24-Hour Phone Support
Do you have a question or need local resources about raising a child with special needs or developmental challenges? Would you like support from a fellow parent who is able to understand and “has been there”? Here in Portland, there are 2 organizations that offer 24-hour phone/email support for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities or other challenges. |
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ASO Take a Break
The Autism Society of Oregon (ASO) will give the primary caregiver of a child on the autism spectrum a free night out. ASO will give you: a $25 gift certificate to a restaurant of your choice; 2 movie tickets to a theater of your choice; and up to 4 hours of respite care at $14/hour (total $56) |
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Developmental Disability Services
Each county in Oregon manages its own program for Developmental Disability Services (frequently called “DD”). This program provides case management to children (and adults) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The case manager helps families identify and connect with services and supports. They also authorize and monitor funding for in-home supports (ex. K-Plan, Respite Care). |
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FACT Oregon
FACT Oregon is a local, non-profit organization that supports families whose children have disabilities or special needs. Their goal is to inform, support, advise and provide resources to families. |
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OHSU Family to Family
Oregon Family to Family Health Information Center is a non-profit organization that helps families navigate the complex health system in Oregon. It is located at OHSU, but serves families from all over Oregon. Family to Family offers many services, but is particularly good at supporting families with health insurance issues or questions. |
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One Page Profile
A One-Page Profile is a pamphlet that you create about your child. These are the details typically included in a child’s One-Page Profile: pictures of your child/family, your child’s interests, talents, and hobbies, his/her preferences and dislikes, strategies that work well for your child, and an overview of your child’s goals, hopes, and dreams for the future. |
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Parenting Classes
This handout has a variety of local classes and trainings on parenting children with special needs with both in-person and online options. |
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class
The Swindells Resource Center offers a helpful class that gives tools for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities or other special needs. This 6-week class focuses on YOU as the parent/caregiver and your own needs. |
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Special Education Resources
Check out these free, online trainings from FACT Oregon that explain the basics of special education school supports for children with disabilities or learning challenges. You can do these trainings from the comfort of your own home! |
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Special Needs Parenting Podcasts
Podcasts are a great way to connect with, learn from, and relate to other parents/caregivers who have children with disabilities or developmental challenges. Take a listen! |
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Support Groups
This handout has a variety of parent support groups all around the Oregon area at different locations and addressing different populations of children. Take a look at some avenues to connect with parents and create your own network of support! |
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Swindells Care Notebook
Swindells Resource Center will give you a FREE Care Notebook and Organizer. This is a binder in which you can keep all of your child’s information related to your child’s care, services, providers, and education. This notebook is available in English and Spanish. |
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Swindells Lending Library
The Swindells Resource Center is a non-profit, local organization that supports families who have children with disabilities or special needs. They have a free lending library with thousands of books about parenting, specific disabilities or diagnoses, etc. |
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Swindells Resource Center
Swindells Resource Center supports parents and caregivers of children who have special needs, developmental delays, or disabilities. Even though their locations are at Providence hospitals (Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent), their services are open to ALL families within Oregon. Many of Swindells’ employees are parents who have children with special needs. |
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View online magazine for leisure resources for your child in the Oregon and Washington areas!
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