Date: April 16, 2026![]()
To: I/DD community and ODDS staff![]()
From: Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS)![]()
Subject: New option for in-home services![]()
Hello,![]()
Here’s some important news about a new way to get support at home. This news is for the whole intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community. It is especially for:![]()
• Individuals that get services in their own or family home![]()
• Their families and guardians![]()
• Staff at case management entities: Please share the linked flyer with those you serve. Thank you.![]()
What is the new way to get support at home?![]()
ODDS is offering a new way to get services at home. It’s called the Employer Model Agency (EMA). It’s an option for individuals who:![]()
• Want to direct their services and help manage their support![]()
• But do not want to be the legal employer of their workers![]()
What are the ways I can get support at home?![]()
You have three choices. In each option, you are in control of your choices, services and goals. Each one gives you a different level of support to manage your workers. You choose the one that works best for you.![]()
Here are the options:![]()
• Personal Support Workers: This is the most self-directed option. You’re the employer. You choose, hire, train and supervise your workers. You manage their schedules and tasks. The Oregon Homecare Commission and other resources help you and your workers.![]()
• Employer Model Agency (new): In this option, you and an agency manage your workers together. You help choose and train your workers. The agency does the paperwork and hears your feedback. The agency helps you learn how to manage your workers.![]()
• Standard Model Agency: The agency works for you and manages your workers. You make decisions about your goals and the supports you need. You approve your workers. The agency hires, trains and supervises your workers. The agency makes schedules, finds backup workers, tracks progress, and plans activities to support your goals. You can get help from an agency supervisor at any time.![]()
How do I decide which options are best for me?![]()
Talk to your services coordinator or personal agent. They will explain your options and answer your questions. They will work with you to build your support plan. You can choose the supports and provider types that help you meet your goals. You can even choose to work with more than one provider type.![]()
Why did ODDS create this new option?![]()
In 2024, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 1521. The bill directed us to create a service called “agency with choice.” We worked with self-advocates, family members and partners to develop the new service. With your input, we named the new option the Employer Model Agency.![]()
Thank you, all who gave their time and feedback. Your input helped us make the rules and resources for this new option.![]()
Sincerely,![]()
Office of Developmental Disabilities Services![]()
Oregon Department of Human Services
Last month we had some anniversaries we didn't want to miss. Congratulations to Jasmen B-V., & Dymond S., for reaching 2 years with Sunny Oaks. We also want to recognize Lori K. who celebrated 18 years with us in March. WHOO HOO!
A big thank you to La-Z-Boy in Salem for their generous donation.![]()
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DJ hasn’t slept in a bed for years, and his old recliner was showing its age. Several broken supports caused the chair to list, making it unsafe and uncomfortable. La-Z-Boy in Salem stepped in to help, and now DJ is sleeping better, and more safely, than he has in a long time.