Adler’s Voice aims to brighten families’ holidays

While most of Central Oregon is busy embracing the holiday season, many families raising a child with a disability brace for this time of year, as unexpected bills, difficult care decisions and challenging medical conditions further complicate their lives, creating mounting stress even before attempting to create a magical Christmas experience for their children.

Adler’s Voice, an Oregon nonprofit dedicated to providing support and resources to families with children experiencing complex communication disorders, aims to make Christmas a little brighter for local families raising children with disabilities this holiday season.

The organization solicited nominations from our local social service and advocacy agencies of deserving families to receive a little cheer in the form of a fresh cut Christmas tree with decorations, all the makings for a Christmas dinner and a $100 gift card to use toward holiday gift shopping. As with prior years, the response was overwhelming.

They would love to help every family nominated, but the number of families nominated exceeds their allotted budget. Therefore, they are seeking donations from the community to help sponsor a family in need.

Donations of any value are graciously appreciated, and can be made online at www.adlersvoice.org.

Stephanie Utzman, Adler’s Voice executive director, understands the added stress this time of year brings to her clients. Her son, Adler, experiences cerebral palsy and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“As a parent, I have experienced the kindness of strangers during a time of need,” said Utzman. “It’s amazing how what may seem like a small gesture to some can have a profound impact by providing just a little support to a family at a critical time.”

“Whether the families are struggling to make ends meet, or are experiencing extenuating medical challenges, we want to help by offering these families one less thing to worry about, and hopefully make their Christmas a little brighter,” she added.

About Adler’s Voice

Adler’s Voice is an Oregon nonprofit organization that provides support to all individuals who experience a complex communication disorder and their families, care providers and educators, as well as professionals in the field of speech-language pathology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Through our three key services – Training, AAC Grants, and Advocacy – we strive to provide all individuals in Oregon with access to communication, the opportunity to communicate, and the freedom to communicate.

For more information, please visit http://www.adlersvoice.org or contact Stephanie Utzman at
Stephanie@adlersvoice.org or (541) 408-1092.