KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
Get out of survival mode and back in control
Lauren is the host of the "Overcome the Overwhelm for Special Needs Moms" podcast. She is also an International Coaching Federation certified and trauma-informed life coach.
About this presentation, Lauren says, "Do you ever feel like life is throwing more than you can handle and you are constantly living in survival mode? Like there’s this never-ending list of things to do, but not enough hours in the day to get it all done?
"Feeling overwhelmed and stressed is all too common when parenting a child with disabilities, but what if I told you that even when you’re swamped, you can feel totally calm and in control?
"In this presentation, you’ll learn the 4-step strategy to maintain calm and control, no matter what life throws your way."
About this presentation, Lauren says, "Do you ever feel like life is throwing more than you can handle and you are constantly living in survival mode? Like there’s this never-ending list of things to do, but not enough hours in the day to get it all done?
"Feeling overwhelmed and stressed is all too common when parenting a child with disabilities, but what if I told you that even when you’re swamped, you can feel totally calm and in control?
"In this presentation, you’ll learn the 4-step strategy to maintain calm and control, no matter what life throws your way."
PRESENTER:
Lauren Lowery HOST OF THE "OVERWHELM FOR SPECIAL NEEDS MOMS PODCAST," AND TRAUMA-INFORMED LIFE COACH |
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:
Ableism
Ableism, like other forms of oppression, works to maintain the status quo in order to protect the power of certain groups.
This presentation will focus on how our society thinks about disability and how these narratives tend to narrow the lives of people with disabilities. We will discuss ways that customers, support providers, and allies can recognize ableism and offer alternative perspectives that empower people with disabilities.
This presentation will focus on how our society thinks about disability and how these narratives tend to narrow the lives of people with disabilities. We will discuss ways that customers, support providers, and allies can recognize ableism and offer alternative perspectives that empower people with disabilities.
PRESENTER:
Allen Hines ACCESS DIRECTOR AT COMMUNITY VISION |
Adapt, Play, Connect: Enhancing life through recreation therapy
This workshop is designed to empower caregivers and community members with the knowledge, inspiration, and resources to unlock the potential of adaptive and inclusive recreation for individuals with disabilities.
Join us for an interactive session filled with practical insights, real-life examples, and the chance to connect and share knowledge and resource
Join us for an interactive session filled with practical insights, real-life examples, and the chance to connect and share knowledge and resource
PRESENTER:
Caroline Scott, CTRS Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Shriners Children’s Portland |
BrainBody Keys for Unlocking Potential: Creating Neural Pathways Through Connection
No one can wire someone else’s brain, but we all can provide the circumstances within which growing brains figure out solutions!
Whether your child is struggling to roll over, feed themselves, manage saliva, communicate, regulate emotions, or learn to read, implementing the BrainBody Keys can unlock a natural route to reach developmental mile (or inch) stones.
No need to set aside extra time to force exercises or do dull repetitions. The BrainBody Keys are simple and easy strategies that will super-charge your connection with your child and their somatic and nervous system.
Phoebe and Kathy can help your whole caregiving team understand how to create a positive environment for development at home.
It’s a paradigm shift that includes benefits to YOU. Here’s a hint… it’s all about connection. Let’s connect!
Whether your child is struggling to roll over, feed themselves, manage saliva, communicate, regulate emotions, or learn to read, implementing the BrainBody Keys can unlock a natural route to reach developmental mile (or inch) stones.
No need to set aside extra time to force exercises or do dull repetitions. The BrainBody Keys are simple and easy strategies that will super-charge your connection with your child and their somatic and nervous system.
Phoebe and Kathy can help your whole caregiving team understand how to create a positive environment for development at home.
It’s a paradigm shift that includes benefits to YOU. Here’s a hint… it’s all about connection. Let’s connect!
PRESENTERS:
Kathy Shean-Jones Anat Baniel Method NeuroMovement® Professional, and Owner of MoveAbilities LLC |
Phoebe MacRae ABMNM, MMus Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Professional, Owner of Brilliant Movement |
Complex Access & Communication: an Approach for Emerging Communicators
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) is a journey. For children with complex motor and/or sensory differences, knowing where to begin and how to progress can be daunting.
