Go the Extra Mile: Supporting Season Changes with Care

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
April in Full Bloom: Going the Extra Mile to Help Customers Thrive

Spring is all about growth—and growth takes effort.

This spring, I’m reflecting on how dedicated DSPs and Case Managers go the extra mile every day, whether it’s by trying one more communication strategy, making one more call, or simply showing up with warmth and intentionality.

That commitment creates real change. It is what helps the wonderful people we support thrive and bloom. Keep it up—you’re making a difference!

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

APRIL’S QUOTE
Theme: Go the Extra Mile

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
Let Us Treat You to a Ballgame!

Please save the date for an upcoming Lane County community event on May 21st!

Connections NW would like to invite our customers, DSP's family, and the Lane County IDD community to join us for an afternoon of fun at a Eugene Emeralds baseball game. Connections NW will be sponsoring ticket entry for all members of the IDD community.  We look forward to seeing you there!  RSVP is not necessary. The Eugene Emeralds stadium is located at 2760 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Eugene, OR 97401. Nearby parking is free.

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
Extra-Mile Support: Supporting Customers Through Season Changes

As spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and a fresh wave of energy, it also introduces changes—some exciting, some overwhelming—for the individuals we serve. For customers with intellectual disabilities, especially those with sensory sensitivities or difficulty adapting to new routines, this seasonal transition can be a source of stress. This is where our commitment to go the extra mile truly matters. By offering proactive, personalized support during times of change, DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) and case managers can ease anxiety, foster stability, and help customers experience the joy of spring in ways that feel safe and supportive. Here are practical ways to celebrate the season while helping customers navigate it with confidence and calm.

1. Prepare for Changes in Routine

• Tip: Sudden changes in schedules or daily patterns can cause anxiety.

• How-to: Use visual schedules, calendars, or social stories to explain upcoming changes like daylight savings, new activities, or seasonal outings. Review these changes in advance and revisit them often to build familiarity.

• Support Focus: Consistency builds trust. Helping customers understand what’s changing—and what’s staying the same—fosters a sense of security during seasonal shifts.

2. Create a Calm Approach to Sensory Overload

• Tip: Spring’s increased light, sound, and activity can overwhelm customers with sensory sensitivities.

• How-to: Offer sensory-friendly alternatives like sunglasses, noise-reducing headphones, or quiet spaces during outdoor activities. Let customers help choose spring clothing that feels good to them and is appropriate for the changing weather.

• Support Focus: Respecting sensory needs allows customers to participate without discomfort, helping them feel more in control and less anxious.

3. Use Nature as a Tool for Self Regulation

• Tip: Springtime provides natural opportunities for grounding and emotional balance.

• How-to: Incorporate simple outdoor experiences like nature walks, planting seeds, or sitting quietly in the sun. Use these moments to practice calming strategies such as deep breathing, identifying sounds or smells, or doing gentle stretches.

• Support Focus: Nature can be both calming and energizing. Using the outdoors intentionally helps customers regulate emotions while connecting to the season.

4. Celebrate the Season with Structure

• Tip: Celebrations can bring joy—but only when they’re manageable and predictable.

• How-to: Plan simple, low-pressure spring events like a picnic, craft day, or garden-themed activity. Include customers in the planning process to build excitement and understanding. Provide visual cues and offer downtime before and after the event.

• Support Focus: Celebrating spring in thoughtful, inclusive ways helps customers feel connected and cared for—without becoming overstimulated or overwhelmed.

5. Focus and Emotional Check-ins

• Tip: Transitions often stir up emotions that customers may not know how to express.

• How-to: Set aside time for regular emotional check-ins using feelings charts, conversation prompts, or simple “how are you feeling today?” questions. Reinforce the idea that it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement, anxiety, and everything in between.

• Support Focus: Emotional regulation starts with being seen and heard. Helping customers name their feelings is the first step in supporting them through seasonal changes.

Conclusion

Spring is a season of change—and opportunity. With warmth and structure, DSPs and case managers can help customers navigate new routines, sensory environments, and emotions in ways that feel empowering and safe. Whether it’s preparing for a schedule change, offering sensory support, or celebrating in a calm and joyful way, every small effort makes a big difference. Let’s go the extra mile together and help our customers grow through every season.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Rebecca

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

“Rebecca is so easy-going and is the sweetest person ever! Her heart is just so pure and we love her determination to live her best life that she can."

Favorite Ice cream: 

“Chocolate Chip cookie dough.”

Best friend:

“Jennifer.”

Rebecca, keep bringing that sunny smile to the world! 🌞🌻

DSP OF THE MONTH
Megan

What do you like about working with your customer?

“I love how fun my customer is. She is very respectful and we get along great. I've enjoyed our laughs and getting to know her and her kids.” 

What is one of your hobbies?

“I collect stickers, and I love traveling. So I have stickers from a lot of the states and places I have traveled to.” 

What is your favorite comfort food?

“Mac and Cheese!”

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Michelle

Here are a few questions we asked Michelle.

What are you looking forward to about working with us?
"Meeting new people & being helpful to someone.”

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

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

QUARTERLY CONTEST
And the winner is….Alister, submitted by Melissa Momper!

It’s always hard to choose the best pictures when it comes to family pets, but Alister won our hearts. Actually, melted them. 🫠 What a character!

Alister is multi-talented. These pictures show him in action doing some of the things he’s really good at: a fun game of hide and seek, reflecting deep thoughts whilst listening carefully, or providing comfort and love at just the right moment.

Melissa says Alister has been a phenomenal therapy cat for years. He always comes to aid the customer when the customer has an autistic meltdown. Alister has done so much over the years for the customer he supports, including during the time before the customer had been diagnosed. Alister has always been there for him.

Way to go, Alister, and thank you to Melissa for sharing!!🏆

Submit Your Entries for the Next Quarterly Contest!

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.