INW and UCP Connections Team up for February 11th Craft Night

The talented Jenny Child (INW) and Caitlyn Child (UCP Connections) have teamed up to bring you the first co-hosted Craft Night! Join them here at Independence Northwest on Tuesday, February 11th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. We’re located at 541 NE 20th Avenue Suite 103 in Portland, just off Glisan Street.

Be sure to RSVP to Rachel by emailing rachel@independencenw.org or calling 503.546.2950. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Guest Blog: Proposed Rate Cuts to Provider Organizations Threaten Innovation

Our first blog post of 2014 is an important one. Late in 2013, word came from the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services that they were planning to significantly reduce Small Group Inclusion and Skills Training rates paid to provider organizations. Upon review, brokerages immediately responded explaining such a decision would put many small business completely out of business, reducing key resources for our customers statewide. 

 

In the weeks since that exchange, small provider agencies in the Portland metro area (led by On The Move Community Integration, Creative Goal Solutions and Trellis) have come together to form a grassroots coalition (known as The Coalition of Provider Organizations.) Their aim is to educate the state, legislators and the general public on their services and fight the potential reductions in rates. The group developed a comprehensive white paper on their concerns (read it here: Provider Organization Coalition Paper) and, in December of 2013, presented to and gained the support of the I/DD Coalition. As a result of their efforts, state leadership has agreed to meet with some small agencies this week as they reconsider the rates. Our understanding is that the state will need to publicly share their methodology and reasoning and has committed to entertaining stakeholder input and education throughout the process. Given the stakes, full engagement is key.

 

Sasha Vidales, Director of Creative Goal Solutions

Sasha Vidales, Director of Creative Goal Solutions, one of the most sought-after agencies in the Portland area is today’s guest blogger for the Independence Northwest blog. Below, she shares what this all means from a provider organization, small-business owner and concerned community member perspective.

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“Proposed Rate Cuts to Provider Organizations Threaten Innovation”
By Sasha Vidales, Director of Creative Goal Solutions

While Oregon is moving to the K-Plan, many customers are seeing increased access to funding for their services. But simultaneously, provider organizations’ hourly rates are slated to be cut by almost 18%. Perhaps most affected by these cuts are smaller, local, grass-roots organizations who have sprung up in response to the diverse needs of brokerage customers; programs like Creative Goal Solutions, which I started in 2011 to offer fully-integrating community-based services to adults with developmental disabilities. Already operating on a shoe string budget and my personal investment, the proposed rate would unquestionably force Creative Goal Solutions to close its doors within just a couple of months.

Volunteering at Zenger Farms

The greatest detriment would be to the individual customers served by Creative Goal Solutions, customers like Annie Rose. When Annie Rose started working with Creative Goal Solutions, she had the same goals as most twenty-somethings—to move out on her own, get a job, have new life experiences, and exert her independence. Through working with CGS, she had the opportunity to explore her greater community in a group setting. “I like Creative Goal Solutions because it gets me out of the house. I like meeting new people. I discovered new foods…I enjoy going to the park… camping was lots of fun. I like going to the library and art showings.” Soon after her start, Annie decided to move into her own apartment. CGS staff helped her establish a routine around cooking and cleaning that would increase her success as she transitioned. Knowing the importance of community connectedness, staff also helped Annie explore her immediate community on foot and on bus to find new hang-outs. She now independently works out at her local community center and has some favorite local shops and cafes, all the while staying involved in CGS’ group community inclusion. A while later, Annie also took on various volunteer jobs. With staff support, Annie Rose works alongside community members and other customers to gain job skills and give back to her community.

“I like doing Zenger Farms,” says Annie Rose, “I really like gardening and don’t do enough. Now I get to go out once a week and it’s a relief. I’m suddenly happy! I’ve noticed the weeds have gotten enormous and tough to pull out. I’m proud that I can pull them out.”