During this session, we will discuss an approach that teases apart Participation, Access, and Language for children with complex motor challenges. We will use examples and stories to illustrate. Attendees will practice recording a fun conversation on a Step-by-Step device and leave with a handy checklist to take home.
During this session, we will discuss an approach that teases apart Participation, Access, and Language for children with complex motor challenges. We will use examples and stories to illustrate. Attendees will practice recording a fun conversation on a Step-by-Step device and leave with a handy checklist to take home.
PRESENTERS:
Carrie Luse, OT THE COMMUNITY VISION AT LAB |
Noelle Birky, SL THE COMMUNITY VISION AT LAB |
DADS' COFFEE
This is a relaxed opportunity to meet other dads (and male-identifying caregivers). You’ll be able to share stories, resources, and laughter, in a comfortable, moderated environment.
Entitled to what? How Organizations and Communities Benefit from Inclusion
This presentation will discuss the benefits and challenges of creating a fully inclusive community and how some of these challenges are socioeconomic but more importantly attitudinal.
Also, we will talk about how “entitlements” have become the default rather than the fallback for people with disabilities in today's America, while exploring practical methods for laying the groundwork for success in dodging that “I need to keep my benefits” trap.
Also, we will talk about how “entitlements” have become the default rather than the fallback for people with disabilities in today's America, while exploring practical methods for laying the groundwork for success in dodging that “I need to keep my benefits” trap.
PRESENTER:
Keith Jones PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SOULTOUCHIN’ EXPERIENCES LLC |
Enteral/Tube Feeding
Have you ever wondered if you could do tube feedings with real food? Or maybe you've already tried, but you found the process cumbersome or difficult?
Then this workshop is for you! Beverly McNutt is a mom with 19+ years of experience with tube feeding real food. In this workshop, Beverly and her husband, Stan, will share tips and demonstrate how her family does tube feeding with real food.
Beverly says, "Some folks cannot do real food. And some do a combination. There is no right or wrong way. I'm here to support you and what works for you. I hope we all learn things together so that our loved ones can eat and thrive on real food when possible."
Note: A feeding tube is a medical device used to provide nutrition to people who are unable to swallow safely, cannot obtain nutrition by mouth, or who need extra nutrition. Feeding tubes can be temporary or lifelong.
Then this workshop is for you! Beverly McNutt is a mom with 19+ years of experience with tube feeding real food. In this workshop, Beverly and her husband, Stan, will share tips and demonstrate how her family does tube feeding with real food.
Beverly says, "Some folks cannot do real food. And some do a combination. There is no right or wrong way. I'm here to support you and what works for you. I hope we all learn things together so that our loved ones can eat and thrive on real food when possible."
Note: A feeding tube is a medical device used to provide nutrition to people who are unable to swallow safely, cannot obtain nutrition by mouth, or who need extra nutrition. Feeding tubes can be temporary or lifelong.
PRESENTERS:
Beverly and Stan McNutt PARENTS, AND TUBE-FEEDING EXPERTS |
GRIEF HAPPENS
Christine says, "This session will approach grief from several perspectives while recognizing the unique and not so unique circumstances under which we all grieve.
"I will talk about parents of children with disabilities, persons with disabilities whether congenital or acquired, and the aging process. I will share various paradigms for coping with grief along with suggestions to find support, provide support, and accept support. Grief, in one form or another, is a part of each of our lives."
"I will talk about parents of children with disabilities, persons with disabilities whether congenital or acquired, and the aging process. I will share various paradigms for coping with grief along with suggestions to find support, provide support, and accept support. Grief, in one form or another, is a part of each of our lives."
PRESENTER:
Christine Macfarlane, PhD PROFESSOR EMERITUS, PACIFIC UNIVERSITY |
Hiring Staff: How to Find, Hire and Retain Great Caregivers
Do you have trouble hiring great caregivers? Or maybe your child has been assigned caregiving hours by their caseworker, but the hiring process seems daunting?
Molly Pearson, from the Oregon Home Health Care division, is here to help!
In this presentation, Molly will teach you how to write effective job descriptions, how to interview, and how to effectively communicate with your new staff.
