Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 410 § 410.020 — Implementation of state policy

Implementation of state policy. In carrying out the policies stated in ORS 410.010, the state shall: (1) Coordinate the effective and efficient provision of community services to older citizens and citizens with disabilities so that the services will be readily available to the greatest number over the widest geographic area; assure that information on these services is available in each locality, utilizing whenever possible existing information services; and assure that each new service receives maximum publicity at the time it is initiated. (2) Assure that older citizens and citizens with disabilities retain the right of free choice in planning and managing their lives; by increasing the number of options in lifestyles available to older citizens and citizens with disabilities; by aiding older citizens and citizens with disabilities to help themselves; by strengthening the natural support system of family, friends and neighbors to further self-care and independent living; by assuring that older citizens and citizens with disabilities are able to make informed choices regarding the delivery of in-home care services by providing information about their responsibilities as employers of in-home care providers or, alternatively, about the responsibilities of an in-home care agency to provide services; and by encouraging all programs that seek to maximize self-care and independent living within the mainstream of life. (3) Assure that health and social services be available that: (a) Allow the older citizen and citizen with a disability to live independently at home or with others as long as the citizen desires without requiring inappropriate or premature institutionalization. (b) Encourage, by expansion of existing programs for older citizens and citizens with disabilities, by school programs, by meals-on-wheels, by counseling or by other means, public and private development of nutrition programs for older citizens and citizens with disabilities that prevent or minimize illness or social isolation. (c) Assure that if institutionalization is necessary, the institution should be of the highest quality where the older citizen and citizen with a disability may live in dignity. (d) Protect the older citizen and citizen with a disability from physical and mental abuse and from fraudulent practices. (4) Foster both preventive and primary health care, including mental and physical health care, to keep older citizens and citizens with disabilities active and contributing members of society; and encourage full restorative services for those older citizens and citizens with disabilities who require institutional care to increase the possibility of their return to independent living. (5) Encourage public and private development of suitable housing for older citizens and citizens with disabilities, designed and located consistent with their special needs and available at costs they can afford. (6) In implementing subsections (1) to (5) of this section, develop and seek support for plans to assure access to information, counseling and screening, as appropriate, by persons potentially in need of long term care without regard to the person’s income. (7) Recognize the necessity for a variety of ways to help older citizens and citizens with disabilities maintain sufficient income to meet their needs. (8) Encourage local transportation systems and volunteer groups to meet the daily transportation needs of older citizens and citizens with disabilities and to make accessible to them a broad range of services and programs, including social, health and religious services and programs. (9) Encourage and develop meaningful employment opportunities for older citizens and citizens with disabilities in positions commensurate with their abilities; eliminate discrimination to such employment; and whenever possible, employ older citizens in programs that affect older citizens and citizens with disabilities in programs that affect citizens with disabilities. (10) Involve older citizens and citizens with disabilities in the decision-making process for programs affecting their lives. Recognizing the ability of older citizens and citizens with disabilities to be advisors to the Legislative Assembly, agencies and professional staff, the Legislative Assembly intends that whenever possible older citizens and citizens with disabilities should assist in the development of policies affecting their lives. (11) Assure to older citizens and citizens with disabilities the right to pursue activities within the widest range of civic, cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities by opening such opportunities to participation by older citizens and citizens with disabilities, by encouraging older citizens and citizens with disabilities to utilize their capabilities by participating in government and by assuring them the right to serve. (12) Make public educational facilities availab