Our History
Brokerages are private agencies that contract with the Oregon Department of Human Services to provide case management and access to in-home and community-based support services. We offer self-directed, person-centered services that are based on the goals and dreams of each individual we support.
Full Access is one of the multiple brokerages throughout the state of Oregon. The first Brokerage was opened in November of 2001, and Full Access opened in March of 2002. The Brokerages are the result of a class action suit and court settlement between the State of Oregon and the Federal government. This settlement, called the Staley settlement, was in response to a lawsuit filed on behalf of five individuals with developmental disabilities who were eligible for services but not receiving them. They had been on the “waitlist” for services.
This waitlist contained the names of over 4,000 people! One person had been waiting for 17 years. Many adults with developmental disabilities were not receiving any needed supports and available support dollars were often applied unevenly across the state.
The Staley settlement says that support services will be available to any eligible individual. Services must be based on the needs and desires of the individual. The needs and desires must be determined through a planning process that assists individuals and their families to determine and oversee the supports that they need to live the lives that they choose. Access to these support services, through support service brokerages, must be applied on an equitable, fair and uniform basis across the state, regardless of what part of the state a person lives in.
Our Principles
All of our work at Full Access is founded upon the five principles of self-determination:
1. Support
2. Confirmation
3. Authority (or control)
4. Responsibility
5. Freedom
Our Values
Consistent with this philosophy, we value–above all else–the empowerment of the person with developmental disabilities (with help, as appropriate) to control their own lives and to make choices that exemplify that control. Beyond this, we value the right of people with developmental disabilities to have an active presence and participation in community life including:
Meaningful Work
Volunteer Experiences
Spirituality
social relationships
educational and self-development opportunities
political participation
“Self-Determination is a fundamental human right. It means that people have the freedom to decide how they want to live their lives and receive the support they need. It means having control over their resources and taking responsibility for their decisions and actions. Very simply, it means getting a life.” – Ellen Cummings Operating Principles of Self-Determination