Molly will help you deal with the many unknowns, including how to even start the process. Molly will be assisted by Paradee Wattanathorn, Senior Support Broker, Self-Direction Support Team at Public Partnerships (PPL) Oregon Team.
Molly Pearson, from the Oregon Home Health Care division, is here to help!
In this presentation, Molly will teach you how to write effective job descriptions, how to interview, and how to effectively communicate with your new staff.
Molly will help you deal with the many unknowns, including how to even start the process. Molly will be assisted by Paradee Wattanathorn, Senior Support Broker, Self-Direction Support Team at Public Partnerships (PPL) Oregon Team.
PRESENTERS:
Molly Pearson LEAD SUPPORT FOR THE OREGON HOME CARE COMMISSION (OHCC)/PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS (PPL) OREGON TEAM |
Paradee Wattanathorn SENIOR SUPPORT BROKER, SELF-DIRECTION SUPPORT TEAM, PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS (PPL) OREGON TEAM |
GROWING UP WITH CEREBRAL PALSY (YOUNG ADULT/TEEN PANEL)
During this panel presentation, you’ll be able to hear from two young people (Ashlynn Rutherford and Luke Laurenson) who have cerebral palsy. They’ll talk about the realities of their lives, sharing both the joys and the challenges. This is an opportunity to get a peek into a possible future for your child.
Ashlynn will share her experiences growing up with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Her parents were told she would never walk, talk, or attend school. Ashlynn had other plans, however. She took tap, jazz, and ballet classes for 12 years, and played on the Shooting Stars basketball team during middle and high school. She graduated from Milwaukie High School in 2018. Her dream job has been to work with little kids, and she is currently working as a classroom aide in a toddler room in a day school.
Luke will recount his experience of growing up with both cerebral palsy and dysarthria. While doctors initially gave Luke and his family a grim prognosis, Luke has been determined to surpass and succeed beyond the limitations of his disability. Some of Luke’s dreams have included walking, talking, becoming an actor, and graduating high school as a valedictorian. With his unique brand of humor, determination, and Taylor Swift quotes, Luke will share how he has used his disability in pursuit of his goals and made cerebral palsy one of his superpowers.
Ashlynn will share her experiences growing up with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Her parents were told she would never walk, talk, or attend school. Ashlynn had other plans, however. She took tap, jazz, and ballet classes for 12 years, and played on the Shooting Stars basketball team during middle and high school. She graduated from Milwaukie High School in 2018. Her dream job has been to work with little kids, and she is currently working as a classroom aide in a toddler room in a day school.
Luke will recount his experience of growing up with both cerebral palsy and dysarthria. While doctors initially gave Luke and his family a grim prognosis, Luke has been determined to surpass and succeed beyond the limitations of his disability. Some of Luke’s dreams have included walking, talking, becoming an actor, and graduating high school as a valedictorian. With his unique brand of humor, determination, and Taylor Swift quotes, Luke will share how he has used his disability in pursuit of his goals and made cerebral palsy one of his superpowers.
PRESENTERS:
Luke Hogan Laurenson EXPERIENCES CEREBRAL PALSY and dysarthria |
Ashlynn Rutherford HAS cerebral palsy and epilepsy |
IEP: QUESTION AND ANSWER TIME
Diane Wiscarson and Susana Ramirez will present a short explanation of special education entitlements and rights. They will then will open up the session for specific special education questions.
PRESENTERS:
Diane Wiscarson Wiscarson Law |
Susana Ramirez Wiscarson Law |
IEP'S AND IDEA
This session will give essential insights about the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
It's designed to empower you-a parent or caregiver--so that you can help your school team craft an effective IEP, tailored to the unique needs of your child.
Learn about:
You'll leave the session with practical knowledge and tools to make you better prepared to advocate for your child.
It's designed to empower you-a parent or caregiver--so that you can help your school team craft an effective IEP, tailored to the unique needs of your child.
Learn about:
- Evaluation tools
- Assessment strategies
- Setting realistic goals
- How to collaborate with school teams to ensure a supportive educational journey for your student and family.
