The Arc of Oregon

The Arc of Oregon is a statewide membership organization. Advocacy, support, information and referral,Oregon Special Needs Trust, trusts and wills and community services for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, and their families.

The ARC provides several programs that differ by site.

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Products/Services

Advocacy for People with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Retardation

The Arc of Oregon envisions a world in which all persons have the support and opportunities they need for personal development and independence, interdependence with family and friends, and inclusion in the community. To this end, The Arc publishes a legislative platform biannually, sends out alerts, and provides updates on the policy changes that impact our community.

Partners in Policymaking

Partners is an innovative, competency based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities.

The purpose of the program is twofold: To teach best practices in disability, and the competencies of influencing public policy in a positive and effective manner.

The program runs every other year, one weekend per month for 8 months during even-numbered years, with the application period generally in the fall preceding the trainings.

Oregon Special Needs Trust

The Oregon Special Needs Trust is a “Pooled Trust” fund that responds directly to a stated need by individuals and parents to create a professionally managed investment vehicle that will manage funds for supplemental needs during the beneficiaries’ entire life. Provides supports for wills and trusts.

Without compromising public support such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain other benefits available through the state of Oregon, the income from the trust is used specifically to provide “supplemental needs” for the beneficiaries. Supplemental needs are distinguished from basic needs, such as housing, clothing, and food, which are generally covered by wages and/or public assistance. Supplemental needs include costs of hobbies, vacation trips, recreational activities and socialization programs, as well as augmenting training in vocational and independent living skills.

Guardianship, Advocacy and Planning Services

Providing advocacy, guardianship and healthcare representative services to individuals in need. Volunteers make up a GAPS Board and team, which serves adults in crisis or without family support who need guardianship.

GAPS utilizes a team approach to provide individualized personal advocacy to people who have been identified by the GAPS Board as needing representation and support, including periodic visits and personal advocacy for needed services, training and care. The GAPS staff provides training and ongoing support to the volunteers providing this important personal and community service.

Advocacy Day Trainings

Advocacy Day Training provides one-day legislative training opportunities held in the State Capitol for people interested in issues of concern to people with developmental disabilities.

Trainings in the Capitol are offered during Legislative Sessions, January-June of odd-numbered years. Some trainings are offered regionally throughout the state.