Bend, Ore. – March was declared National Disability Awareness Month in 1987, with the goal to increase awareness and promote independence, integration, and inclusion of all people experiencing a disability. President Ronald Reagan urged “…all Americans to join me in according to our fellow citizens with such disabilities both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
Oregon is one of only five states in the country implementing Employment First, an initiative based on the belief that all working-age youth and adults experiencing a disability can work in fully integrated community settings. This program serves thousands of people every month. In our local community, Employment First is a partnership of such organizations as Abilitree, Full Access, Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon, Central Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation, Good-2-Go Oregon, local schools, and the Deschutes County Health Services Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities program.
Deschutes County Health Services Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities program currently serves 405 individuals experiencing a disability.
If you are interested in learning more about Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities services for yourself or someone you know, please call Deschutes County Health Services at (541) 322-7554.
If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.
