"There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what they cannot do" Dr. Temple Grandin

Resources and Events

Autism Society of Oregon - ASO is Oregon’s leading organization providing resources, education, advocacy on policy matters and support for individuals and families living with autism. Click here for more information.

AUTISM WALK IN PORTLAND - 20th Anniversary on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Oaks Park in SE Portland 9 am – 12 noon. Click here for more information and to register.

Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder - OCASD was created in 2009 by a governor’s executive order. It is an official state commission. It is designed to achieve its goals by creating collaborative subcommittees that identify needed improvements, develop practical solutions, and advocate for their adoption. It has a mandate to promote the efficient use of limited resources and identify priorities for change. OCASD also plays an important role in advising on matters of policy and practice affecting the lives of individuals with ASD. Click here for more information.

Behavior Support Team

9 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), each assigned to a cluster

1 ASD Coach, assigned to high school

Population Served: Behavior support services are available to any student receiving special education services. These services focus on decreasing challenging behaviors and increasing behaviors needed to access education. The Behavior Support Team provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) support primarily via training, consultation, and coaching of teachers, para-professionals, and caregivers. Support in the development of Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Support Plans is available and referrals may be made to request intensive individual student support.

This virtual fair is designed for families of students with disabilities to provide information on community resources and supports. Information and resources for Middle and High School students’ families.

When: April 26^th and 27^th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

What Are The Focus Areas?

• Pre-employment - Employment Services

• Education Programs

• Developmental Disability Services

• Mental Health Resources

• Supported Decision Making - Alternatives to Guardianship

• 18-21 yr. transition programs

• Assistive Technology

• Independent/Supported Living

• Adaptive and Inclusive Activities

and so much more!

This event will be held virtually. Flyer and registration link here.

PPS is pleased to offer a range of engaging learning opportunities for students all summer long. The theme of our summer programming is Create ∗ Learn ∗ Play! There are opportunities for students of all ages including academic support, credit completion for high school students, enrichment activities, culturally specific learning experiences, and specialized supports for our students with disabilities. These programs are offered by both licensed PPS staff and community partners. Please see the menu of options click here.

Visit local museums and cultural institutions for free with My Discovery Pass, available to Multnomah County Library cardholders. (Library card is free of charge)

Log in to "My Discovery Pass" with your library card number and password.

Participating Attractions. Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions. Click here.

Spring 2022 with Portland Park and Recreation District

Click Here for information.

Spring 2020 Activities Guide, here.

The Community Music Center from Portland Park and Recreation District:

• This Spring CMC added a new class for Special Education Youth. “Inclusive Piano”, is designed for 13-18 years old. The class will run from April 1^st to June 3^rd on Fridays at 4-4:40pm

• Students will explore the basic of piano / keyboard playing in a welcoming, adaptive, creative and small-class setting. A flyer is attached to this email.

• Community Music Center offers PP&R “Pay What You Can” option, classes can be reduced to 75% discount and also scholarships are available. No application required. Flyer

Dear PPS Families and Students,

From the beginning of this global pandemic, we’ve been guided by advice from public health experts, made adjustments based on new data and updated science, and applied what we’ve learned to guide our response to COVID-19.

Beginning on Monday, March 14, PPS will transition to optional masking for all staff and students across every PPS building. This is aligned with the new public health guidance released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Multnomah County Public Health. Click here for more information.

You can contact one of our Special Education Family and Community Engagement Specialist Noelle Sisk and Paulina Larenas (Bilingual Spanish). Our job is to support families in understanding the special education process, how to more effectively advocate, finding resources, and/or anything related to disability. Noelle and I are both parents of students with disabilities and understand how challenging can be for families to navigate the special education system. We are here to support you!

You can contact us at : spedfamilysupport@pps.net or directly at: nsisk@pps.net 971-533 - 6477 and plarenas@pps.net - 971-413-8802 via email, call or text (Spanish-Español)