Oregon Disabilities Commission

Overview

The Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC) is a Governor appointed commission housed in the Department of Human Services. The commission is composed of 15 members broadly representative of major public and private agencies who are experienced in or have demonstrated particular interest in the special needs of individuals with disabilities and consumers. A majority of the members are individuals with disabilities.

The commission is charged by state statute to advise the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

For more information about ODC, see ORS 185 and HB 3230.

Mission

To secure economic, social, legal and political justice for individuals with disabilities through systems change.

Purpose

In order to carry out its mission, the commission:

• Identifies and hears the concerns of individuals with disabilities and uses the information to prioritize public policy issues which should be addressed; and
• Educates and advises the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on how public policy can be improved to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Bylaws

The Commission will be voting on its Bylaws at its July 3, 2008 meeting.