Doing the Right Thing: Growing Understanding This Spring

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
Planting Seeds of Compassion: The Right Thing Starts with Understanding

Spring reminds us that growth takes patience, care, and dedication. Doing the right thing often means recognizing the unseen challenges our customers face, especially when it comes to mental health. Just like tending to a garden, supporting someone’s well-being requires attention and understanding. By learning how mental health impacts those with intellectual disabilities, we can plant seeds of empathy and nurture them with respectful, compassionate care. This March, let’s commit to growth by cultivating a deeper understanding of our customers’ needs and ensuring they have the support to flourish.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

MARCH’S QUOTE
Theme: Do the Right Thing

IMPORTANT UPDATES
New Changes to In-Home Support Hours: What You Need to Know

Dear Individuals and Families,

We want to share an important update about how in-home support hours are determined. The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) will begin the final phase of the Compass Project on April 1, 2025. The Compass project is a transition to the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA). This means that starting with Individual Support Plans (ISPs) that begin or renew on or after April 1, 2025, in-home support hours will be based on the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA) service group. Some individuals may need an exception to receive additional hours.

What is the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA)?
The ONA is a tool used across Oregon’s I/DD services to:
• Assess support needs fairly and consistently.
• Determine in-home support hours using a service group system.
• Provide a standardized approach for in-home care services.

What This Means for You: 
• This change will happen gradually as ISPs renew between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
• By April 1, 2026, all in-home support hours will be based on the ONA service groups.
• If your ISP renews in April or May 2025, your support hours will be determined by your ONAservice group. The Adult Needs Assessment and Child Needs Assessment will no longer be used for in-home services.

Project Update:
ODDS is now focusing only on completing the in-home hours transition as part of the Compass Project. The Compass Project will officially end when the in-home hours transition is complete in March 2026.

What If My Hours Are Reduced?
ODDS understands that some people may receive fewer in-home support hours than before, and this may be concerning. Their goal is to ensure that everyone’s support needs are met. If the number of hours assigned through the ONA is not enough to meet a person’s needs, you can request an exception right away. You do not need to wait until the ISP renewal date.

Resources to Help You:
To support you during this transition, we have updated resources available:
• To file an exception – Click Here 
• For detailed Compass Project Web Information – Click Here 

Connections NW can offer front-line support with form completion. Please contact your Connections Specialist or call 971.281.0200 for assistance. For questions regarding specific procedures or processes, please contact your case manager directly. We appreciate your patience and partnership as we work through this transition together.

Best,
The Connections NW Team

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Special Deliveries Just For YOU!

Business Developer Jennifer is on the move in Lane County making home visits and special deliveries to customers and DSP's. Jennifer enjoys visiting customers and learning about why they love being a part of the Connection NW family.  Please reach out to your Connections Support Specialist if you would like Jennifer to visit you next.

VALUES IN ACTION
Understanding Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Health: Doing the Right Thing

As spring brings renewal and growth, it’s a fitting time to reflect on how we can grow in our understanding and care for those we serve. The theme of “do the right thing” encourages us to go beyond what is easy and embrace what is necessary—ensuring that every customer’s needs are met with integrity and compassion. For adults with intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders are often overlooked or misunderstood. By recognizing these challenges and addressing them early, DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) and case managers can truly make a difference. Here’s how you can do the right thing by supporting mental health with insight and empathy.

1. Recognize the Signs of Mental Health Challenges

Tip: Mental health issues may present differently in adults with intellectual disabilities, often as changes in behavior or mood.

How-to: Watch for signs such as increased agitation, withdrawal from activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, or difficulty concentrating. Track these changes over time to identify patterns. Partner with family members and other caregivers to gather insights into the customer’s emotional and behavioral history.

Do the Right Thing Focus: Identifying early signs of mental health challenges ensures that customers receive the support they need before issues escalate.

2. Understand the Overlap Between Mental and Physical Health

Tip: Many physical health issues, such as chronic pain or sensory sensitivities, can contribute to mental health problems.

How-to: Ensure customers receive regular medical checkups, and communicate with healthcare providers to understand how physical health might impact emotional well-being. Be mindful of nonverbal cues indicating discomfort or distress that may be linked to physical conditions.

