Picture of Prof. Michelle Dunn

Eugene’s KLCC reported on UO Professor Michelle Dunn’s Unified Basketball program at Eugene high schools. Dunn also teaches EDST 440: PE for Diverse Learners, for which DS minors can receive fieldwork credit.

According to the story:

“Michelle Dunn is Eugene 4J’s Adapted PE Specialist, and runs the program. She said it gives these students a chance to be part of a team.

“I think once families and students truly understand and see what unified sports can be about—leadership and togetherness, and motor skills, social skills—people are drawn to it,” she said, “they’re engaged, and we need more of that to bring us together.”

Dunn said last year, there was just one unified game, between Churchill and Sheldon. She said students from other schools spurred the expansion. This year, all four large 4J high schools will host a game, and each team will play twice.

Dunn said the students’ excitement is contagious. She runs the program in cooperation with Special Olympics Oregon, and in future years, she’d like to work toward having three seasons of sports, potentially adding flag football or soccer in the fall, and kickball or track and field in the spring.”

Want to receive a scholarship to complete your Disability Studies Fieldwork Requirement? The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Hands-On Learning Scholarship to pursue experiential learning opportunities.

The scholarship will provide financial support of up to $5,000 to assist students in completing an unpaid internship, research opportunity, or service-learning experience. Preference will be given to applicants with financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships. They consider assistance for paid internships where the case can be made that the compensation will not be adequate to cover living expenses. You need to apply by Week 7 of the term before your internship starts.

For more info, click here: UO Hands-On Learning Scholarship.

For info about DS Fieldwork, click here: https://disability.uoregon.edu/about-fieldwork/

Circle of Friends

• Website: https://circleoffriendsschool.org/
• Address: 116 N 6th Street
• Contact: Jenn Davis
• Phone: 541-321-0107
• Email: jenn@circleoffriendsschool.org
• Hours: 8:00-4:00pm // Monday through Friday (All national holidays are observed & there are occasional non school training days); Community Events typically occur on weekends or no school days and times vary between 8-5pm; Seasonal camps typically occur during school breaks such as spring, summer, and winter break and hours vary between 8-4pm.

● Description: Circle of Friends was founded on one simple concept: youth with severe disabilities and challenges are just like anyone else – they deserve opportunities. Through resources, support, training, and a community built on compassion, we’re here to break the cycle of isolation for these individuals and the people who love them. Circle of Friends School is a nonprofit organization that provides youth with severe disabilities and their families with a variety of programs in the Lane County area.

• • How does Circle of Friends School describe complex needs? A significant disability or a combination of disabilities that substantially impacts a person’s physical ability, communication skills, or intellectual ability and as a result, interfere with their ability to participate in childhood experiences and daily living activities without the use of specialized mobility or medical equipment or communication systems. These disabilities can be compounded by medical challenges.
  • Disabilities that are included but are not limited to Orthopedic Impairment/physical disability, Visual Impairment/low vision/blindness/Cortical vision impairment, deafness/hard of hearing, significant intellectual disability, and genetic disorders.
  • Currently Circle of Friends School’s specialized activities are being designed to meet the needs of our most vulnerable population and prioritizing youth with physical disabilities.

● Opportunities:

o Monthly family-friendly events through partnership with city recreation programs

o Seasonal camps: Circle of Friends offers quarterly camps during school breaks [spring, summer, and winter] that provide youth centered activities specially designed for youth ages preschool through middle school.

o Circle of Friends School provides an alternative education placement for grades K-8 that provides appropriate programming in a supported community of professionals.

o Academic School year is from September through June. School hours are 8:20-3:20pm, Wednesdays 8:20-1:50pm

● How best to contact them? Phone or email. In person visits to see our program are available upon request.

● Training Required? In person or online orientation & internal paperwork process (waivers, agreements, releases)

● Background Check Required? Yes, there is volunteer clearance required

● Volunteer Application: https://forms.gle/YbpqJVade7ZKKGrD9

Download this flier as a PDF

Internship Opportunity Fall 2023
People with disabilities and others encouraged to apply!

If your dream career involves human and disability rights, cross cultural exchange, and working with diverse
populations, an internship at Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is your opportunity to think globally and act locally!

MIUSA, a non-profit based in Eugene, empowers people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.

This is a three month remote internship between Oct – Dec, 2023. 10-20 hours per week preferred. Academic credit for internships is optional.

For more information, contact:
Suz Dunn, Internship Coordinator
sdunn@miusa.org
Tel/tty: (541) 343-1284

To apply: https://www.miusa.org/news/applyinternship/

Apply by September 1, 2023 for priority consideration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. 

MindFreedom International (MFI) & Aciu! Institute Internship Program

MindFreedom International (MFI) and Aciu! Insitute are searching for interns to join their team for the 2022-2023 academic year! Please consider applying if you are interested in community organizing and activism with marginalized and disempowered communities!

We are accepting intern applications on a rolling basis NOW through September 15, 2022. Selected applicants should plan to start on September 26th.

