{Official protest notice against Budget cuts on Services to families with children who have disabilities}

ATTENTION EVERYONE!!! My name is Sharlene Curnow THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AND I HOPE TO ALL OF YOU
I have just learned that legislators are going to be putting forward a proposal for budget cuts. This proposal, if accepted, will call for thereduction or elimination of most services provided to children with developmental disabilities.

Impact of Service Reductions on Families with Children experiencing Developmental DisabilitiesIn response to the budget shortfall, the Governor's Reduction Order has included the reduction or elimination of most services provided to children with developmental disabilities. The Order includes the elimination of all family support, elimination of Long term support for Children with Developmental Disabilities, elimination of PC20 Services, reduction in foster care, residential programs, proctor care, and raising case management ratios to 1 case manager to every 300 children.
The following link is the break down of the proposed cuts.

http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/BAM/Allot_Reduction_Pages/DHS_SeniorsPeopleWithDisabilities.pdf

This will be a peaceful civil protest, anything less would discredit us as a united front fighting for the rights of our children.

Location: Capital steps in front of the Capital building

Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Time:9:00am to 11:00am

Be creative bring your own sign, a 3'x6' Banner will be displayed that says..OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT EXPENDABLE STOP SPECIAL SERVICES BUDGET CUTS.

Rules of conduct:
1. you can not prevent or block any person entering or leaving the capital building
2. you can not prevent traffic from moving
3. no littering
4. no loud devises that can be heard inside the building
5. no alcoholic beverages
6. no candles unless you have a drip catch around it
7. no physical contact with anyone

These are the most important of the rules that were provided to me today. It is important that we adhere to ALL of them as we want to make a statement that will stick in the minds of those who walk by.
IF ANYONE IS OUT OF BOUNDS AND GETS OUT OF CONTROL THEY WILL BE ASKED NICELY TO REMOVE THEMSELVES FROM THE EVENT.

I have contacted Channel 12,2 to see if they would be willing to do a story on us, as I feel we need to make this issue as public as possible. Other radio stations and news channels will be contacted prior to the event.
There will be flyers to pass out with information on various people to write as well to dispute these changes.

If you are the parent of a child with disabilities, or have a family member not just a child with disabilities please I encourage you to take a stand for their rights. Spread the word!!

I ask that if you are interested in attending you notify me no later than Friday July 1st, I have been asked by the capital to provide them an estimated head count.

My email address is: acurnow4@comcast.net

Thank you,
Sharlene M Curnow
Mother of Michael Curnow age 3 PVNH