Speaking out for People with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
On February 22, 2023, VOR's former President Sam Friedman submiitted comments and recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
VOR's comments are available here
Due to the shortage of Direct Support Professionals during the Covid Pandemic, the State of Oregon responded to the public health emergency by paying parent caregivers to stay home and provide care for their family membrs with I/DD and autism. As these provisions are set to expire soon, families have reached out, requesting that this program be made permanent.
VOR wrote a letter in support of this initiative, as this extends the choices that families may make in caring for their loved ones. Read VOR's letter supporting family caregivers here.
On July 4, 2021, David Axelrod wrote guest essay to the NY Times entitled "When It Comes To People Like My Daughter, One Size Does Not Fit All".
The link to Mr. Axelrod's letter may be found here.
In March, 2020 VOR's Legislative Committee sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, asking for an opportunity to provide testimony from families whose loved ones’ interests, health and welfare are directly impacted by the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Program.
VOR continues to speak out about the shortcomings of MFP, and the manner in which it has been used to undermine Intermediate Care Facilities and to deny individuals and families their right to choose ICF care.
