independence northwest

09/22/2026

The Oregon Health Authority has released a useful guide to help reduce confusion in the wake of federal Medicaid changes.

Myths vs. Facts About Federal Changes to OHP:
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Documents/HR1-Mythbusters.pdf

And be sure to check out the latest details here: https://benefits.oregon.gov/

09/22/2026

A reminder from the Oregon Health Authority to keep contact information for you and/or people you care about up-to-date.

OHP Members:
Changes are coming to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and we want you to be prepared.

Make sure your contact information is up to date so you can receive important notices to stay covered and keep getting the care you need.

Take a few minutes today to confirm your contact details are current.

Here’s three ways you can update your information:
• Go to https://ow.ly/oOEs50ZPn4G
• Call 1-800-699-9075
• Visit your local ODHS office

To learn more, visit: https://ow.ly/Kgam50ZPn0K

09/21/2026

Register now for THIS WEDNESDAY!

INW is excited to welcome the Community Energy Project for an In Person/Online DIY Cooling Workshop on September 23rd from 2pm - 3pm.

Come learn low-cost cooling and energy saving techniques for renters and homeowners alike. Learn how to save water and energy, cool your home without using air conditioning, and prevent heat related illness.

This is a hybrid event - so you can attend in person at our office or virtually online.

Space is limited to the first 25 people and registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendees. If you register to attend online, we'll send you a link.

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/262315237126047

Qualified participants will receive a free kit of materials to lower energy costs and stay cooler in their home during warmer months. To receive a free kit of materials, you must live in Multnomah County and your income must be at or below 80% of the Portland area median income.

Questions? Email Megan at [email protected].

09/18/2026

Did you catch "Our Ride Ahead: Air Travel While Disabled?" this week?

https://www.rideaheadfilm.com/webinars

“Air Travel While Disabled," is a discussion about how challenging air travel adventures can be. The discussion features stories, tips, tricks, and resources from disabled travelers Elizabeth Dicker, Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson, and Emily Ladau, and is moderated by Rosemary McDonnell-Horita. The recording includes captions and ASL interpretation.

Follow the link in this post to watch the webinar and nab a handy travel resource sheet!

09/17/2026

Our fall newsletter is out now! https://bit.ly/4xu8odW

🔸 Check out and register for upcoming INW events
🔸 Learn all about our Connections class
🔸 Get updates on federal and state Medicaid changes and how we're supporting our customers
🔸 Find out how you can support our Customer Emergency Fund
🔸 Take a deep dive into an extensive list energy, utility, and housing resources pulled together by INW Lead PAs Megan and Angie
🔸 RSVP to upcoming self advocacy opportunities
🔸 And more!

09/16/2026

Thank you to the Oregon Department of Human Services for this update on Oregon's commitment to the Olmstead decision!

"Last week, Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Liesl Wendt spoke before the Oregon Legislature about recent federal actions affecting how the U.S. Department of Justice interprets and enforces disability rights. Governor Tina Kotek also recently joined 17 other governors in sending a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche urging the federal government to continue its longstanding support for disability rights and community-based services.

We want to be absolutely clear: Oregon remains committed to upholding the vision of the Olmstead decision and ensuring people with disabilities can live, work and participate in their communities with the supports they need.

Oregon has been working toward the goals set up by the Olmstead decision for decades. From Oregon Project Independence to Employment First and home and community-based services, we continue to work on expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to live with greater choice and independence.

Even though the federal Department of Justice will no longer rely on its previous Olmstead guidance, Oregon’s commitment remains unchanged:

🔵 The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 remain law.
🔵 The Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision still stands.
🔵 Federal regulations supporting integrated services remain in place.
🔵 Medicaid home and community-based services rules remain in place.
🔵Oregon’s Employment First law and policy still stand."

You can read the letter here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-sends-letter-urging-trump-administration-not-retreat-federal-disability-law

09/15/2026

Join us NEXT WEEK either in person or online for a DIY Cooling Workshop!

The workshop takes place September 23rd from 2pm - 3pm.

Come learn low-cost cooling and energy saving techniques for renters and homeowners alike. Learn how to save water and energy, cool your home without using air conditioning, and prevent heat related illness.

Space is limited to the first 25 people and registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendees. If you register to attend online, we'll send you a link.

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/262315237126047

Qualified participants will receive a free kit of materials to lower energy costs and stay cooler in their home during warmer months. To receive a free kit of materials, you must live in Multnomah County and your income must be at or below 80% of the Portland area median income.

Questions? Email Megan at [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you!

09/11/2026

Have you applied for our Connections class yet? Deadline is just around the corner: October 1st at 5pm.

Connections is a comprehensive 10-part class on healthy relationships, where you'll learn the skills to nurture and strengthen your connections with the people you interact with every day.

The program is specifically designed for brokerage customers who want to take their relationships to the next level, whether that's building a stronger support network, expanding your social circle, or even exploring romantic connections.

Learn more here: https://independencenw.org/connectionsclass/

09/10/2026

In 2027, changes to federal laws will affect Oregonians who rely on Medicaid.

One of the best ways you can stay on top of notifications, requests, and re-determinations for your health and food benefits is to download the Oregon ONE Eligibility app at https://one.oregon.gov/

Learn more by checking out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnXZd1Fa7Jc

09/09/2026

We've got lots of customer and community events coming up in the next couple of months at INW. Check them out and save your space by clicking the new events tab on our website!

https://independencenw.org/events/