Benton County Developmental Diversity Program

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If you are looking for a family fun event, tonight is the night! Visit the to watch the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Benton County Historical Museum from 6 - 8pm.

Activities include the Philomath School District 17J Elementary choir, cocoa and cookies, with special guests: Santa, Mack the Knight from Corvallis Knights Baseball, Philomath Fire & Rescue Fire Engine #1, and the Philomath Frolic & Rodeo Queen!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9e96emIhv8

Congratulations to Zoya Shah, Oregon's newly elected Kid Governor! We look forward to working with you to support your agenda of mental health awareness and support.

Thank you to the other candidates who also championed important issues that we should address as a community.

The other candidates included:
• Bassem—Community Issue: Finding Friendship in Schools
• Kaayva—Community Issue: Plastic Pollution is Hurting the Environment
• Lydia— Community Issue: Conserve and Protect Oregon’s Resources
• Phebe—Community Issue: Endangered Species
• Remy—Community issue: Discrimination
• Shaurya—Community issue: Prevent Racism

To learn more about the Kid Governor program and to view all the candidates’ videos go to: or.kidgovernor.org

Zoya for Oregon Kid Governor Community Issue: Creating Mental Health Awareness in KidsLearn about Oregon's Kid Governor program at http://or.kidgovernor.org/

BELIEFS AND VALUES OF SELF-ADVOCACY

Being a person first:

Not defined by our disability or thought of as an eternal child. We are individuals with our own identity.

Making our own decisions:

Not having doctors or parents deciding where and how we live. We must be listened to as we express ourselves, and we must be allowed to make our own mistakes. We must help those who have higher support needs and cannot speak for themselves, so their decisions can be understood and respected.

Believing in my value as a person:

Understanding that I am a valuable citizen, worker, and friend. From birth, every human has the same worth. We must be supported to like ourselves.

Having other people believe in you as a person:

Not accepting old stereotypes of persons with disabilities as somehow less than human. All people have the right to be valued as an equal in their own community. We must not be discriminated against because of our disability. Other people must learn that we are people and treat us in the same way as everyone else.

PRINCIPLES OF SELF-ADVOCACY

Empowerment:

Support must empower individuals to make their own decisions. Regardless of the degree of disability, we must have support to make our decisions. We must be allowed to take risks. It must be up to us to ask for help from those we trust.

Equal opportunity:

All people must have equal opportunity to be supported as full members of their communities, without regard to race, culture, or sexual choice.

Learning and living together:

Keeping people apart from their communities is not acceptable. We have the right to participate in the community, attend our public schools, and grow up with other children. We must have the opportunity to do the same things as everyone else and to share the joys of daily living.

Institutions are bad for people:

Being in an institution is not a human way of life. Institutions remove all of the things worth living for – joy, happiness, love, tenderness, feelings, emotions – and make you give up on life itself. As self-advocates we must close down every institution and liberate our unfortunate brothers and sisters who are now wasting away.

Non-labeling:

People have the right to be recognized as the person they are, and therefore must not be labeled. Labels devalue us and should not be used to identify us. A true understanding of who we are will include knowledge about disability.

Fifty years ago:

In 1973, Marian Wright Edelman, founder of a new organization called the Children's Defense Fund, conducted a survey to determine why 750,000 children appeared in the U.S. Census as not attending school. Edelman suspected that the number represented African-American children kept out of school in segregated settings. In fact, they were children with disabilities. This data assisted the Pennsylvania Association for Re****ed Children in its lawsuit regarding the exclusion of children with disabilities from school as a violation of the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. The Federal District Court ruled in favor of the children, which led to the enactment of a federal law mandating their education.

How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain New research is starting to explore how gratitude works to improve our mental health.

Why is walking so good for you? Here's what studies show. It can be a bit daunting trying to get in the recommended amount of exercise each week, which for adults is at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or at least 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, according to the World Health Organiz...

Why Being Bilingual Can Open Doors for Children With Developmental Disabilities When parents learn their child has a developmental disability, they often have questions about what their child may or may not be able to do. Children with developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, often have challenges and delays in language development. And for some families, one of these...

Oregon’s Rich Have Never Been Richer By several measures, income inequality in Oregon has never been greater. In 2021, the year with the most recent data, the income flowing to Oregon’s ...

Our office will be closed on Thursday, November 9th for our annual team retreat and Friday, November 10th for Veteran's Day.

Did you know that OHP now covers more services for children and young people up to age 21? It’s true! These expanded services can help catch concerns early, prevent and treat illness, and support children and youth with disabilities.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/ArSe50Q3IHo. And don’t forget to check your mail for OHP renewal letters! They are being sent out to families from September–February.

For information and help with renewals, you can visit https://ow.ly/UUjR50Q3IHn

ODDS - Your Individual Support Plan and In-home Hours This video is for individuals who receive intellectual and developmental disabilities services in Oregon and their families. If you use in-home services, a c...

In Less Than A Decade, Autism Prevalence Among Adults More Than Doubled New research suggests that the number of American adults diagnosed with autism is rising precipitously.

Congratulations to the artists! This is wonderful news. We look forward to seeing the art on display.

Living Studios Arts super update! In what may be the single largest purchase of artwork created by self taught, neuro-diverse artists in the state of Oregon, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art has purchased more than 30 works from over a dozen Living Studios affiliated artists.

These works will be included in their exhibition "Singular Visions: Self Taught Artists from the Permanent Collection," opening January 2.

We applaud the care and consideration displayed during this transaction; we are especially glad to share the recognition given to artist Patrick Hackleman, who is excited to receive $3,500 for his extraordinary boxed collection of hand drawn and handcrafted comic books (as seen in the image).

There will be other aspects to this exhibit including lectures, performances, and workshops. As we move closer to an exhibition date, we will provide more info.

