Legislative Workgroup on Autism hits the road to hear from families and advocates
Submitted by Shelley Joyce on Thu, 08/14/2008 - 11:51am.
In response to the rapidly growing numbers of Oregonians facing the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a legislative work group led by State Rep. Chris Edwards will host a series of community meetings across the state to hear from parents and advocates of people with autism.
Over the course of the last two months the group has worked to assess current services, investigate other states’ best practices and begin the process of bringing the various components of autism services in the education and health sector together to provide a higher and more efficient standard of care. The group has compiled a draft report with preliminary findings and recommendations for the 2009 Legislature. To view a copy of the preliminary findings please visit the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities website at www.ocdd.org.
Before presenting a final set of recommendations to a joint meeting of the Interim House Committees on Education and Healthcare, the workgroup will be hosting the statewide tour to receive feedback from individuals and families on the report compiled by the workgroup.
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Coalition sets recommendations for improving protective services
Submitted by Shelley Joyce on Mon, 06/30/2008 - 10:21am.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.
