Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition -

Developmental Disabilities Celebration, A Decade of Accomplishments

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:27:32 -0600

Start: 02/24/2010 - 9:00am

End: 02/24/2010 - 4:00pm

2010 marks the 10-year anniversary of the closure of Fairview Training Center, Oregon’s largest institution for people with developmental disabilities. Since Fairview closed, advocates and policy makers have worked diligently to end the wait list for adult services by creating a community-based system of support services that offer self-determination and choice. The decade ended on a high note last October with the closure of Oregon’s last institution for people with developmental disabilities, Eastern Oregon Training Center.

Need Help with the Oregon Health Plan (OHP)?

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:29:52 -0500

If you or someone you are working with has a question or problem with getting Oregon Health Plan services, there are preferred ways to resolve issues.This document provides information about OHP for applicants and current clients.

DHS - Office of Investigations and Training 2008 Annual Report

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:31:43 -0500

View the 2008 Report of Abuse and Neglect For Individuals Who Receive Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Services.

2009 Legislative Report

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:23:40 -0500

View the 2009 Legislative Report, which highlights key legislation that was closely tracked by the Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition during the 2009 Legislative Session.

Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder Created

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:06:18 -0500

In response to the issues of the rapidly growing population of children and adults identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Oregon the Governor issued an executive order creating the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Click to view the Executive Order

Vocational Rehabilitation moves to an Order of Selection

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:13:20 -0600

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) helps Oregonians with disabilities obtain, maintain and regain jobs in the competitive labor market. Last year, OVRS helped over 17,600 Oregonians.

However, OVRS no longer has the resources to provide services to every Oregonian with disabilities who seeks work. Available state and federal funds for rehabilitation services have not kept pace with rising costs and continuing demand.

When a public rehabilitation program like OVRS cannot serve all eligible individuals, federal law requires they create a wait list and prioritize services to clients based on the severity of disability: those with the most significant disabilities are served first. This is called an “Order of Selection.” Currently, 45 of the 80 public vocational rehabilitation programs in the U.S. are operating under an Order of Selection.

OVRS intends to establish an Order of Selection, beginning
January 15, 2009.

Additional information about the order and proposed changes to OVRS’ State Plan is available online at www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr, or by contacting OVRS Administration at500 Summer Street NE, E-87, Salem, OR, 97301, 1-877-277-0513 (tollfree); 1-866-801-0130 (TTY).

The State DD Program Uses Individual Assessments to Determine Support Needs.

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:13:20 -0500

The State is interviewing Oregon adults with developmental disabilities who receive 24-hour “comprehensive services” to determine their support needs. These interviews will determine how much funding each individual will receive in the future for services and supports.

A local DHS assessment specialist will use the nationally recognized Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) to measure the individual’s support needs during a two to three hour small group interview with the individual, the individual’s guardian, family, or advocate, case manager, and staff member from the agency providing supports.

Coalition sets recommendations for improving protective services

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:21:36 -0500

Click here to access the PDF version

The Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition believes the following recommendations will improve Protective Services for adults with developmental disabilities who are receiving or have received Medicaid or General Fund services from the Developmental Disabilities system, including:

Service Coordination /Case Management,
Support Services,
Foster Care,
In-Home Comprehensive Services,
Supported Living,
Comprehensive Services,
Employment & Alternatives to Employment Services.

We believe that every individual with developmental disabilities has a right to be safe and secure no matter where they live or work. It is the consensus of the DD Coalition that many of the problems within the system stem from our inability to attract and retain a
sufficient number of skilled staff. Strengthening the quality of the workforce through enhanced wages and benefits will pave the way for other changes and improvements that we have prioritized below.