It is pure magic to orchestrate many hours of driving over two mountain ranges with multiple stops, new digs and choices; a walk across a large parking lot with the gorgeous high desert view of snow peaked mountains, and on up to the large conference room doors filled with hundreds of people.
Oregon Coast families and friends showed up big to the Central Oregon Disability Support Network’s annual Breaking Barriers conference. Its intention is meant to build advocates for inclusive practices and full access to all opportunities and services for everyone, including people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Thank you to our friends and networks at Central Oregon Disability Network, for an excellent show of what life can look like for everyone! CODSN
Self-Advocacy
Imagine having little or no control over what is for breakfast or how you will spend your day, something many of us may take for granted. Self-advocacy is the practice of speaking up on behalf of oneself to identify your needs, communicate them clearly, and help others understand how they can support you. This year at Breaking Barriers many sessions were focused on unraveling old ideas that people with I/DD need to be helped and instead, with strong supports, can control their own lives. Advocacy is fun!
COAAST Network
The COAAST Network, built by and for those in Oregon’s Developmental Disabilities services (DD Services), works to connect and build peer supports for individuals and families within this system of care in Clatsop, Tillamook, and Lincoln counties. Accessing community, meaningful employment, and universally accessible housing are primary focuses of the the non-profit, Sammy’s Place, and the programmatic work at the COAAST Network. Sammy’s Place works hard to elevate the voices, needs, and dreams of those that live with on the Coast of Oregon with a disability.
“We are all aging into disability”, says 2006 Sammy’s Place Founder, Kathy Jean Hrywnak. “Our local neighbors experiencing I/DD want to do all the same things you do. As we ponder how to age gracefully, consider your neighbor is doing the same thing, no matter their age”.
Upcoming Events & Opportuntities:
Visit the Sammy’s Place COAAST Network Calendar for upcoming Free events, everyone is welcome, says, Kathy Jean, “neurodiversity is our strength and we understand the importance of interconnectedness, we’ve witnessed that on our beautiful piece of land in Nehalem, that will soon hold homes for those often not considered for housing opportunities. It is so exciting!”
Calendar of Events: https://sammysplace.info/events/
Tillamook Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP) Annual Picnic for All: Thursday, June 27, 11am-3:00pm, Rockaway Beach Phyllis Baker City Park
Please contact us for other trainings, Spanish groups, support opportunities, and events happening all over Oregon. info@oregoncoaast.org
Clatsop, Tillamook, and Lincoln: Unified Special Olympics: https://soor.org/
All community members over 8 years old are invited to play Unified Sports.
Sammy’s Place is an Oregon 501 (c)(3) Creating living, working, and respite choices, inspired by nature. We do this with people experiencing disabilities and those who share their journey.