Blanche Fischer Foundation

09/10/2026

Filling the Gap

Blanche is often one piece of a larger funding puzzle.

The equipment someone needs may cost more than one organization can provide. Insurance may cover part of it. Another nonprofit may contribute. The individual may be able to pay a portion themselves.

For example, adaptive equipment might cost $3,000. One resource provides $1,000, Blanche provides $1,500, and the individual covers the remaining $500.

None of those pieces alone makes the purchase possible. Together, they do.

Collaborative funding allows limited resources to stretch farther and helps create solutions that otherwise may remain out of reach.

09/08/2026

Behind every Blanche Fischer Foundation grant is a process.

What does the person need? How will it address a limitation related to their permanent physical disability? Is it the right equipment? Who is providing it? Are other resources available? How can all the pieces come together?

For example, someone may apply for a power-assist device for their wheelchair. Before a purchase happens, there may be conversations about the exact equipment, medical necessity, cost, available funding, and how the purchase will be coordinated.

Once a grant is approved and any other funding pieces are in place, Blanche purchases the approved item directly and has it shipped to the applicant.

The approval may be the visible milestone.

The coordination behind it — and making sure the right item actually gets to the person who needs it — is part of how access happens.

09/04/2026

The Power of a Good Referral

Sometimes access begins with one person knowing who to call.

A case manager hears about a resource. A mobility vendor connects someone with a foundation. An independent living organization helps someone understand their options. One nonprofit calls another when a need falls outside its own program.

For example, a mobility vendor may meet someone who needs adaptive equipment but cannot afford the full cost. By connecting that person with Blanche or another funding resource, one simple referral can open a door that wasn’t there before.
That’s why relationships matter.

We don’t have to provide every resource. We do want to be part of a network that helps people find the right one.

09/03/2026

Access Doesn’t Happen Alone

When someone needs adaptive equipment, a vehicle modification, greater access in their home, or another tool for independence, there are often several people involved in making it happen.

For example, someone may need hand controls for a vehicle. A medical provider documents the need, a mobility vendor identifies the right equipment, an advocate may help navigate resources, and more than one funding source may help make the modification possible.

That network matters.

Part of our work at the Blanche Fischer Foundation is not only providing financial assistance, but also building relationships with the people and organizations across Oregon who help individuals with permanent physical disabilities navigate these needs every day.

That’s how access happens.

09/02/2026

Rebuilding, Strengthening, and Looking Ahead

The Blanche Fischer Foundation has been serving Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities for nearly 45 years — and over the last three years, we’ve been doing a lot of rebuilding.

When I stepped into the Foundation in October 2023, there was significant work ahead to strengthen the organization, rebuild systems, reconnect with our community, and create a stronger foundation for the future.

We’ve come a long way — and we’re not done yet.

Yesterday, Patricia, Kim, and I spent time together preparing for our upcoming board meeting and continuing the asset review and governance work that has been an important focus for Blanche this year.

Our goal is bigger than simply strengthening an organization. We want to continue growing Blanche’s ability to serve Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities — and to support and collaborate with the organizations and advocates who serve them.

That means building strong governance, thoughtful stewardship, meaningful community relationships, and a board that is engaged and aligned with where Blanche is going.

We’re proud of how far this Foundation has come, and we’re excited about what we’re building together.

08/31/2026

Awesome! We have so much to learn from one another. Thank you EOCIL

Back in June Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living had the absolute pleasure of hosting our first International guest; Disability Awareness Consultant Andrew Gurza flew in from Canada. They toured EOCIL's Ontario site in their power wheelchair to help us look at how to make the site more accessible for power chair users and speak at our pride event. It was such a pleasure having them. Find out more about their work at www.andrewgurza.com

[Andrew in their power chair smiling bright in a green polo, next to Kirt Toombs who is in a black dress shirt also smiling. above them is the EOCIL logo]

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

SWEP Stories: A summer of discovery, creativity and connection.

As we reflect on another successful Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), we're grateful for the opportunities participants had to build confidence, develop new skills and explore their interests.

One highlight was a visit to Trillium Creek Training Coalition, where SWEP: Emerging Leaders participants toured the horse sanctuary, connected with the horses and participated in hands-on activities that encouraged teamwork, creativity and self-expression.

Experiences like these help young people develop valuable life skills and prepare for future educational and employment opportunities. Thank you to Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition for helping make these meaningful experiences possible.

You can learn more about Trillium’s work in this recent article in The Oregonian: https://www.oregonlive.com/health/2026/07/equine-therapy-program-helps-hundreds-of-youth-learn-important-life-skills.html

08/31/2026