Happy February!
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Please see below for this month’s collection of information and resources.
Gentle reminder:
Please reply and answer one or all three of the questions below. Your reply counts for the monthly monitoring requirement for K Plan.
- Are you satisfied with the current supports in place for your child? Yes/No
- Have there been any significant changes in support needs for your child? Yes/No
- Do you have any concerns regarding health and safety for your child?Yes/No
Our office will be closed in observance of President’s Day on Monday February 19th.
Family Training:
- Transition to Adulthood Virtual Summit on February 3rd 8:45am -1:30pm. Registration required for this free event.
Join us for a day of discovery to support youth with disabilities as they transition to adulthood! Designed for families, youth (14-21), and professionals, this Virtual Summit will dive into the following topics: Diploma Options, Financial Empowerment and Literacy, Pre-employment Transition Services, Self-determination, Sexuality, Relationships, and Person-Centered Supports, SSA Benefits and Employment, Supported Decision Making and Alternatives to Guardianship, Supported Employment, Supported Living and Housing, and Transition Services (18-21).
- FACT Oregon Special Education Virtual Summit
Saturday, March 2 | 8:45 am – 2:30 pm | Zoom
Learn more and register here. - Swindells Resource Center: Community resources for families, One-page Profiles for the Medical Setting workshop, Friday, February 16th
Planning ahead for summer:
ENDS TOMORROW! Kiwanis Camp registration opens on January 22nd and ends February 2nd.
There’s only one week of camp for youth ages 12-17 and campers are chosen through a lottery. This is a KPlan can approved camp using relief care days. There is an activity fee of $288 and families are responsible for that part, KPlan can pay for the rest of camp costs.
https://mhkc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-Camper-and-Parent-Guide-1.pdf
- NWDS: Bike First! 17th Year Announcement
Bike First! is absolutely our most favorite time of the year and we are thrilled to announce our 17th year of Bike First! will take place the week of SATURDAY, June 29th through WEDNESDAY, July 3rd.
In 2005, Bike First! started with then ten-year-old, Cody Sullivan, so badly wanting to ride a bike with his friends. With great determination, we created Bike First! and have since taught the skills needed to ride typical bicycles to over 650 children, youth, and adults with disabilities. We have also opened our doors to individuals “without” disabilities in our Quick Start! and Refresher courses. Our volunteers have devoted this week- running at top speeds- to the spirit of community with their deep dedication to spreading their belief of inclusion. This year, we plan to include 50 participants who will take steps toward independent riding of typical bikes.
- Childcare Scholarships: See attachment
Brief information and a link to the application is in the attached flyer. This scholarship can be very helpful for families who “make a little too much” to qualify for most child care assistance.
Each eligible family can receive a scholarship for 3 months of childcare. Families must NOT receive other childcare subsidies and meet the “moderate” income limits below.
There is just under $200,000 remaining in this scholarship fund. Applications will be accepted until February 20th OR until funds run out, whichever comes first.
Things To Do:
Chinese New Year Cultural Fair 2024
■ What: Traditional and contemporary Chinese cultural activities, including a Lion Dance and other Chinese folk dances, Chinese instrumental music, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese martial arts demonstrations, children’s games and more.
■ When: Sat Feb. 3rd, 2024 11:00AM-5:00PM
■ Where: Oregon Convention Center
Portland Winter Light Festival 2024
■ When: Feb 2nd – Feb 10th
■ FREE 6:00pm – 10:00pm
■ Website: https://www.pdxwlf.com/
- What: Join us for special sensory-sensitive during Preschool Skate! Music volumes will be reduced, disco lights turned off, and a quiet sensory play space will be provided. Kids 10 and younger are welcome to participate in Sensory Skate. Admission: $12 per child. One adult free per paid child
- When: Wednesdays, 10-11:30 AM
Estacada Community Carnival & Fundraiser 1:00 PM 5:00 PM
West Linn Mardi Gras Dance: Friday February 9th 6-8pm. Dress up in your most colorful costume! Complimentary Masks provided by NCL Volunteers. RSVP to Nicole Budden nbudden@westlinnoregon.gov or call 503-742-6068. Location: Adult Community Center. This is a social event with particular consideration to the enjoyment of individuals, teen-young adult, with physical or cognitive disabilities. Friends and family are encouraged to attend!
West Linn Sweetheart Family Dance: Sweetheart Dance 2024 takes place on February 10th, and we invite you to twirl away the night with your adorable little one in this vibrant celebration. Formerly called the Daddy Daughter Dance, this night features everything from waltzes to spirited disco grooves! Let the rhythm of the night lead your footsteps! All lovely school-age kids are welcome to dazzle the dance floor as they are fondly escorted by their cherished parent, grandparent, adored aunt or uncle, noble guardian, or any other superhero in their life. Swirl and twirl under the disco ball as memories unfold.
