Oregon Employment First Policy of 2008 – Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Working Age Adult Policy
“In order to achieve the intent outlined in the framework of this policy, employment opportunities in fully integrated work settings shall be the first and priority option explored in the service planning for working age adults with developmental disabilities. While all options are important and valued, integrated employment is more valued than non-employment, segregated employment, facility-based employment, or day habilitation in terms of employment outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.”
Oregon Office of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OMHAS)
The Oregon Department of Human Services Employee Training Plan states that mental health providers and allied service providers receive training on evidence-based practices such as supported employment through OMHAS. Much of the OMHAS training funds are provided through the Federal Mental Health and ATOD Block Grants.
“Provides employment path services, supported employment – individual employment support, waiver case management, discovery/career exploration services, environmental safety modifications, family training, individual directed goods and services, specialized medical supplies, supported employment – small group employment support, and vehicle modification services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities ages 0-17 years who meet an ICF/IID level of care. This waiver operates with a concurrent 1915(b)(4) authority.”
Oregon Employed Persons with Disabilities (EPD) – Medicaid Buy-in
“EPD is a Medicaid program administered by the Oregon Department of Human services. EPD provides medical coverage and long-term services to people with disabilities who are employed. If you are eligible to participate, you will be charged a nominal fee based on your income.”
Oregon – From the Department of Justice Findings Letter (2012)
“We have concluded that the State is failing to provide employment and vocational services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the most
integrated setting appropriate to their needs, in violation of the ADA. The State plans, structures, and administers its system of providing employment and vocational services in a manner that delivers such services primarily in segregated sheltered workshops, rather than in integrated community employment. Sheltered workshops segregate individuals from the community and provide little or no opportunity to interact with persons without disabilities, other than paid staff… most persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving employment and vocational services from the state remain unnecessarily – and often indefinitely – confined to segregated sheltered workshops..”
The bill details the rights of persons with developmental disabilities who are receiving developmental disability services. It proclaims that “individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and society as a whole benefit when the individuals exercise choice and self-determination, living and working in the most integrated community settings appropriate to their needs, with supportive services that are designed and implemented consistent with the choice of the individuals regarding services, providers, goals and activities.” Moreover it proclaims that, “the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities in fully integrated work settings is the highest priority over unemployment, segregated employment, facility-based employment or day habilitation.”
“On May 22, 2013, the Court granted the United States' March 27 Motion to Intervene in a pending class action lawsuit against the State of Oregon. The United States' accompanying Complaint in Intervention alleges violations of Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for unnecessarily segregating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in sheltered workshops when they could be served in integrated employment settings.”
“Prior to requesting intervention the United States filed on April 20, 2012, a Statement of Interest in Support of Plaintiffs Regarding Defendants' Motion to Dismiss. The United States argued that Title II and the integration regulation apply to all services, programs, and activities of a public entity, including segregated, non-residential employment settings such as sheltered workshops.”
“On June 18, 2012, the United States filed a second Statement of Interest in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification. In its Statement of Interest, the United States urged the Court to uphold class certification for a plaintiff class of thousands of individuals in, or referred to, Oregon sheltered workshops.”
“The Governor’s Executive Order recognizes the strategic importance of improving the work and economic opportunities of all Oregonians including those with I/DD. More specifically, the Order sets forth strategies to be followed by the DHS and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to further improve Oregon’s systems of designing and providing employment services to individuals with I/DD, including a significant reduction over time of state support of sheltered work and an increased investment in employment services. The strategies and planned actions are targeted to increase and improve the delivery of employment services to individuals with I/DD with the goal of increasing integrated employment. The Executive Order calls for regular monitoring of the progress through ‘data collection, data analysis and quality improvement activities.’ This report serves as one step in continuing to implement the Order.”
Oregon ReBAR Employment Rate Model, Day Support Activities Agency Rate Matrix, Interim Tier Assignments and Reviews
"This transmittal is to communicate that effective September 1, 2014, the department will implement a new employment rate model. The ReBAR Employment Rate Model applies to all agency providers who provide employment services under the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) Comprehensive Waiver, Support Services Waiver and Day Support Activities (Formerly Day Habilitation, ATE, and Community Inclusion) under the Community First Choice State Plan Option (K-Plan).”
Cooperative Agreement Between the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Department of Education
“The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to set forth the commitments of the ODE and VR to cooperate in activities leading to a successful transition for students with disabilities from a free and appropriate public education to postsecondary career-related training and employment activities.”