Annie is just one of the over 40 customers flourishing with the support of Creative Goal Solutions’ unique service model. When I started Creative Goal Solutions, I was excited to use innovative strategies to develop meaningful, community-integrating experiences for our customers. I envisioned services that would empower each customer to become involved citizens and create meaningful visibility for themselves. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve assembled a team of highly creative, motivated and skilled employees to put this vision into action. Now, we boast a diverse array of programs to accomplish that vision.

What I didn’t realize upon CGS’ inception, was the tremendous value of the group-model. Customers learn so much from each other and there is often a lot of camaraderie, connectedness and natural support developed. At the same time, the model differs drastically from facility-based models in that customers are making daily, “real-life” contact with their communities through recreation and volunteering. Many customers and parents, including Laurie Burk, have noticed the difference.

“[The facility-based program he attended prior to CGS]… provided little or no outside community activities. There was nothing special about the program. I likened it to a daycare center. Since attending CGS, he has shown much improvement. We believe this to be directly related to attending outings to places that “regular” people go. I don’t think many people who are not affected by developmental disabilities understand the secluded life of a young person with disabilities and what they face day in and day out… Just because he has a disability doesn’t mean he doesn’t have worth.”

Our Volunteer Program connects and teaches customers at six different community organizations, including The Rebuilding Center, SCRAP, Hoyt Arboretum, Impact NW, the Bike Farm, and Zenger Farms. All of these sites give our customers job-like experience where they can gain skills and confidence working right alongside community volunteers. The program has been tremendously impactful in our customers’ social well-being and sense of worth and individual contribution.

Nightlife Group at local pub

We also provide fully-integrating recreation experiences. The programming is diverse, offering many activities not commonly accessible to people with developmental disabilities. We fill the monthly calendar with customer-preferred activities, such as bowling and libraries and unique experiences, such as attending the Feast of Guadalupe concert, Leech Botanical Gardens, and a tour of the Human Society. We also offer a Nightlife Group. Through this, many customers have their first experiences going to activities like stand-up comedy, salsa dancing and pub trivia. Additionally, our camping trips afford customers the opportunity to be away from home with a group of friends and foster budding friendships through exploring nature.

At Creative Goal Solutions, we continually challenge what others think possible. Those with seemingly significant barriers are equally engaged through our program. Oxana Betska, a mother of one such customer wrote, “[Though he is] nonverbal, he is very social. He wants to be around people, go places, learn new things… [at CGS] he is taught how to behave around other people, how to treat them properly. We can definitely see the progress he has made paying attention to the instructions he was given, evaluating the situation which can be new for him, becoming more independent and mature. The program has helped my son gain self-esteem. Through the program our son volunteers at the retirement center. He has a wonderful time there!”

Volunteering at Bike Farm

Writes Matthew Burk, customer and self-advocate, “I like the format where we meet at the office and board mass transit and go to different places like Fazio Farm, The Old Church for a lunch time concert, the Rose Garden up near the zoo, the zoo, and the game room down at PSU among other cool places. My favorite part of the program is that being a boy from SE Portland I get to see the other parts of the city that I never knew existed. If cuts were to be made I’m not sure what I would do. Without CGS I would go back to being a couch potato and having no routine.”

Despite our customer’s successes, we’ve experienced significant barriers when it comes to a functional and sustainable business model, having to fit a square peg in the proverbial round hole. Our program model of fully-integrating group experiences does not fit well in the current provider rate structure. Most traditional services are provided with one staff per one customer or take place in a facility. Our services don’t fit either of those models and our way of providing services comes with substantial added costs as well as barriers to be able to bill for the full rate. Despite these barriers, we’ve persevered. We’re proud to be one of the handful of truly unique, local, grass-roots organizations with truly unique services to offer.

