In response to the issues of the rapidly growing population of children and adults identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Oregon the Governor has issued an executive order creating the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Learn more about the Commission.
The state is assessing the support needs of all individuals receiving 24-hour developmental disability services. The assessments are conducted through interviews that will determine how much funding each individual will receive in the future for services and supports. The Council is working with the state to help prepare individuals and families for their assessment interviews.Learn more...
Judy Cunio
January 23, 1952 - June 17, 2011
"My name is Judy Cunio. I have been the Self Advocate Coordinator for OCDD for 11 years and I have seen many changes in the Self Advocacy Movement over the years. I have been involved in some kind of advocacy off and on for almost 40 years. I grew up with Cerebral Palsy at a time when there was no advocating for people with disabilities. In fact I was not allowed to go to public school. So we really have come a long way even though at times it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes you may feel like giving up but it is more critical now than ever before to advocate for what we need and deserve. Because now more than ever we are in danger of losing many of the things that we have worked so hard for. We have to keep up the good fight. We have had tough times before and we always get through them... It will take work! But anything worth having is worth fighting for. AND WE ARE WORTH IT!!!" -- Judy Cunio
For Judy, betrayed at last by balance
You showed up and never shut up:
A face and voice for the many who
...Lacked your strong stomach for suffering
Through our endless meetings, slowing
Our chatter with your famous lead-in
"But What About....".
What about those locked-up, left-behind
Under-represented, unheard, unseen
Friends of yours (whether you'd met them or not)?
You waved their flag and asked their questions
On councils, commissions, committees, from coast-to-coast
But never lost your cool, your smile a familiar sight
Despite the effort, which you would not let us see,
To keep it there, to remind us we could share
Your strength and courage because
You had enough for all of us.
-Tim Kral 06/17/11