Frequently Asked Questions
A developmental disability is a disability diagnosed as a mental or physical condition or a combination of mental and physical conditions resulting in significant impairments to daily functioning. The disability:
Must have its origin in the brain
- Must be established prior to the age of 22, or in the case of intellectual disability the condition must be determined before 18 years of age
- Must be expected to last indefinitely
- Must result in significant impairments in at least two areas of daily functioning: self care, communication, cognitive, mobility, self direction, capacity for independent living and economic self sufficiency
- The impairments must not be primarily related to: mental illness, substance abuse, an emotional disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a learning disability or sensory impairment
The most common developmental disabilities include: intellectual disability, Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and fetal alcohol effect or fetal alcohol syndrome.
If you answer yes to the following questions you probably meet the criteria to be eligible for our services!
- Are you an Oregon resident?
- Are you 18 or older?
- Do you have a documented intellectual or developmental disability?
- Do you currently receive Medicaid?
- Do you live independently or with loved ones in the community?
A Brokerage is an agency that helps people with developmental disabilities look for and purchase supports (like respite care and skills training) and also find the people who provide these supports (qualified providers and agencies). The Brokerage is a direct outcome of the Staley Settlement.
A personal agent is the primary contact for brokerage customers. PAs provide targeted case management services, assist customers in assessing their needs via the adult needs assessment (ANA) as well as connect customers to resources in our community.
Each customer is eligible for a unique types and amounts of services based on their needs as identified in the adult needs assessment (ANA) tool. Personal Agents meet with customers and their chosen support team to complete the ANA and determine their support needs.
In the year 2000, a group of five Oregonians with developmental disabilities and their families filed a lawsuit against the state of Oregon (commonly known as Staley vs. Kitzhaber). These five individuals claimed they were unfairly being denied access to services they were entitled to by law. The state settled the dispute out of court in September 2000. This became a class action agreement known as the “Staley Agreement” which in turn affected the service delivery to thousands of Oregonians with developmental disabilities.
The state chose to implement these new services through the creation of private organizations called “brokerages.” There are currently eleven brokerages serving people with developmental disabilities across the state.
Every brokerage provides services based upon the principles of self-determination.
They are:
FREEDOM to choose a meaningful life in the community.
AUTHORITY over a targeted amount of funding.
SUPPORT to organize resources in ways that are life enhancing for the individual with a disability.
RESPONSIBILITY for the wise use of public dollars and recognition that individuals with disabilities can make to their communities
CONFIRMATION of the important leadership role that individuals with disabilities and their families must play in a newly re-designed system and support for the self-advocacy movement.
Inclusion Inc. opened its doors in November 2001. Inclusion Inc. supports adults with developmental disabilities living in the community in Multnomah and Clackamas counties.
Our Mission:
Offering people resources and education to direct their lives.
Our Core Values:
Self Determination
We honor our customers’ individual rights to assume risk and to achieve their personal goals, through education, communication and choice.
Innovation
We encourage progressive and creative thinking to develop resources and supports.
Integrity and Responsibility
We act professionally, knowledgeably, ethically, consistently, and proactively to achieve the highest quality in all that we do.
Teamwork
We work as valued, responsible and accountable team members.
Supporting Continuous Learning
We make the most of opportunities to increase knowledge and understanding.
Sustainability through Financial Responsibility
We are fiscally prudent, accountable and resourceful as we strive towards our vision, now and in the future.