Rock wall climbing

It’s hard to imagine the local impact of all of these customers losing the visibility and community presence that we’ve worked so hard to promote. Observing our customers’ growth in confidence and self-efficacy over the past two years has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Equally important, I’ve seen our community’s response to our customers. I believe that through our work, we’ve begun to shift how people understand disability. They are witnessing all that people with developmental disabilities are capable of contributing, and, with time, learning how essential they are to the fabric of our community.

We’ve accomplished a lot in just over two years. I have many more ideas that I’m actively implementing: a self-employment program, a healthy lifestyles group, and leveraging our culturally-competent, 50% Spanish-speaking staff to better engage Latino customers. Yet, my intense passion and enthusiasm is met with a very real possibility of closure. I’m working hard to push back against the proposed cuts. I’ve co-formed a coalition of small provider organizations, including On-the-Move Community Integration and Trellis to express our alarm and the potential impact of cuts. We’re meeting with decision-makers at the State level as well as other affected provider organizations. I am also counting on the support of families, professionals, self-advocates, community members and the decision-makers at DHS to halt rate cuts and make the growth and development of our innovative program, and others like it, to flourish… for the betterment of our customers and the betterment of our communities.

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ABOUT

Sasha Vidales has worked in community services for 14 years in mental health, policy research, training development, case management, quality assurance and other capacities. She has a BA in Psychology and an MBA in Organizational Behavior and is trained as an Autism Specialist and Social Sexual Consultant. Sasha founded Creative Goal Solutions in 2011 because of her belief in and commitment to strong communities. She knows that strengthening communities requires meaningful and full integration for all people. If you are interested in learning more or joining the coalition, contact Sasha at sasha.vidales@creativegoalsolutions.org.

11/25/2013 Update on Provider Payment Changes and Provider Enrollment into the State’s System

Dear Providers,

There continue to be hold-ups on the State’s move to take over payment to providers of brokerage services.

Representatives from the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services promise there’s continued work on a solid plan, but as of right now they have produced no clear plans or feasible timelines. What we do know is this:

• Payment will not be coming through the State effective January 1st, 2014
• We will continue to provide your payment until an appropriate plan is developed and agreed upon.

Given the amount of work left to do during implementation, our best guess is a transition several months into the new year at this point.

If you haven’t sent in your Provider Enrollment Agreement, do so now. This is an essential action on your part, regardless of changing timelines.

If you have turned in your PEAA and have received no response back from the State, contact them directly at DD-MH.OHCC@state.or.us. (We initially thought we would be able to send out emails for those who had provider numbers, but the information we have received from the State isn’t in a format that allows us to do so given our limited resources.) Please email the State for assistance on this matter.

Many of you have received requests for W4s, I9s, and Direct Deposit forms. (Oddly, this request also went to Independent Contractors, a designation of providers who do not utilize W4s or I9s in their business practice.) Stranger still, we understand that you’re being told to submit items to brokerages. We have already processed these forms during your initial qualification and we cannot process them a second time. Please send your W9s, I9s, Direct Deposit forms directly to the State at:

            Email:            info.exprs@state.or.us
Mail:               DHS – ITBSU
ATTN: eXPRS User Enrollment
500 Summer Street NE E-12
Salem, OR  97301

Finally, provider organizations who need a provider number should be hearing from the State shortly. We are aware of a transmittal being developed and have heard it should be out within the next week or so.

Unfortunately, the State has not provided a phone number to field your questions. If that changes, we will update you and share the resource. We will continue to update you as we have more clear information. Thank you for your continued patience during this process. Rest assured that your payment will continue to come through us in the interim while these bureaucratic and procedural tangles are dealt with.

 

Join INW in December for a Community Forum on the Big Changes Happening in Brokerage Services

Independence Northwest continues its community outreach on big changes to brokerage and I/DD services in Oregon. Since August, we’ve held many highly successful community forums presenting to over 300 community members – and we’ve got two more scheduled for the month of December!

Join us if you’d like to learn more about the K Plan, the upcoming needs assessment requirement, new options for case management, plans for a new universal ISP, changes to provider payment and rates and much more.

