Central Oregon Disability Support Network

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.

From our friends at Oregon Employment First:

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Oregon Commission for the Blind and Oregon Department of Education have organized a webinar series to educate the community about disability employment services and celebrate the many workplace successes.

Join us on Tuesday, October 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom for "Oregon as a Model Employer: Promoting employment and career advancement for people with disabilities in state and local government."

Presented by: Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities and the ODHS Human Resources team

This session covers a few of Oregon's strategies for improving hiring and advancing employees with disabilities in public sector workplaces. The work builds on the Model Employer Toolkit from the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities and supports Senate Bill 810 and Oregon's Employment First Strategic Plan, which name state government hiring of people with disabilities as a priority. ODHS Human Resources professionals will share about the Inclusive Hiring Advocates program. The session will also look at next steps.

Register in advance: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/eY5crcexQ-yNjC3E-se0tQ #/registration

Captioning, American Sign Language interpretation and Spanish language interpretation will be provided. To request an accommodation, contact [email protected].

Learn more about NDEAM: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/Pages/celebrating-ndeam.aspx

Reminder: Join us for Beyond Behavior, Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain! Get brain insights and practical strategies for success, straight from the experts.

🧠 You'll learn a basic understanding of the brain and behavior as a form of communication, what may be happening for a person with a disability during a hard moment, and strategies and best practices for supporting children with disabilities.

🗓️ Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 5:30 to 7:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom
📞 541-548-8559 or [email protected] with questions

Presented by Stephanie Sullivan, parent and CODSN Program Coordinator, and Dr. Daniel Kriz, PsyD, Board Certified Pediatric Neuropsychologist. Simultaneous interpretation is available with 72 hours notice.

Register here: https://www.codsn.org/events-and-calendar/

Join us at Schilling's Garden Market in Bend for our Sensory-Friendly Pumpkin Patch Event: Saturday, October 17th, 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. at 64640 Old Bend Redmond Hwy, Bend, OR 97703.

Play games, enjoy activities, sip warm c***r, and take home a pumpkin🎃. All in a sensory-friendly atmosphere.

Pumpkins and other farm stand goodies will be available for purchase. Limited spots. Please RSVP https://www.codsn.org/events-and-calendar/

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¡Acompáñanos en Schilling’s Garden Market, en Bend, para nuestro evento de Calabazas con Ambiente Sensorialmente Amigable! 🎃

📅 Sábado, 17 de octubre
⏰ 8:00–9:00 a. m.
📍 64640 Old Bend Redmond Hwy, Bend, OR 97703

Habrá juegos, actividades, sidra caliente y, por supuesto, ¡podrás llevarte una calabaza a casa! Todo en un ambiente pensado para ser sensorialmente amigable.
🎃 También habrá calabazas y otros productos del puesto de la granja disponibles para comprar.

Los espacios son limitados. Por favor, confirma tu asistencia aquí: https://www.codsn.org/events-and-calendar/

Join us in a welcoming space for parents and caregivers of people with disabilities to share stories, ideas, and simply enjoy the company of others who understand the special-needs world we live in! Grab a drink and a small treat on us!

📍 Sisters Coffee Company, 273 W Hood Ave, Sisters, OR 97759
🗓️ Third Wednesday of every month, 12:00–1:30 PM: October 21, November 18, and December 16, 2026

RSVP or questions? Contact Christina:
📞 541-904-0543 or [email protected]

Join us on Wednesday, October 14th from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM at Abby's Pizza for a welcoming space for women who care for someone with a disability. Come connect with others, share ideas, laugh, and celebrate small wins. Whether you need support, encouragement, or just a moment with people who understand, you're welcome here!

📍 Abby's Pizza, 1938 S. Hwy 97, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Wednesday, October 14th, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM

RSVP or questions? Contact AJ:
📞 541-548-8559 or [email protected]

Reminder: Join us at the NEW LOCATION for Ladies Who Lunch!

We will now be meeting at Abby’s Pizza, 1115 NE 3rd Street, Bend, OR 97701
* The last Tuesday of the month, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Ladies Who Lunch is a welcoming space for women who care for someone with a disability. Come connect with others, share ideas, laugh, and celebrate small wins. Whether you need support, encouragement, or just a moment with people who understand, you’re welcome here!

To RSVP or for questions, contact AJ at [email protected] or call 541-548-8559