Background Information

MindFreedom International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Eugene, Oregon, with more than three decades worth of championing human rights in mental health. This internship opportunity is in partnership with Aciu! Institute, a local consulting group founded by the former director of MFI, David W. Oaks. Interns gain experience with grassroots organizing, outreach initiatives, program management, and contribute to MFI and Aciu!’s larger mission of advocating for human rights in mental healthcare. 

Our interns work with MFI, Aciu! Institute, and local grassroots Affiliate organizations like MindFreedom Oregon. Positions are remote and require a minimum of three hours per week for one full academic year of Fall, Winter, and Spring. We consider applicants for shorter-term positions, but preference is given to those who can work with us for a full three terms for six hours per week. Summer internship opportunities are also available.

Though we primarily work with University of Oregon students, individuals from any accredited University are welcome to apply!

Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Candidate must be an enrolled university student in good academic standing. Individuals who are not university students are still encouraged to apply.
• Candidate, regardless of affiliated institution, must be able to work with the University of Oregon’s academic calendar.
• Candidate must have access to technology and possess the skills needed to work remotely, including: computer, webcam, stable internet connection, as well as, some familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, spreadsheets, and Zoom. Experience with WordPress and social media are ideal, but not required.
• If the candidate wishes to receive academic credit for this internship, it is their responsibility to reach out to the appropriate parties and successfully register by their institution’s deadlines.

Activities & Tasks

• Team collaboration with MFI and Aciu! Institute, including their interns and volunteers.
• Periodic team meetings and one-on-one meetings with David W. Oaks, as well as the opportunity to assist and support the organizing efforts of local MFI Affiliate organizations in their separate Zoom meetings.
• Hands-on work with MFI’s outreach initiatives.
• Individualized project that encourage the development of fresh ideas and contributions regarding social issues. These projects are assigned early in the term in consideration of the candidate’s preexisting experience and indicated interests, with goals of assisting interns in the development of a range of new skills.
• Creation of activists-oriented content for MFI and Aciu! Institute, including blog entries and social media post.
• Peer education and outreach for MFI’s Shield Campaign, which supports human rights of folx in mental healthcare.
•  Assistance with searching

Internship Program 2022-2023 Job Description – Printable PDF

The Early Education Program

The Early Education Program Inc. (EEP) primarily serves preschoolers with special needs. Children who attend EEP classrooms often come with significant delays in many areas of development.

We are looking for particular assistant teachers for full or part-time work starting September 6, 2022.

Job Summary

• Assist lead teacher in assuring a preschool program of the highest quality.
• Engages in frequent individualized interactions with children through-out the day that are nurturing and facilitate learning.
• Leads own small group activities daily.
• Engages in planning and follow-up activities that keep the classroom running smoothly and provides an optimal environment for children and staff.

General Duties and Responsibilities

The basic duties of this position include the following. Employees in this position perform some o r all of the tasks. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Support the classroom in maintaining a safe environment for children at all times.
• Assist children with and without special needs in meeting educational goals.
• Is focused on helping children meet important language, cognitive, pre-literacy, social-emotional and monitor goals.
• Lesson plans for and leads three to four small groups daily; assist in large groups; lead or assist during free play and other classroom routines including transitions.
• Embed goals routinely throughout the day.
•  Assist in assessing child progress (records data) as directed by teachers/ site directors.
• Assist with cleaning duties as necessary.
• Uses various targeted curriculums to plan activities for optimal progress on goals/ objectives.
• Assist the classroom teachers with the creation and development of curriculum-based materials to supplement the theme/ curriculum, as well as basic copying, typing, laminating, etc.
• Follows the daily schedule and modified teaching calendar which includes a five week summer program.
• Assist the teachers in the set-up and maintenance of the classroom, materials, and supplies.
• Interact thoughtfully and kindly with children, staff, and parents to resolve conflicts in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Acknowledge, respects, and acts to secure the confidentiality of all family records/ information.
• Maintains appropriate certifications, ORO requirements, and training hours as required.
• Demonstrates excellent professional skills; in punctual; attendance in exemplary.

Qualifications

To preform this job success, an individual must able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representatives of the knowledge, skills and/ or ability required.

Experience/Education

Required

• High School diploma
• One year of experience

Preferred

• One year of experience with young children in a school setting
• One year of experience with young children with disabilities
• At or above Step Level 7 on ORO
• Bachelor’s Degree in Child/ Education related field (e.g. early childhood, special education, communication disorders, psychology, etc.)

Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrates a basic respect for ALL families.
• Focuses on resolving conflicts; maintains confidentiality; has good listening skills and remains open to the idea of others; contributes to a strong positive team spirit.
• Eagerness to learn new skills; receives feedback and coaching positively, gives feedback to others kindly.
• Engages with young children with enthusiasm, warmth, and joy.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration

Hourly Rate: $15.30-$17.55 based on education, experience (life and classroom experience), 195 day school year, follows the Early Childhood CARES calendar

Benefits: PTO (Paid Time Off); full-time employees receive medical and dental insurance/ stipend; paid holidays, a retirement match; regular scheduled breaks through the year.

