What's happening - current news

Accessible sexual health education program gains state and national attention

The work of the Friendships and Dating Program has been featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting and in Mother Jones:

Trainee leadership on a formal public comment - Section 504

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently suggested several updates to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. DHHS hopes to improve protections for people with disabilities from being discriminated against on the basis of disability by any entity that receives federal funding. The public was invited to give feedback (known as ‘submitting public comment’) around ongoing issues of discrimination in these areas: Medical Treatment, Use of Value Assessments, Child Welfare, Web Accessibility and Medical Equipment. Submitting public comment is an opportunity to use one’s voice to improve legislation and protect the rights of people affected by those laws.

Led by our LEND Health Administration and Social Work Trainee Libby Quinn, the UCEDD opted to submit comment as an organization with our larger Institute on Development and Disability. Quinn led several workshops to inform our community members and partners about Section 504, the details of the proposed changes, and the significance of submitting public comment. For Quinn’s work as a LEND Fellow at OHSU, the proposed updates and amendments regarding protection against discrimination in medical treatment and the use of value assessments were especially relevant. You can read the formal official letter she prepared on behalf of the community.

Read more about this effort published by our national AUCD network.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the UCEDD

As a team of researchers, health and healthcare professionals, disability advocates and educators we value the diversity of the human experience and intersecting identities. We believe that all communities have knowledge and experiences which contribute to our understanding of health, quality of life, and health care for all people. We also do our work recognizing that people with disabilities face many barriers to health and meaningful participation in community. Read the full DEI Statement here.

A preview of the linked PDF infographic

UCEDD 5-Year Report released

We are excited to share a report on our last five-year grant cycle. The report showcases the impact of our work including notable accomplishments, community engagement, selected research publications, and other key metrics that we are proud to disseminate. Check out the report!

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Four Wheeling Through Life

Jan Staehely

Jan Staehely  -  UCEDD Staff, Communication Consultant and Blogger, writes about her life in her blog Four Wheeling Through Life. "I have a disability called Cerebral Palsy. Since all four of my limbs, plus my speech is affected by the disability, doctors say that I am severely disabled. However, if you ask me, I will tell you that there are people living with more complex disabilities than me."

Hay subtítulos en español disponibles con la grabación en YouTube.