Thank you for your interest in supporting Disability Compass: a website that uses the internet to link information to Oregonians with disabilities, their families, and those who support them.

As we begin 2009, we are looking forward to many changes.

• A new look for our website.
• A re-tooled search engine.
• More ways of organizing the 2500+ resources to make them easy to locate.
• On-the-spot training and support for using the website via web-based meetings.
• Improved technical support using web-based meeting tools.
• ....and more.

On the horizon we want to collaboratively develop and deliver training online to reach everyone in Oregon at any time of day or night. Years ago, when Andy, my 20-year-old son who has Down syndrome and autism, was going through a difficult time, I needed help. But the only time I had available for research and learning was in the wee hours of the morning. Needless to say, no one was available to consult with me or provide training at 2:00 am!

If funded, the online training program will be!

Compass is the natural meeting place for all Oregonians - people with disabilities, families, health care professionals, direct support providers...everyone. By sharing our collective skills to develop effective trainings that can be shared in person or over the internet, we will directly impact the safety and quality of life for people with disabilities, their families, and those who support them.

Join us by showing your support for a more robust Compass project that brings quality information and tools to the homes of those who need it, when they need it - and to the offices of professionals who need it, when they need it. We have amazing and talented people in Oregon who can help dozens upon dozens of people with disabilities and their families if we work together. Not to mention the quality of skills for people who work in this field and want to do their best!

I know I needed and wanted something like this many times over the last 20 years.

One of the most important aspects to effective learning is being motivated. On-demand trainings will definitely help!

Give generously to add tools to the toolbox available to those who want to learn how to support people with disabilities and their families.

 

Sincerely,

Joan Guthrie Medlen, RD, LD
Executive Director
Disability Navigators, home of the Compass Project.

 

PS - Set up your own fundraising page for the Compass Project! Click here!