For a family trying to find services for a child or an adult with a developmental disability, the list of local, regional, and state programs is long, and it is not always clear where to start. Tillamook Family Counseling Center’s Developmental Disabilities Program is the county office that takes that first call.
The program serves eligible children and adults in Tillamook County. Staff determine eligibility, then provide case management and service coordination. That can include a service plan, early intervention, help at a transition from school to adult life, in-home support, supported living, foster care, residential placement, and supported employment. The office also recruits and coordinates providers.
“Our program can be a light that shines on the numerous local, regional, and statewide services that are available to those who qualify,” said David, with the program. “Essentially we are a one-stop shop for people who qualify to get their needs met and identify available services.”
Eligibility has specific rules. In general, a developmental disability is a physical or mental condition, or both, that begins in the brain during the developmental years and causes significant, lasting difficulty with daily life. Daily life includes communication, mobility, self-care, learning, self-direction, living independently, and supporting oneself. Intellectual disability, Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and fetal alcohol syndrome are among the conditions the program sees. Some childhood traumatic brain injuries can also qualify. The program makes the determination. There is no fee to apply.
David said the work is not only a referral. “Our program believes in relational case management. It’s just as important for our staff to develop a relationship with a person to not just understand their needs, but to know what they want for their life.” Staff can work alongside someone or consult, depending on what that person wants. He said the part of the job he values most is seeing people have experiences they would not have had without the support.
The program also hosts events that are open to the county, not only to people enrolled in services. First Friday Bingo is the first Friday of each month, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd Street. It is free. Games and prizes run for an hour, and anyone may come. In spring and summer the program holds a Spring Fling dance and a picnic. Staff also help with the Halloween and Christmas parties put on with Marie Mills.
To ask about eligibility or start an application, call Tillamook Family Counseling Center at (503) 842-8201. The office is at 906 Main Avenue in Tillamook. Have proof of address and any medical or psychological records related to the disability ready when you call. Staff can also explain what the application requires.
The program is looking for Personal Support Workers, who support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at home and in the community. People interested in that work can contact Jolene Kyriss-Mooney at jolenem@tfcc.org, or look at the Oregon Home Care Commission site.
