OAR 411-345-0010: Statement of Purpose

The purposes of the rules in OAR chapter 411, division 345 are to: (1) Effectuate Oregon’s Employment First policy, as described in the State of Oregon Executive Order No. 15-01 and OAR chapter 407, division 025, under which: (a) The employment of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in competitive integrated employment is the highest priority over unemployment, segregated employment, or other non-work day activities. (b) For individuals who successfully achieve the goal of competitive integrated employment, future person-centered service planning focuses on maintaining employment, maximizing the number of hours an individual works, using the standard of obtaining at least 20 hours per week of work, consistent with the individual’s preferences and interests, and considering additional career or advancement opportunities. (c) Employment services are considered and provided on an individualized basis using a person-centered approach based on informed choice and consistent with the philosophy of self-determination. (2) Prescribe service standards and requirements for providers of home and community-based services in settings where employment services are delivered. These rules incorporate the provisions for home and community-based services and settings and person-centered service planning set forth in OAR chapter 411, division 004 to ensure individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities receive services in settings that are integrated in and support the same degree of access to the greater community as people not receiving home and community-based services. (3) Prescribe the standards and procedures by which the Department endorses a provider agency to deliver employment services. (4) Prescribe service eligibility requirements for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to receive employment services.