You'll leave the session with practical knowledge and tools to make you better prepared to advocate for your child.
PRESENTER:
Kaeleen Kirkpatrick, Ed.S. school psychologist (Tigard-Tualatin School District) |
Life Care Planning
Every special needs family faces unique challenges when caring for their loved ones. In this workshop, Alisha will be presenting about Life Care Plans, which are created to help bring together all the important people and programs involved in caregiving and providing support.
Life Care Plans may include:
Life Care Plans may include:
- Special Needs Trusts
- ABLE Accounts
- Government Benefits
- Employment
- Housing
- Long-term Planning
PRESENTER:
Alisha Langford, ChSNC MANAGING PARTNER, ABEONA GROUP |
MOMS' TEA
Christine Macfarlane, PhD PROFESSOR EMERITUS, PACIFIC UNIVERSITY |
This is a relaxed opportunity to meet other dads (and female-identifying caregivers). You’ll be able to share stories, resources, and laughter, in a comfortable, moderated environment.
Muscle Tone/Tone Management
Dr. Jenny Wilson will review the types of tight muscle problems that people with cerebral palsy experience and the different treatment approaches available.
Dr. Wilson is an associate professor of pediatric neurology at Oregon Health & Science University. She cares for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, movement disorders, and pediatric stroke. She sees children for treatment of tight muscles at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Portland.
Dr. Wilson is an associate professor of pediatric neurology at Oregon Health & Science University. She cares for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, movement disorders, and pediatric stroke. She sees children for treatment of tight muscles at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Portland.
PRESENTER:
Dr. Jenny Wilson, MD Associate Professor, Pediatric Neurology; Pediatric Neurology Residency Program Director; Doernbecher Children’s; Hospital Oregon Health & Science University |
ORTHOPEDIC ISSUES
This workshop will focus on understanding hip problems in children with cerebral palsy from birth to adulthood.
We will discuss the role and rational of non-operative management, hip surveillance and surgical treatment.
We will discuss the role and rational of non-operative management, hip surveillance and surgical treatment.
PRESENTER:
Jeremy Bauer, MD Oregon Health and Sciences University and Shriners Children’s – Portland |
PARENTS' PANEL
This is a joint discussion, brought to you by several moms (Rebecca Adams, Jenny Eckart Hoyt, and Sylvia Triplett), and two dads (Beowulf Rochlen and Dan Joseph).
PRESENTERS:
Rebecca Adams PARENT, AND RETIRED RN 
Sylvia Tripplet PARENT 
Dan Joseph PARENT |
Jenny Eckart Hoyt PARENT, AND UCP BOARD MEMBER 
Beowulf Rochlen PARENT, AND founder and COO of Two Squared Media Productions, |
Physical Therapy for Parents and Caregivers: Safe Transfers and Accessibility Advocacy
In this workshop, Britta will give an overview of body mechanics to caregivers for safe transfers and repositioning, with a chance to practice transfer skills in small groups.
We’ll also explore tips for greater community accessibility, including types of equipment or tools to advocate for.
We’ll also explore tips for greater community accessibility, including types of equipment or tools to advocate for.
PRESENTER:
Britta Gugel Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist and Assistant Professor at OHSU, AND the Associate Director of Pediatric Pain Physical Therapy at the Comprehensive Pain Center at OHSU |
Sibling PANEL
Over the past several years, more attention is being paid to the siblings of children and adults who experience disabilities. Do they feel neglected at times? What about the stress of wondering what will be expected of them when parents are no longer around? Conversely, what memories and experiences have they treasured as siblings of someone who experiences disabilities?
During this panel, we will hear from a brother/sister pair: Hannah Ledson and Zach Brown. Hannah and Zach are siblings to someone who experiences cerebral palsy. Zach is also a Direct Support Professional.
We'll also hear from Anne West, who is the adult sibling of Mary Phipps, who experiences cerebral palsy.
The panel will be moderated by Nikki Donnelly, the co-founder of the Oregon Sibling Leadership Network. Nikki will share more information about SibShops, which are an opportunity for siblings of children who experience disabilities or health concerns to obtain peer support and have fun together.