Public gets close-up look at County’s Developmental Diversity during open house Smiles filled the halls of Benton County Developmental Diversity the evening of Friday, Oct. 20. Clients, staff, and guests gathered for an open house at their new facility at the County’s Sunset Building at 4077 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRzRiNWo2YU

Thank you to everyone who came to our open house on Friday. We had a great time celebrating with our community.

We would like to offer special thanks to Shawn Hinz who brought the party and was a fun and inspiring DJ. Please enjoy a video of his original song here and go to his YouTube channel to find more great videos and songs.

Nature || by 1bandshawn.hinz #nature #1bandshawnhinz This is an original Song that I wrote! This song is really all about just letting life take its natural course and not ever forcing it. Nature in general is ...

Christmas pageant to return to Corvallis A holiday tradition that dates back over 40 years is once again returning to Corvallis after being forced into hiatus by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tested positive for COVID-19? Knowing what to do when you get a positive test result is important for your health and the health of people around you.

If you test positive for COVID-19, it's important that you stay home and avoid contact with people, especially those with immunocompromised conditions. You do not need to isolate for a set number of days. However, you should be aware that you can get others sick.

Contact your health care provider for advice on how long to isolate.

For more information, visit: https://ow.ly/Pseb50PXpXA

Family Craft Night is coming up on Tuesday, October 24th! All ages are welcome! Make some crafts with the Library and The Arts Center; all supplies will be provided. Coloring supplies will also be available. This event is co-sponsored by The Arts Center - Corvallis, OR.
https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/family-craft-night-all-ages

Recuerde: ¡Venga al evento de presentación de este viernes!

¡Conozca al equipo, recorra nuestro nuevo espacio, disfrute de comida y actividades divertidas para todos!

20 de octubre, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis
2o piso
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Reminder: Come to our Open House this Friday!

Meet the team, tour our new space, enjoy some food and fun activities for everyone!

October 20, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis
2nd Floor

County Health Department County, Oregon

Reminder: Come to our Open House this Friday!

Meet the team, tour our new space, enjoy some food and fun activities for everyone!

October 20, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis
2nd Floor

County Health Department County, Oregon

Recuerde: ¡Venga al evento de presentación de este viernes!

¡Conozca al equipo, recorra nuestro nuevo espacio, disfrute de comida y actividades divertidas para todos!

20 de octubre, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis
2o piso
------------------------

UPDATE: Event moved to Dec 7th!

📣 Help reestablish endangered species in our local ecosystem! 🌱 Institute for Applied Ecology Full event details at https://appliedeco.org/calendar/planting-nelsons-checkermallow-at-herbert-farm/

*** English Below ***
¡Octubre es el Mes Nacional de Crear Conciencia sobre el Empleo para Personas con Discapacidades!

Reconociendo la importancia de garantizar que todas las personas tengan las mismas oportunidades de contribuir con sus habilidades y talentos, el tema de este año es "Avanzando en el acceso y la equidad".

Obtenga más información en dol.gov/NDEAM
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Recognizing the importance of ensuring all people have equal opportunity to contribute their skills and talents, this year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.”

Learn more at dol.gov/NDEAM



Benton County Developmental Diversity Program
Benton County, Oregon

Termination and Restoration in Oregon Termination Of the federal-Indian policies introduced to American Indians, termination of trust relations in the 1950s was arguably the most dangerous for Nat…

"The Nine Tribes of Oregon and Tribal communities throughout the state represent many cultures, customs, and languages that have contributed to the rich history and diversity of Oregon. Indigenous Peoples Day calls for a time to honor and value those contributions with accurate historical representation. On this day and moving forward, it is important to acknowledge all of Oregon is still Indigenous land and that we must do our part in learning about Tribal sovereignty among the Nine Tribes of Oregon. The State of Oregon has a government to government relationship with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon which we continue to honor, respect, and maintain."

Read the full statement in from Adam Becenti (Navajo/Diné), Director of the ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day​​ here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/tribal-affairs/pages/default.aspx

Celebrate trans, gender diverse, and intersex pride with us! Happening October 28th from 12-3:30pm. They’ll be local q***r artists selling their wares, harm reduction supplies, vaccines, craft and art fun, and more!
Have any needs for accessibility email us! Happening at the UU fellowship of Corvallis.

ODDS seeks public comment regarding the new 1915 (c) Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver. This waiver will allow ODDS to implement Senate Bill 91. The bill directs ODDS to seek federal approval for a permanent program to pay parents as caregivers. This program is for minor children assessed to have very high medical or behavioral needs. To comment, follow the directions in this message:https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/directors-messages/odds-2023-10-06-director-sb-91-waiver-message-en.pdf

For the first time since 2019, the CARE: Corvallis Area Resource Event is back! If you or someone you know might need a helping hand, CARE is a free, one-stop resource connection event with something for everyone. A wide variety of providers and organizations will be on hand to assist with housing, health services, food, clothing, employment, and more! This event will take place in our library parking garage on October 10. Drop in between 10 AM and 2 PM!

Mark your calendars! Join Strengthening Rural Families for family fun at the Philomath Fire Station. The annual Philomath Health and Safety Fair will be 11am-2pm on Saturday, October 7th.

SPREADING THE WORD

Benton Counties Children and Families team is reaching out to spread word about our PRIDE RISING youth support group, which will be starting back up this Wednesday 10/4/2023 at the Corvallis Community Center from 5:00PM-6:00PM.

PRIDE RISING is a LGBTQIA+ peer support group intended for any high school aged youth who is at least 14 years old. Throughout the school year, we plan on meeting at the Corvallis Community Center every Wednesday from 5:00PM-6:00PM.

If there are questions related to this group, please let Angelica Garcia know at [email protected]