COVID-19 Considerations

• The classroom follows all ODE Health and Safety Guidelines
• All staff must be fully vaccinated

To Apply

• Submit a resume detailing your educational background and experience.
• Brief cover letter that speaks to your particular interest in working your children/ children with special needs.

Contact Information

Email: office@earlyeducationprogram.org

 georgia@earlyeducationprogram.org

Fax: 541-485-6166, Attn: Georgia Layton

Mailing Address: 99 West 10th Ave. Suite 340, Eugene, OR, 97401, Attn: Georgia Layton

Teaching Assistant Job Description – Printable PDF

Achieve Tahoe, a non-profit which leads the way in providing adaptive sports and outdoor recreation for people with disabilities and their families, seeks a dynamic individual to join their programming team in a full-time, seasonal position as a Snowsports Intern. 

Internship Dates

December 1, 2022- April 30, 2023

About the Position 

Under the direction of the Intern Program Coordinator, the Intern’s primary duties include 

• Function as part of the Program Team learning to assess and deliver snowsports instruction from individuals of all ages with various disabilities 
• Assist with the transportation, maintenance, and set-up of program equipment 
• Assist with special events
• Assist with facilities and administrative tasks as assigned 
• Develop and complete an intern project 
• Attend orientation and training 
• Attend clinics both on-hill and indoors 
• Prepare for and participate in PSIA Level 1 in-house training program in preparation for PSia Level 1 Alpine and Adaptive ski exams or equivalent snowboard exams 

Requirements 

Must be a high school graduate or equivalent; a college degree is preferred (does not have to be in a related field); and at least intermediate skill level in alpine skiing and/or snowboarding.

How to Apply 

Go to: https://www.achievetahoe.org/volunteer/internships/ and click how to apply.

For any questions please contact Laurel at laurel@achievetahoe.or

Positions are available immediately and will remain open until filled.

Full Internship Description

L’Arche Portland is a local non-profit that transforms the lives of people with and without intellectual disabilities by working together to create a home, shared life, and building community. 

We invite and welcome people from different vocational, educational, and cultural backgrounds to apply! No prior experience is necessary. 

Join our community as an assistant, where you will: 

• Provide direct care support to adults who have intellectual disabilities 
• Foster unity and inclusion at home and in the broader community 
• Grow personally through relationships of mutual care and support. 

Learn more and apply here. 

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Internship

• Website:       www.mhkc.org 
• Address:
  • Office: 10725 SW Barbur BLVD STE 50 Portland, OR 97219
  • Campsite: 83500 E. Kiwanis Camp Road Government Camp, OR 97028
• Contact:      Savannah Buck, Assistant Programs Director
• Phone:         971-230-2922
• Email:          savannah@mhkc.org
• Hours:         Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM (can be flexible)
• Description:

Each summer at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, over 500 campers with developmental disabilities, ages 12 and up, spend a week at MHKC’s fully-accessible 22-acre campsite in the Mt. Hood National Forest.  They enjoy horseback riding, arts and crafts, singing camp songs, swimming, fishing, flying down the zip line, canoeing and whitewater rafting.  All activities at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp are adapted for campers of all abilities by a skilled staff using highly specialized equipment.

Counselors come from all walks of life, usually students working for class credit or volunteers seeking a meaningful new experience.  They provide 1:1 support to a person with a developmental disability, become friends, have fun together and support them through daily routines.

• Opportunities:

Volunteer Counselor for a 2-week session. 4 sessions to choose from.  

• • Session I: June 19 – July 2, 2022
  • Session II: July 3- July 16, 20222
  • Session III: July 17 – July 30, 2022
  • Session IV: July 31 – August 13, 2022

• Background Check Required:

Yes, must be able to pass a standard background check.

• Volunteer Application:

Applications open January 3, 2022 – May 2022 for counselor volunteers at https://mhkc.org/counselors/.  

• Protocols During COVID:

Our COVID handbook is on our website at https://mhkc.org/covid-19/.

Download internship information here.

Lane School Internship 

Website:   http://laneschool.blogs.lesd.k12.or.us/

Address:  171 City View, Eugene, OR 97405

Contact:    Amy Moore,  Behavior Consultant

Phone:      541-463-8500

Email:       amoore@lesd.k12.or.us

Hours:      Monday- Friday, 8:15AM -3:30PM

Description:

Lane ESD program serving K-8 students with behavioral challenges.

Opportunities:

Intern in classroom to support teacher and students.

How best to contact them: Email Amy Moore

Training Required: 

Orientation and training will happen the first week or internship

Background Check Required:

There is no background check, participants will be required to wear a UO ID as verification. 

Volunteer Application: None, please email Amy Moore for next steps.

Protocols during COVID: All participants must be vaccinated and wear a mask at all times, except when on break away from students. Additionally, you must bring a vaccination card to the first day.