As March winds down, so does Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Yet, the imperative message from the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities remains loud and clear: "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Always." It's a call to ensure that support and recognition for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) persists beyond a single month. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) embodies this ethos year-round through its myriad programs to foster inclusion.
The anchor point for support lies within the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) and the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. Here, those with I/DD get help with everything from finding employment to managing daily living tasks. "We believe that everyone who wants to work should have support to try to find employment," states the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Employment supports sit at the forefront of ODHS's services, where job training, skill-building, and job placement are made accessible. This not only aids individuals with I/DD in gaining meaningful work but also provides resources for businesses interested in promoting a diverse workforce. Alongside professional support, ODHS extends a hand to families through services tailored to their children's needs, strengthening family units and enabling independence.
One vital component of ODHS's suite of services is the Healthier Oregon (Medicaid) program, offering extensive health coverage through the Oregon Health Plan. For those with I/DD, the range of services broadens, assisting with daily activities and even technological accommodations that bolster independence. Adults with I/DD reap the benefits of in-home support for personal care and meal preparation, maintaining an engaging connection with their community. Just like adults, children with I/DD can receive in-home support to help their families care for them at home, though some programs, like the Children’s Extraordinary Needs Program, currently have a waitlist due to limited funding.
For individuals requiring more intensive support, ODHS provides many out-of-home options, including Supported Living, 24-hour Residential Homes, Adult Foster Homes for adults, and several types of homes for children. Each person is partnered with a services coordinator to devise an Individual Support Plan (ISP) tailored to their unique strengths and aspirations. "Each year, services coordinators meet with individuals and their families to review their progress and adjust their ISP as needed," ODHS' announcement conveyed the continuation of individual-focused care.
