Bustin' Barriers Fall Newsletter 2026
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Fun
Our 6th Annual Art and Wine Night, Respite, and more!
Fall 2026 Newsletter
Camp was Good!
BB summer camp is usually awaited with excited anticipation. This year was no exception. Over four weeks in July and August, 132 camp slots were filled with campers ranging in age from five to young adults (more about those young adults to follow!). Veteran campers reunited with old friends and coaches while newbies got a chance to be active, play, meet a new friend - and try out a new activity.
Campers experience an array of disabilities. They and their families tell us that BB feels comfortable – a safe place for fun. For some, they were ready to engage the minute they got to camp. For others, hesitant watching preceded getting into a game as supportive coaches demonstrated, encouraged and cheered participation. You’d be surprised just how many barriers got busted as campers experienced a mix of activities – playground fun, gym games, art projects and sensory activities.
A good time was made possible by trained volunteer coaches committed to making camp fun. We’re equally appreciative of staff who worked with campers, provided guidance to volunteer coaches and were able to keep camp a safe, fun environment. Of course, no week of camp is complete without BB’s Famous Friday talent show and there was an impressive array of talent this year!
Just a few weeks after camp ended, school began … and Fall is upon us.
Time for our 6TH Annual
Art and Wine Night
Save the Date
Saturday, October 10th 6-8 PM
Katayama Framing
2219 NW Raleigh Street
Portland, OR 97210
BB’s Wine and Art Night is an evening of art, wine, and refreshments, with a silent and online auction that supports the programs of Bustin’ Barriers. Get to know us better. We’d love to have you join us in person but you’re welcome to bid online too. Our auction E-blast, including a QR code, will go out next week so you can see all the auction items and bid on them at home or in person. Lots to choose from including vacation experiences, dining coupons, art, ceramics, home goods and much more! You are also supporting the opportunity for kids experiencing disability to be physically active, have fun and engage with others. Thanks!
Fall Respite/Soccer
Are you ready for Fall respite/soccer?
Date: October 18th - November 15th
Time: Sundays from 9 AM to 11 AM
Place: East Portland Community Center
740 SE 106th Ave. Portland 97216
Cost: $80 for the full session (50% and 75% discounts available upon need]
Registration opens Sept. 30th
Looking forward to seeing ‘ya.
Developing a New Program
for Young Adults
A funny thing happened – many BB campers have grown up and are now young adults. We’ve watched them grow, cheered as they made their way down the court at many Adapted Basketball Tournaments, seen personalities blossom and have been moved by the friendships that have developed between “BB’ers”. For the past three years, the fastest filling summer camps have been those designated for high school and transition age campers. These are fun camps to observe because they bubble over in excited anticipation as campers reunite, so glad to see one another and hang out together again. A whole ‘lotta laughter, activity and dancing goes on. We see happiness, kindness and a satisfied camper at the end of the day! There’s also the question from many a parent, “What’s Next?”
Bustin’ Barriers is in the process of developing a Young Adult Program. It will be for young people 18 and over. We’re going to start with monthly gatherings, eventually leading to weekly gatherings. Cost will be per session. Activities will include movement classes, arts, crafts and socialization opportunities. Themes will change monthly. This will not be a one-on-one buddy program. We will have two staff members and 2-3 volunteers. If a participant needs one-on-one support, a parent/guardian or PSW needs to attend with the participant. Currently, our venue will be the community center in Wilsonville although plans are not yet finalized. Over time, alternating venues may develop. We anticipate being able to provide you with more specific information in mid-November. In the meantime, we’re excited about the program’s development and potential.
An Important Message
Bustin’ Barriers, along with many other organizations, has received an announcement from the Portland Polic Bureau about a new program developed to help first responders better understand individuals’ needs before an emergency happens. The LEAP program (which stands for Local Emergency Accommodation Program) is totally voluntary and allows community members to provide important information in advance that may help first responders during an emergency.
The program was developed in consultation with disability law experts and an advisory group of community members/advocates. It’s designed for anyone who is concerned that a disability, medical condition, communication difference, language barriers, service animal or other circumstance could create a barrier to safe response in an emergency. Participants can describe what they want responders to know and how best to approach them or family members before that information is needed. The information provided is entered into the 911 system that first responders use to support people in an emergency. The program noted that participants can also request that information they provide can be removed at their request. To learn more about this voluntary program, go to the LEAP webpage. It provides answers to questions you may have and how to provide your important information. LEAP@police.portlandoregon.gov.
Happy Autumn Everybody!
Be on the lookout for upcoming emails on our 6th Annual Art and Wine Night (with QR code) and Respite Registration.
If you would like to make a secure donation to Bustin' Barriers, it is much appreciated. Click here. Thank you.
