The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) is dedicated to supporting the safety and health of Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). People with I/DD are at higher-risk of being negatively impacted by COVID-19 either due to their primary disability or a secondary condition.

Since the first cases were identified in Oregon, ODDS has been constantly flowing prevention resources and updates to staff and stakeholders, and making policy and practice changes to protect the health and wellbeing of people with I/DD. More guidance and resources are available on the ODDS COVID-19 Information webpage.

While most ODDS services are delivered through contracted providers in communities, ODDS provides direct services to children and adults with I/DD who are experiencing a crisis that can’t be resolved with typical community supports. The Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU) operates 21 group homes with 750 staff who work with children and adults to deescalate each crisis and transition them back into their communities.

Sierra Rawson, SACU interim director, joins DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht for a 10-minute podcast to describe how the SACU team is managing through the pandemic.

Find more information for staff about COVID-19 on the OWL.

Find more information for clients and the public about COVID-19 on the DHS website.

Follow DHS on Twitter @OregonDHS.

Download full script by clicking here.