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A developmental disability is a physical and/or mental impairment that occurs before a person is 22 years old. The impairment has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and is likely to create barriers to the ability of the individual to function independently.

Developmental disabilities include: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, mental retardation and other neurologically disabling conditions.

DD Services Available in Oregon
Services and supports that may be available to an individual with developmental disabilities include:

• Case management/Service coordination
• Residential services
• Job development, job training and ongoing employment support
• Individualized planning and support services
• Family Support, including respite care and other assistance for families of children 0-18
• Intensive medical or behavior supports for children provided in the family home
• Other services and supports provided in the family or individual’s home
• Eligibility varies by service, and many services have long waiting lists.

How are DD supports and services funded and provided?

State General Funds match Federal Medicaid dollars (40% state to 60% federal) for most community DD services.

Counties receive the funding to provide service coordination (case management), family support, foster care, and to contract for adult residential and employment services. Counties also conduct quality assurance and protective services activities.

Community-based providers provide employment and residential services.
Independent Support Brokerages provide planning services and help adults with developmental disabilities locate and purchase the services and supports they need.

Services reach only a small number.

Nearly 3/4 of people with a developmental disability get no services at all for a variety of reasons, including personal choice, lack of awareness, waitlists, or they simply do not require assistance.

Less than 30 percent of eligible families statewide receive Family Support services.

About 4,128 people receive limited support under the Staley Settlement Agreement. Many eligible adults are still waiting to be enrolled.

About 5,522 adults and children statewide receive 24-hour services. Individuals access these services only after a crisis has occurred that requires this level of support. Many people and their aging families want access to out-of-home services before a crisis occurs.

FAST FACTS

• An estimated 36,905 Oregonians experience a developmental disability, about 1% of the population. 
• Over 9,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families continue to wait for critical services and supports. 
• DD Services contribute more than $365 million each year to local economies in Oregon.