During this panel, we will hear from a brother/sister pair: Hannah Ledson and Zach Brown. Hannah and Zach are siblings to someone who experiences cerebral palsy. Zach is also a Direct Support Professional.
We'll also hear from Anne West, who is the adult sibling of Mary Phipps, who experiences cerebral palsy.
The panel will be moderated by Nikki Donnelly, the co-founder of the Oregon Sibling Leadership Network. Nikki will share more information about SibShops, which are an opportunity for siblings of children who experience disabilities or health concerns to obtain peer support and have fun together.
PRESENTERS:
Zach Brown DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, AND SIBLING TO SOMEONE WITH CP |
Nikki Donnelly co-founder of the Oregon Sibling Leadership Network, autism consultant, and adjunct faculty at Portland State University, Fresno Pacific University and the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign |
Hannah Ledson sibling to someone with CP 
Anne West sibling to someone with CP |
Lily Rutherford sibling to someone with CP |
Supported Living in a Home of Your Own
This session will focus on how to enable people with I/DD to live in their own place through the utilizing supported living services, accessing affordable housing, and engaging in community life.
Using success stories from Community Vision, attendees will learn that moving out is truly possible.
Using success stories from Community Vision, attendees will learn that moving out is truly possible.
PRESENTER:
Jennifer Knapp Executive Director at Community Vision |
Transitioning to Adulthood: Education, Work, and Life
Two Transition Network Facilitators (Les Rogers and Josh Barbour) come together to discuss strategies for engaging with support services in education, vocational rehabilitation, ODDS, and additional services to support youth in realizing a full life.
This presentation will include discussions about Transition Services for ages 14-21 and how the Transition Technical Assistance Network can support that process.
This presentation will include discussions about Transition Services for ages 14-21 and how the Transition Technical Assistance Network can support that process.
PRESENTERS:
Les Rogers Douglas, Coos, and Curry County Transition Network Facilitator |
Josh Barbour Transition Network Facilitator |
Radical Wellness for CareGivers
Goals:
Objectives:
- Begin to learn and use tools that help offer care.
- Use self-compassion, mindfulness, and tenderness as tools.
- Respond to your own needs and offer help to others.
Objectives:
- Identify and understand personal self-care needs.
- Learn and practice self-compassion.
- Create a mantra that holds space for you.
PRESENTER:
Rosanne Marmor, LSCW CEO AND FOUNDER OF PULSE WELLNESS COOPERATIVe |
DOCUMENTARY SHOWING
NEW FEATURE!
We’ll be showing a documentary called Including Us: Exceptional Teens at The Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
The documentary is a rare insider's look backstage at the building of Hairspray for the 2019 season of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It focuses on four teenagers who experience disabilities who were hired as professional actors for the ten-month run. Included in the cast were two teens that are in UCP Oregon’s Family Support Program.
The documentary has not yet been released to the public. UCP has been given special permission for this one-time viewing.
NOTE: Photo credit to photographer Jenny Graham.
The documentary is a rare insider's look backstage at the building of Hairspray for the 2019 season of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It focuses on four teenagers who experience disabilities who were hired as professional actors for the ten-month run. Included in the cast were two teens that are in UCP Oregon’s Family Support Program.
The documentary has not yet been released to the public. UCP has been given special permission for this one-time viewing.
NOTE: Photo credit to photographer Jenny Graham.
EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE
NEW FEATURE!
We are offering an Equipment/Supply/Clothing Exchange! Bring items you want to donate to other families, and take what you need.
The Exchange will be located in the Camas room behind the Registration Desk.
The Exchange will be located in the Camas room behind the Registration Desk.
artist'S exhibit and sale
An artist who experiences cerebral palsy (Marie Blanchard) will be exhibiting her art, and also offering items for sale.
artist:
Marie Blanchard artist and author |
music by dj lamar
DJ Lamar is back. He experiences cerebral palsy, and will be DJ'ing for the Conference with an awesome blend of soulful funk, and 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music.
DJ:
DJ Lamar DJ |
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Joseph Duquete is a passionate photographer. They are also passionate advocate who wants to see the world more loving and accepting.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Joseph Duquete PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER |
