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You are here: Home / Awards Granted / Family Learning Program – 2013

Family Learning Program – 2013

January 24, 2013 By Friends of OSD

Sharla’s proposal was awarded up to $6,000 for a full weekend Family Learning Program for parents and students to receive training, problem solve, learn new skills.

In the past (8-10 years ago), the Family Learning Program was an event that brought families of deaf and hearing impaired students to the School for a week during the summer.  The costs were included in the School’s budget, and it was one of the most successful and anticipated activities of the year. When budgets were cut, some tough decisions had to be made, and the Family Learning Program was eliminated.  Since that time it has been the hope of school administrators that other funds could be found to re-establish the Program. During 2012, Board members successfully acquired private foundation grants and income from fundraising activities to re-establish a more modest weekend Family Learning Program that was held on November 10-11. A number of families attended (a total of 54 participants), with children of all ages. OSD’s dietary staff prepared delicious meals for families who were housed in OSD’s dormitories.  Moms really enjoyed being able to relax, to eat without doing all the chores, and to get to know other parents.

Workshops for parents included: “Reading with your Deaf Child;”“Love and Logic: Behavior and your Deaf Child.” (led by a parent of deaf children); “Hands and Voices:  Resources for your Deaf Child in Oregon;” A Sign Language Clinic to help parents improve their signing skills; A sharing of resources available in the community. During the workshops, the children were divided into age groups for supervised activities including swimming, captioned movies, and a bouncy house.

Before leaving, families participated in team-building activities, a family photo opportunity, an art contest, and a thrilling scavenger hunt. The families commented on how grateful they were to be able to take part in this weekend–there was bonding time, and moments of reflection and appreciation for the deaf children in their lives.

Thanks to funding from THE SALEM FOUNDATION, the OCF JOSEPH E. WESTON PUBLIC FOUNDATION, and Friends of OSD fundraising activities.

Filed Under: Awards Granted, Featured

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Our Mission

IMG_2702The FOSD mission and purpose is to support the enhancement of programs and services for students at OSD beyond the State’s funding responsibility*. The FOSD Board has identified four initiatives for which awards may be granted:  education, cultural activities, innovative programs and minor capital improvement projects.

Founded by a small group of dedicated people in 2006, FOSD was established to support the students at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD).  From that beginning, Friends of OSD has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer Board of Directors. In 2014, FOSD created an Advisory Council of 15 members.

The Friends of OSD Strategic Plan provides direction as the nonprofit continues to expand. We are proud to say that 95% of all grants and donations go directly to programs that benefit students.

*The State of Oregon is responsible for operating programs and services for the students at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). Federal case law establishes the expectation that special education services provided by a school be reasonably designed to ensure students make progress. Friends of OSD will not replace or supplant the responsibilities of the state.

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