PPFI

09/01/2026

SCAM ALERT - I am getting phone calls stating I need to finish my disability paperwork. DO NOT GIVE personal information over the phone ever. They will give you an appointment to come in to their office if they need information. You may get something in the mail but you will NEVER be asked by an official person for information over the phone. Stay safe

08/26/2026

08/19/2026

Support group meeting tonight; consider registration...

03/11/2026

Do you have an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) and need support? Your local Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP) is the place to begin.
CDDPs are local agencies that:
✅ Help you find out if you’re eligible for I/DD services
✅ Assist you with the application form
✅ Connect you with the supports you need
Each Oregon county has a CDDP office. They use the same application form - so getting started is simple and the same across the state.
Ready to take the first step? Find contact information for your local CDDP office here:

Find local CDDPs by county

03/11/2026

A few days ago the Oregon Senate passed a Staff Measure Summary for Senate Bill 1532 A during the 83rd Oregon Legislative Assembly's 2026 Regular Session. It details proposed changes to the authority of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) regarding residential care, developmental disability services, and the placement of children in care.
This 'Staff Measure' may not be acted upon for a long time (next year even.) BUT, it contains the follow simple sentence:

"Directs ODHS to adopt a differentiated rate model for providers of attendant care services who live with their clients, and specifies requirements for the rate model"

A new provider rate model is being developed for Standard Model Agencies (SMA) and Employer Model Agencies (EMA).

It includes a projected 8.5% cut to rates for providers who live with the individual they support.

However, the legislation states this should not affect the Direct Support Professional's (DSP) actual wage.

If approved, this reduction will immediately impact DSP hourly wages. Because of equal wage laws, this reduction may impact all DSPs. In a recent provider meeting, one agency told the group they are considering not supporting family caregivers at all if this reduction is implemented.

This bit of legislation has the potential for major impact on our industry, and I do not feel it is being discussed enough.

03/10/2026

As we move closer to World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March, we want to share why the way we describe Down syndrome is so important for building an inclusive world.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that happens by chance at the moment of creation. It is not a disease or an illness. When we use medicalized language like "suffering from" or "afflicted by," we unintentionally suggest that the person is unwell or in a state of constant struggle.

The Facts:
💛A Genetic Reality: People with Down syndrome simply have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome—giving them 47 instead of 46. 🧬
💛 A Part of Identity: Having Down syndrome is just one part of who a person is.
💛 Empowering Language: By saying someone "has" Down syndrome, we acknowledge their genetic makeup without defining their entire life by a medical label.

Using accurate language helps dismantle the stigma that leads to loneliness and exclusion. When we stop seeing Down syndrome as a "disease" to be cured and start seeing it as a "condition" to be supported, we open the door to true belonging.

Let's stand by speaking with clarity and respect.

03/10/2026

Inclusion is most powerful when everyone takes part!
Why not hold a day at your school or workplace? It’s a great way to start conversations about the rights and well-being of all the people in our communities. Loneliness often starts early when children are "present" but not "invited". By wearing socks and donating, you support global projects that fight for real inclusion in schools and workplaces.
🏆 Pro-tip: Host a "best socks" competition or create your own sock bunting to get everyone involved!
Learn more and get resources: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/lots-of-socks-campaign/

03/10/2026

📣𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵📣 Introducing Oregon's 2026 DD awareness poster & theme: “𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗨𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗨𝘀.” Join us! —We're kicking off our yearlong campaign with a virtual session tomorrow March 3rd and an in-person celebration in Salem on March 10. Get all the details here: https://www.ocdd.org/dd-awareness/

Share how you show up for yourself, or others have a chance to win a $50 gift card! Join us for our virtual kickoff tomorrow, March 3rd, 12-1 PM and learn how to use our toolkit to tell your story: https://bit.ly/Oregon-DD-Awareness



Join us for all our March events:

Virtual Kick Off Event:
Tues, March 3, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for a reading of the 2026 Developmental Disability Awareness Month Proclamation by OCDD Chair Kelly McCauley and a sneak peek at the 2026 poster.
Get access our campaign toolkit and shareable templates to add your own brand and photos!

Main Event—In-Person DD Awareness Celebration:
Tues, March 10, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Lobby Area, Barbara Roberts Human Services Building Salem, OR 📍 500 Summer St. NE, Salem 97301​
Join us in celebrating with special guest speakers, unveiling the 2026 poster, cake and refreshments

Virtual Self-Advocate Panel Discussions (2 Options):
Tues, March 17, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, or
Tues, March 24, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Discussions will center around "Nothing About Us Without Us," highlighting advocacy and meaningful representation by people with IDD in all spaces where decisions are made, and address barriers.

Virtual Spanish Language Discussion:
Thursday, March 19, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
This session will be facilitated in Spanish. Registration Required.

Get event details & links here: https://www.ocdd.org/dd-awareness/