Remember to RSVP by calling our front desk 503.546.2950. You may also email us at larry.deal@independencenw.org. Space is limited, so reserve your space at one of our evening or day sessions today!

Big thanks to all the families, customers, providers and community members who have joined us in the past few weeks. Your questions, comments, concern and input continue to make a difference in the restructure of the I/DD system!

Everyone Cooks: Let’s Get Cooking! Monthly Class Starts in November

Everyone Cooks: Let’s Get Cooking!

• What: Join a cooking skills practice group!
• Where: Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th in Portland
• When: Third Wednesdays of each month Nov – June from 4 – 7PM

Interested in learning and practicing how to prepare a variety of delicious and healthy dishes without a range or too much knife work? Come learn with us!

• $5 per session – all fees go toward covering the cost of ingredients
• Accessible for all – We’ll use techniques and utensils well suited to adults with disabilities, seniors and those with limited space or appliances.
• Cook up community! – Be part of a welcoming, positive social environment with neighbors of all ages and backgrounds

Please note: There’s a preliminary organizing meeting from 4 – 5PM on November 6th!

This group is led by Eleanor Bailey, an adult experiencing Down Syndrome and an advocate for people with disabilities. The group is also supported by Kitchen Commons, the Hollywood Senior Center and students in the Wholistic Nutritional Program at the Wellspring School for Healing Arts.

Please bring your own personal support if needed. If your support person will be enjoying the meal as well, please have him or her contribute $5 to cover the cost of ingredients as well.

RSVP before each session – reserve a spot by calling the Hollywood Senior Center at 503.288.8303!

1st Annual Cuts for a Cause Event a Great Success!

Yesterday was not only the first day of autumn – it was also the 1st Annual Cuts for a Cause Benefit for Independence Northwest. Heritage Barbershop, a local Portland business, sponsored the event offering free haircuts and styles to brokerage customers and their caregivers. Despite the blustery weather, we had a great turnout and the event raised $600 for the Independence Northwest Emergency Fund! The Emergency Fund helps people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in times of need.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Heritage Barbershop’s owner, Brian Porteous, for this event. What a guy. Brian pulled together a fantastic raffle including donated goods and gift certificates from local businesses including:

• Meat for Cats and Dogs
• Ole Ole
• Mudra Massage
• Appetite
• Boys Fort
• The Portland Soup Company
• Heritage Barbershop

Huge thanks to these businesses for donating to this cause. We appreciate your support! For those who couldn’t stick around until 4PM for the raffle drawing, we’ll be notifying winners by phone shortly.

Additionally, we’d like to extend gratitude to the barbers Jen Mattson and Tariq B for volunteering their professional services to our customers and their caregivers. They did a fantastic job and gave some very fine cuts yesterday. And big thanks to Lorissa Prestwood Porteous, provider De Linda French Davis, INW Operations Director Ron Spence, and INW Board President Bill Beckett for helping the event run so smoothly!

This was truly a community event and we look forward to the 2nd Annual Cuts for a Cause event next summer!

Announcing the 1st Annual CUTS FOR A CAUSE Benefit for INW Customers – Sept 22, 2013

We’re proud to announce what we hope will become an annual tradition: Cuts For a Cause, an event on Sunday, September 22nd, that will offer free haircuts to our customers and their caregivers and will raise money for our emergency fund, a small pool of money we keep to help out our customers in times of extreme need. We will be partnering for this event with Heritage Barbershop, a newly-opened business that has generously offered the time and talent of its barbers to make this event possible.

Heritage proprietor Brian Porteous is no stranger to giving haircuts to people with disabilities. He spoke to me recently during a haircut of my own about his experiences early in his barbering career in California. “There was a group who came in every couple of months and I learned really quickly that just like everyone else, people with disabilities are all different from one another,” he told me. “Next to giving a good cut, a barber’s most important skill is communicating with the person in the chair, and that’s all about treating every person as an individual.”

