State of Oregon: ODC - Oregon Disabilities Commission

Overview

Initially formed in 1983 and re-formed in 2005 after a brief hiatus, 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 needs of individuals with disabilities

A majority of the members are individuals with disabilities. The ODC acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities. For more information about ODC, see ORS 185.

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.
Publicizes the needs and concerns of individuals with disabilities as they relate to the full achievement of economic, social, legal and political equity.
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.

Documentation

Membership

If you are an advocate for people with disabilities, the Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC) needs you. We are a cross-disability commission, with people who are experienced in or have demonstrated particular interest in the needs of Oregonians with disabilities. Commissioners may serve up to two terms of three years each. See the current membership roster.

For basic information about serving on a commission or council, see the Governor's Office Boards and Commissions website, which includes the Membership Handbook, a comprehensive Boards and Commissions book, and a link to the Interest Form, which you can use to apply for a seat on a commission or council.