Central Oregon Disability Support Network

From our friends at High Desert Self Advocacy!

Last month leaders of High Desert Self-Advocacy attended the annual Inclusive Leadership Summit in Salem. We enjoyed attending many wonderful presentations and loved the opportunity to connect with other self advocates and advocacy groups throughout the state. There is certainly some outstanding work happening in Oregon! Thank you to Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition for putting on this amazing conference, we are already looking forward to next year! Special Thank You to Full Access High Desert for sponsoring the cost of registration and transportation for all of the High Desert Self-Advocacy leaders who attended.

Reminder: FACT Oregon is hosting Money Skills, No Limits, a free virtual training series to help youth and young adults with disabilities (ages 14+) learn how to manage money and make smart choices! Young people and their families are encouraged to attend together.⁠
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Topics include making your own money decisions, planning for the future, building a budget, keeping your money safe, and using credit wisely.⁠
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🗓️ Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM (upcoming sessions: October 12, 14, 19, and 21)⁠
💻 Virtual, in English⁠
💙 Free! Youth must attend.⁠
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Register: factoregon.org/moneyskills⁠
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Need Spanish interpretation? Email [email protected]

Reminder from Tobias Read, Oregon Secretary of State:

Listen up, Oregon!

The election is just a few weeks away now. It’s time to make sure you’re ready to vote.

The voter registration deadline is October 13, so now’s a perfect time to double‑check that your information is up to date. Whether you’re registering for the first time, updating your address, or just making sure everything looks right, taking a minute right now helps to make sure there aren't any issues with your ballot.

To register in Oregon, you must be a U.S. citizen, an Oregon resident, and at least 16 years old (you’ll need to be 18 years old by Election Day to get a ballot and vote).

Here are a few easy, official ways to register or update your information:

Visit OregonVotes.gov/register to access the online registration form

Visit OregonVotes.gov/myvote to check or update your registration

By mail - Complete, sign, and mail in a paper voter registration card. You can download a registration card from OregonVotes.gov.

At the DMV - you will automatically be registered if you present documents that prove your identity and eligibility.


Your vote will decide Oregon’s future. Use it.

Tobias Read
Oregon Secretary of State

FACT Oregon is hosting Money Skills, No Limits, a free virtual training series to help youth and young adults with disabilities (ages 14+) learn how to manage money and make smart choices! Young people and their families are encouraged to attend together.

Topics include making your own money decisions, planning for the future, building a budget, keeping your money safe, and using credit wisely.

🗓️ Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM (upcoming sessions: October 12, 14, 19, and 21)
💻 Virtual, in English
💙 Free! Youth must attend.

Register: factoregon.org/moneyskills

Need Spanish interpretation? Email [email protected]

From Tobias Read, Oregon Secretary of State:

Listen up, Oregon!

The election is just a few weeks away now. It’s time to make sure you’re ready to vote.

The voter registration deadline is October 13, so now’s a perfect time to double‑check that your information is up to date. Whether you’re registering for the first time, updating your address, or just making sure everything looks right, taking a minute right now helps to make sure there aren't any issues with your ballot.

To register in Oregon, you must be a U.S. citizen, an Oregon resident, and at least 16 years old (you’ll need to be 18 years old by Election Day to get a ballot and vote).

Here are a few easy, official ways to register or update your information:

Visit OregonVotes.gov/register to access the online registration form

Visit OregonVotes.gov/myvote to check or update your registration

By mail - Complete, sign, and mail in a paper voter registration card. You can download a registration card from OregonVotes.gov.

At the DMV - you will automatically be registered if you present documents that prove your identity and eligibility.


Your vote will decide Oregon’s future. Use it.

Tobias Read
Oregon Secretary of State

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month ~ Every October, communities around the world celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This dedicated month serves as an opportunity to look past stereotypes, celebrate the diverse talents of individuals with Down syndrome, and advocate for true inclusion in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. It reminds us that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and fully participate in community life.

Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, which is why it is also known as Trisomy 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with the condition. While it can bring certain physical traits and mild-to-moderate intellectual or developmental challenges, it does not define a person's potential, character, or future.

Today, people with Down syndrome are achieving more than ever before. With early intervention, quality healthcare, and inclusive education, they are leading fulfilling, independent lives—advancing in careers, creating art, driving policy changes, and deeply enriching the lives of those around them. Celebrating this month means actively opening doors and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.

Welcome to Cassidy Creel, our new Intern.
Cassidy is in her final year of her Master of Social Work program at Portland State University. Growing up in Maupin, Oregon, she has a strong connection to rural communities and understands the unique challenges they face. For the past two years, Cassidy has worked as a special education assistant in an elementary school, supporting students with diverse needs and abilities. This experience reinforced the importance of ensuring equal access to education for every child and building connections within classrooms. Cassidy’s work centers on children, families, education, and community. Through her social work education and community-based work in Central Oregon, she is passionate about creating accessible opportunities for people to learn, explore, and connect with their communities, peers, themselves, and the places around them. She hopes to continue building programs and connections that help children and families feel supported and have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Sibshops are for siblings of people experiencing diversabilities. Siblings often become lost among the therapeutic needs of their sibling with a diversability. Sibshops are special times for siblings to participate in fun activities, learn advocacy strategies and self-care techniques, and engage with other siblings sharing similar experiences. Learn more on the flyer.