 

Space is limited and must be scheduled ahead of time. Please call Rachel at our office (503.546.2950) to schedule an appointment. If the free haircut slots fill up we’d still love it if you’d stop by and say hello. We’ll have free popcorn and will be having drawings for prizes every 30 minutes or so. And of course we’ll be accepting donations from those of you are able to give a few dollars to what we think is an important cause. We can’t thank Heritage Barbershop enough for their support and generosity and look forward to a long partnership with Brian and his barbershop.

 

If you’d like more information or would like to donate please contact me at 503.546.2950 or ron.spence@independencenw.org

 

Thanks,

Ron Spence, Operations Director

 

• What: Cuts For a Cause, a fun benefit offering free haircuts to Independence Northwest’s customers and their caregivers
• Where: Heritage Barbershop, 22137-B East Burnside in Portland
• When: Sunday September 22nd from 11 am to 4 pm

Remember, all free haircuts must be schedule ahead of time. Please call today to reserve a spot. Contact Rachel at 503.546.2950.

Sept 09, 2013: FACT’s Understanding the IEP Training in Beaverton

FREE TRAINING FOR FAMILIES! Understanding the IEP: Development, Process, and Your Critically Important Role on the Team

Monday, September 9th, 2013 – 6:00 – 8:30pm

Beaverton City Library12375 SW 5th St. Beaverton, Oregon 97005	Effective communication How to understand the IEP How it is developed Your involvement in the process Tips and tools for being your child’s #1 fan and advocate Your questions and answers!
Informational flyer (in English)To register, click here, call 1-888-988-FACT, or email registration@factoregon.org with questions or assistance with registration.

Schedule of Upcoming Forums and Events | August & Sept 2013

There have been a lot of announced events in the last couple of weeks. Here’s a quick list of what’s happening and where (UPDATED 08.22.2013)

August 20th – 6:30pm
Provider Forum at Independence Northwest
Note: This forum is at capacity and is no longer accepting RSVPs. Future forums forthcoming
(Portland) Details

August 21st – 6:30pm
Community Forum at Independence Northwest
Note: This forum is at capacity and is no longer accepting RSVPs.
(Portland) Details

August 22nd – 6:00pm
Customer and Family Forum with State DD Director Patrice Botsford at Edwards Center
Please RSVP to Dan Peccia at 503.292.7142 x11 or dan@sdri-pdx.org
(Aloha) Details

August 22nd – 4:30pm
Craft Night at Independence Northwest
Please RSVP to Melissa at 503.546.2950
(Portland) Details

August 27th – 6:30pm
Provider Forum at Independence Northwest
Note: This forum is at capacity and is no longer accepting RSVPs. Future forums forthcoming
(Portland) Details

August 28th – 1:00pm
Community Forum at Independence Northwest
Please RSVP to Rachel at 503.546.2950 or rkroll@independencenw.org
(Portland) Details

August 28th – 6:30pm
Community Forum at Independence Northwest
Please RSVP to Rachel at 503.546.2950 or rkroll@independencenw.org
(Portland) Details

September 11th – 6:30pm
Community Forum at Independence Northwest
Please RSVP to Rachel at 503.546.2950 or rkroll@independencenw.org
(Portland) Details

September 12th – 10:30am
Community Forum at Independence Northwest
Please RSVP to Rachel at 503.546.2950 or rkroll@independencenw.org
(Portland) Details

 Keep an eye on our blog for future announcements!

August 22nd, 2013: INW Craft Night Returns! Join Us!

Craft Night returns to Independence Northwest!

Join us on August 22nd from 4:30 – 6:00pm here at the INW office (541 NE 20th Avenue Suite 103 in Portland). We’ll be making duct tape wallets and other duct tape accessories.

We suggest a $3 donation to go toward supplies, but no one will be turned away because of inability to pay.

Space is limited – please RSVP to Melissa at 503.546.2950 and we’ll see you there!