Oregon advocates demand full funding for developmental disability services

The Oregon State Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services convened on April 3, 2025, to address critical funding issues affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Key speakers highlighted the urgent need for increased financial support for community developmental disability programs (CDDPs), which are essential for providing case management services across all 36 counties in Oregon.

Donna Lisa Sadler, IDD system policy manager for the Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs, emphasized that case managers are vital lifelines for individuals with IDD, ensuring they receive necessary services such as housing and employment. However, she pointed out that recent funding levels have fallen short, with only 86% of the required budget allocated for the 2023-2025 biennium. This shortfall has led to high caseloads and significant turnover among case managers, resulting in families experiencing multiple case managers within a single year. Sadler urged the legislature to fully fund these programs to prevent further burnout and turnover in the workforce.

Former state legislator Ed Lindquist shared a personal story about his son, who has faced lifelong challenges due to developmental disabilities. He warned that proposed budget cuts could jeopardize the well-being of vulnerable individuals, potentially forcing them into dire situations. Lindquist's testimony underscored the real-life implications of funding decisions, stressing that cuts could lead to severe consequences for families relying on state support.

Emily Brahmin from the ARC Oregon advocated for a service equity policy option package aimed at supporting self-advocacy and tribal nations. She highlighted the importance of continued funding for self-advocacy groups to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities can inform state policy effectively. Gabrielle Godon, a self-advocate and executive director of the Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that funding self-advocacy networks would enhance the impact of IDD services by incorporating diverse perspectives from across the state.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for adequate funding and support for IDD services in Oregon. As the committee considers budget proposals, the voices of advocates and families underscore the critical importance of maintaining and enhancing services that support some of the state's most vulnerable residents.