Frankenanimals for Teens: February 3, 2:30-5:30 pm, Rockwood Library. Create your own Franken-animal by taking apart stuffed animals and mashing them together with found materials, LED lights and batteries, and salvaged animatronics using needle, thread, and hot glue. Grades 6-12.
Lunar New Year Celebration: Milwaukie Community Center
5440 SE Kellogg Creek Dr., Milwaukie, OR 97222
Sunday, February 18 from noon-2:30 p.m.
Free family event
$5 suggested donation for 18+ Drop by any time; no registration required!
Wilsonville Daddy Daughter Disco Dance: Dads, Uncles, Grandpas and Father figures, grab that special girl and come on out for this year’s Daddy Daughter Disco Dance. There will be unlimited photo booth pictures included with your registration fee and prizes given away all night! Ensure your spot by registering early – this dance always sells out. Space is limited to 130 people!
Oregon City Lunar New Year Celebration: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Join us for a day filled with cultural appreciation, fun activities, and an unforgettable performance. Let’s welcome the Lunar New Year with joy and community spirit! Pioneer Community Center
Oregon City Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance: February 2nd. This annual event is a great opportunity for dads and all their daughters in 6th grade and under to spend some very memorable quality time together. The event includes dinner, dessert, dancing, keepsake photos and more.
Oregon City Glow Swim: Join us each month this winter for a Special Swim with disco lights projected overhead while our underwater lights turn colors! 3RD SATURDAYS | 6:30–8:00PM FEBRUARY 17 | MARCH 16 $10 PER PERSON * FAMILY DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE! * Tickets must be purchased online at least 48 hours in advance.
Sibshops-A group for siblings ages 8-12. They meet monthly on Saturdays and the next event is February 17th.
Library of Things –There are so many things available to borrow! Telescopes, bike racks, educational and board games, laminators, sports equipment, the list is long! All you need is a library card.
Do you live in Canby, Oregon City, Estacada, West Linn, or Wilsonville? If you have or know a child under 5 in one of these areas, they can sign up to receive a book each month through the Imagination Library program.
Cultural Passes –Visit the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Evergreen Aviation Museum, the Japanese Gardens or other destinations. All you need is a library card.
As a Clackamas County resident, you can also get a Multnomah County library card. This allows you to access Discovery Passes to visit local attractions. 10 things you can get a the library for free and audio and ebooks through the Libby app.
Kids on-line resources. A library card is required for some of these.
Lego Lab some Saturdays each month at the Oregon City Library. Register for a session.
Lego Club at Troutdale Library Monday February 12th, 4:30-5:30 pm, ages 5-11
Tales to Tails! Read to a dog at West Linn Public Library on Wednesdays and Thursday. Registration required.
Free National Parks Access Pass
Autism Society of Oregon Calendar of Events:
- Running Wild Running Club in SW Portland free and open to youth ages 5-14. 5:30-6:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays
- Autism Resources in Oregon occurs every other month
- Friendship Group for kids 7-13, meets virtually weekly on Monday evenings with occasional in person meet ups
- Club EMU Game Club 2nd Friday of each month in West Linn
Save the date:
- Northern Oregon Regional Learning Summit Full day event on April 27th in Hood River. Free. Registration opens soon.
Community Resources:
- Food resources in your area: https://foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org/
- Special Education help: Fact Oregon
- Order free Covid tests
- Are you having trouble paying your PGE bill? You may qualify for Utility Assistance.
- $9.95 home internet with xfinity. See if your household qualifies.
- Abby’s Closet Prom Dress Giveaway opens Feb. https://www.abbyscloset.org/giveaway
Attachments:
- Winter Weather Tips
- Child Care Scholarships
- SNAP replacement benefits
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Important Tax Planning Considerations for Special Needs Families (online)
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Wednesday Feb 7, 2024 ⋅ 12pm – 1pm (Pacific Time – Los Angeles)
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Presented by Palladio Consulting LLCTitle: Important Tax Planning Considerations for Special Needs Families
When: Wednesday, February 7th, at 12:00 PM PST. Recording: Presentation recording will be sent to all paid registrants within 24hrs of the webinar conclusion. Length: 45-50 minutes. |
Price: $30
Register at LINK HERE
Can’t attend the live presentation? No problem! The webinar recording will be sent to all registrants within 24 hours of the webinar conclusion.
As a parent, caregiver, or professional supporting an individual experiencing disability, understanding the complex tax nuances is important to the overall plan.
Join us and our guest speaker, Jennifer Lyle, on February 7th at 12:00pm to hear more about the tax deductions, exemptions, and credits available to you as a family experiencing disability. As well as considerations when thinking long term about tax planning.
With tax season in full swing, this is a webinar you won’t want to miss!
On the Agenda
Naming disabled loved one as a dependent and the expanded definition of a “qualifying child”.
Credits and deductions for special needs families.
Difficulty of Care Exclusion for support workers/ caregivers.
Special needs trust tax filing reminders.
1041 trust tax return tips.
Tax return preparation reminders.
And more!