The Power of FACT Oregon's Support Line: Unlocking Knowledge, Fostering Collaboration, and Sharing Resources
FACT Oregon is dedicated to empowering families and individuals navigating disability, reshaping perceptions of disability, and advocating for a society in which all people can thrive. Our Support Line provides a lifeline to families navigating the complex worlds of special education, disability services, and future planning. We seek to provide a safe space for families to ask questions and discover practical solutions or next steps they can take. We are proud that this service is an essential resource for families across the state and are privileged to receive positive feedback about the impact we have on the lives of the families we support.
Here’s a closer look at our Support Line and the ways that families engage with us.
Our Approach: Be A Guiding Light for Families
Collectively, our team has the professional training needed to support families through many different milestones. Let us help you carve a path forward to a whole full life! We welcome questions about special education (we are the designated statewide Parent Information and Training Center), intellectual and developmental disability services, early childhood care and learning, behavior and communication, self-determination and supported decision making, and so much more!
But what sets us apart is that our professional knowledge is combined with lived experience navigating disability. All staff are parents of a youth with a disability, and several identify as disabled themselves. We understand the unique challenges and responsibilities families navigating disability face. We pride ourselves on offering personalized support rooted in empathy, respect, and trust. And our staff reflects the diversity of the families we support. Simply put, we want families to feel heard, understood, and supported.
Our Work: Inspire Confidence, Foster Growth, and Find Solutions. Every child is entitled to an education and access to the resources and services that enable them to participate fully in their community. But it can be difficult for families to feel confident and prepared to advocate for their child’s rights effectively. Through our Support Line, we at FACT Oregon equip parents with the knowledge and tools they need. We are proud to see the confidence we inspire in families and the ways they take what they learn into their schools and communities.
As we support and empower families, we proudly embrace the mission of Healthier Together Oregon (HTO), the State Health Improvement Plan. We remain dedicated to supporting ALL families in the disability community, including those facing barriers or bias due to factors such as race, LGBTQIA+ status, income, location, language, immigration status, or parental disability. By addressing the specific needs of the disability community, we strive to create a truly inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Real Stories, Real Impact
“Everyone has been so helpful and kind. It is such a daunting process to go through alone and feels hopeless, but the personal care and support I have received has been life changing for me and my children! They are truly helping lay a strong foundation that will help me and my family thrive.” -Brecca C., parent
"I used [the support I received] to help get appropriate services for my child with his school. They were very easy to talk with and listened to my concerns." - Reagan L., parent
"Through FACT Oregon support, I got a clearer idea about IEP Placements. The specialist was very courteous. I was feeling down and that I had let my child down by not looking into IEP procedures before. But the specialist helped me out by pointing to resources. The specialist also went out of her way and helped me feel better." - Vignesh K-S, parent
"I incorporated {the information} into things I discussed in the IEP meeting. [I appreciated] knowing that the specialist KNOWS what my family is going through, completely understands and provides empathy." - Michael B., parent
"I was able to make more informed decisions on how to best help my child and how to proceed with his IEP. I was so grateful to the advocate I spoke with. {They} were kind, listened to and validated my concerns, helped me to better understand the law in regard to IEPs and how to utilize a behavior plan more effectively, and provided wonderful suggestions and valuable information." - Jodi D., parent
"I used [the information to] address the school’s refusal to do a 504/IEP for my child. It gave me a better standing to advocate for her. I appreciated how patient and helpful they were." - Alejandra D, parent
Empowerment Starts Here. Join us in our journey to empower families and transform lives. Through FACT Oregon's Support Line, we are here to support and uplift you as you navigate disability and special education. Please reach out to us in any of the following ways:
Call or text 503-786-6082 or 541-695-5416! We aim to reply within 1-3 business days depending on the call volume.
Email us at support@factoregon.org or apoyo@factoregon.org
For non-urgent questions, pre-schedule a time to talk.
