Luckily, a simple voicemail can make a difference! Call 1-866-426-2631 to be connected to your members of Congress. It only takes a minute. NOTES:
Every call helps show that Medicaid is vital to our community. Thank you for taking action! Sincerely, Ann Coffey Executive Director UCP Oregon how it works:
Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [Your City and ZIP Code]. I’m calling to ask you to protect Medicaid. Medicaid is critical for people with disabilities, families, and seniors. Medicaid saves lives. Please oppose any cuts or changes to Medicaid. Thank you!  From the Desk of Ann Coffey, Executive Director
Dear UCP Oregon Community, What a year! There has been so much growth and change. It’s been thrilling, challenging, interesting, and engaging, and I am so grateful that we were together. High fives all around! I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of this community—customers, employees, families, board members, donors, and supporters. To the employees who are working through the holidays to ensure that our customers have many joyful moments, we are especially grateful. When you have time, please take a moment to reflect. What have we shared? What have we learned? How will we show up to provide excellent supports to customers? How will we support one another? Thank you again for all that you do. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, and a new year filled with health, hope, and happiness. Sincerely, Ann Coffey Executive Director UCP Oregon Awww! Check out the amazing photos (above) and video (below) from UCP's Cinnamon Bear Cruise, held on December 7, 2024.
Thanks to our incredible donors, this festive holiday event was free, and open to all families in UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department. Twenty-four families (including 42 kiddos) set sail on the Portland Spirit. They got to meet the famous Cinnamon Bear, and enjoyed live entertainment and holiday treats. Grace Tunning, UCP’s new Family Support Coordinator, shared her experience: “Coordinating this event and being part of such a special holiday tradition was truly an honor. I loved meeting so many families and kiddos and witnessing the joy and celebration aboard the cruise. This community is truly wonderful, and I’m so grateful to be part of it!” A huge thank you to:
Here’s to more moments of joy and connection in the new year. ❤️  Dear UCP Community, My name is Grace Tunning. I’d like to introduce myself as UCP Oregon's new Family Support Coordinator. I’ve been with UCP Oregon for three years, working as an Assessment and Quality Coordinator for one of UCP's two brokerages (UCP Mentors). I bring with me:
I am eager to transition into this new position on Monday, November 4th. As you may know, UCP Oregon's Family Support Department currently supports over 900 families who are raising children with cerebral palsy or related disabilities. UCP's Family Support Department provides assistance from diagnosis to adulthood, including:
As UCP's Family Support Coordinator, I am looking for ways to collaborate and more effectively meet the needs of children and families. I am eager to work together to enhance access to the resources and services in our community. Whether through joint events, shared resources, referral networks, promoting opportunities, or collaborative programs, our partnerships can help us all achieve our objectives and ultimately improve the lives of those we serve. If you have question or concerns, or would like more information about UCP Oregon's Family Support Department, I’m here to help. Please reach out to me directly via email or at 971-888-2927. I look forward to connecting with each of you. Thank you for the work that you do! Warm regards, Grace Tunning Family Support Coordinator, UCP Oregon UNTIL 11/4/24: UCP's new Family Support Coordinator, Grace Tunning, will be starting on 11/4/24. Until then, UCP's fabulous employees are here to help you!
 Dear UCP Community,
We wish to inform you that UCP Oregon’s Family Support Director, Katherine Ball, has moved on to pursue new opportunities. We appreciate her years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors. Katherine’s gifts were supporting families who were navigating new diagnoses, and providing information and referrals on a vast array of topics. UCP Oregon will be recruiting to fill the Family Support Director position soon. In the meantime:
This will be a big transition for all of us. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Sincerely, Ann Coffey, Executive Director UCP Oregon  Congratulations to Kelly Castagnola!
Many of you know Kelly. Kelly has worked for UCP Oregon for almost 23 years, most recently as UCP’s “Training and Supports Manager.” In that position, she supervised UCP’s employee training program and UCP’s pool of Substitute Support Specialists. But we’re pleased to report that Kelly recently accepted a new position at UCP—that of “Employee Engagement and Organizational Development Coordinator.” In her new position, Kelly will be able to focus 100% on employee learning, as well as employee development, retention and engagement activities. Woo hoo! Kelly says, “I’m looking forward to making a positive impact on all UCP teams by enhancing our onboarding and ongoing learning opportunities, as well as enriching the overall employee experience and improving retention.” PS: For those of you who are wondering, today we began to recruit internally for a "Direct Support and Quality Assurance Manager"--a new position that includes many of Kelly's old duties.  We are incredibly pleased to introduce you to one of UCP Oregon's newest Board members, Bethany M. Sloane, PT, DPT, PCS, PhD(c).
Bethany joined our Board earlier this year. Bethany has worked as a pediatric physical therapist since 2009. She currently works at the Child Development & Rehabilitation Center at Oregon Health & Science University, where she specializes in durable medical equipment prescription and assistive technology. She conducts research involving powered mobility interventions and the use of assistive technology, in collaboration with caregivers/parents and young children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Bethany is also the co-director of Go Baby Go Oregon, a community-based outreach program that adapts pediatric equipment for children to increase their mobility and participation in play, fun, and socialization. Before joining UCP’s Board, Bethany was a familiar face at UCP Oregon’s Family Support Conference, serving as a presenter and assisting with planning. Bethany has also attended UCP Oregon’s Walk, Roll ’n’ Run event. She is excited to be involved in future UCP events. |