Do the Right Thing Focus: Addressing the whole person—both physical and mental health—demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive, compassionate care.

3. Foster a Safe and Supportive Environment

Tip: A calm and predictable environment can reduce anxiety and support mental well-being.

How-to: Establish routines that provide structure and stability. Create a safe space where customers can retreat when they feel overwhelmed, and use sensory tools or calming techniques such as weighted blankets or deep-breathing exercises.

Do the Right Thing Focus: Providing a supportive environment shows that you prioritize the customer’s comfort and mental health.

4. Collaborate with Mental Health Professionals

Tip: Mental health professionals can offer tailored strategies to support individuals with intellectual disabilities.

How-to: Build partnerships with therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists experienced in working with intellectual disabilities. Advocate for customers to access these resources when needed and ensure that mental health plans align with their personal goals and preferences.

Do the Right Thing Focus: Leveraging professional expertise ensures that customers receive the highest standard of care.

5. Promote Emotional Expression

Tip: Helping customers articulate their emotions reduces frustration and fosters mental well-being.

How-to: Use visual aids, emotion charts, or role-playing activities to teach emotional expression. Encourage open communication by listening actively and validating their feelings without judgment.

Do the Right Thing Focus: Supporting emotional expression empowers customers and strengthens trust, showing respect for their individuality and experiences.

Conclusion

This spring, let’s renew our commitment to doing the right thing by recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of those we serve. Mental health challenges often go unnoticed, but by fostering awareness, creating supportive environments, and collaborating with professionals, we can help customers thrive. When we embrace a holistic approach to care—balancing intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being—we demonstrate the integrity and compassion that defines our mission. Together, we can cultivate growth, renewal, and hope for everyone we serve.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Rachel

Here is a little something about Rachel that the Connections NW team wanted to share:

“Rachel has been working very hard to get out of her comfort zone and push herself. She has recently started a job at Amazon and has been told by management that she has the potential to move up to supervisor, so she is working towards that. Way to go Rachel!!”

DSP OF THE MONTH
Phin

Here are a few inspiring thoughts from Phin:

“I like working with my customers the most when we are out doing things that they are passionate about and that they enjoy. I find that I enjoy working the most when we are able to balance things that are part of "the work" and that have to be done, with doing things that they want to do, whether it's enjoying walking around the downtown Bend area, watching movies and/or tv, or going on hikes and enjoying the outdoor aspect of Central Oregon.”

“If I could master one specific skill, I think it would be the ability to stay present and always remain in the here & now. Sometimes I find myself looking to the future or dwelling on the past, and if I was better at living in the current moment and enjoying things for the act of doing them, even if they are as unassuming as washing dishes or taking out the trash, I think that would be really nice."

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Jaymie

Here are a few questions we asked Jaymie.

What are you looking forward to about working with us?
"I am looking forward to connecting with people, getting to know them and helping them to live a fuller life. I feel blessed to be a part of a company who shares the same values as me. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store.”

If you could only eat one type of food for a month, what would it be?
"Korean Food!"

Welcome, Jaymie! We’re happy you joined us.

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Who Can Resist a Cute Pet Pic?

Submit Your Photos for the Next Quarterly Contest!

The family pet photo contest has closed. We can’t wait to share the winner with you next month!

Katie, our Referral Specialist, loves crocheting or listening to audiobooks with her dog curled up on her lap. She’s going to have so much fun looking at your pics and choosing her favorite.

The winner will get a $50 Visa gift card prize, and the winning pic will be featured in our April newsletter!

^{*No purchase necessary to win.}

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
We Want to Hear From You

GET PAID TO CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE
We Are Hiring!

Get Paid to Care For Your Loved One
At Connections NW, we believe the best care comes from those who know and love your loved one best—family members or trusted friends who truly understand their needs and routines.

With our Bring Your Own Caregiver program, family members or trusted friends can be paid to provide care. Our DSPs (caregivers) start at $24 per hour, with annual raises up to $26, plus full benefits and overtime.

Join the Bring Your Own Caregiver program and start now!

Become a DSP Today
If you have a passion for serving your community, Connections NW is looking for Direct Support Professionals. All our DSPs start at $24 per hour with raises each year up to $26.

Go to: https://connections-nw.org/careers to apply.