Mission, Values and Beliefs

The federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (Public Law 106-402) authorizes funding and provides the mandate for state councils on Developmental Disabilities to engage in systems change, capacity building and advocacy activities. Every three years Congress holds hearings on revisions to the Act. The mission of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities is to create change that improves the lives of Oregonians with developmental disabilities. The Council envisions a state where all people from all the diverse populations of Oregon: Are valued equally Have the same legal and human rights Have self-determination, choice and control over their own lives Are included in community life Have the supports they need to live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. The federal "DD Act" grants the Council the freedom to focus its resources on activities it believes will enhance the independence, productivity, integration and inclusion of Oregonians with developmental disabilities and their families. To do this, the Council must have clear values, a willingness to take risks, an ability to identify good opportunities for investments in change, and an interest in learning from and collaborating with others.