Brokerage Basics
Support Services have been serving adult Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) since 2001. These services were the result of a lawsuit, which lead to the Staley Settlement. Agencies providing this service were called Support Service Brokerages, and were revolutionary in how services were provided in Oregon, and drew the attention of people across the country and around the world.
Support Services Brokerages are private organizations (primarily non-profits) that provide case management and resource coordination. We’re driven by our foundational principles of self-determination, self-direction and person-centered. All of us are directed and governed by boards and/or oversight bodies comprised of at least 51% people with disabilities and/or their families. Today, there are fourteen Support Services Brokerages serving nearly 8,000 adults with I/DD. You can learn more about our joint work by visiting the Oregon Support Services Association.
If you’re eligible for adult in-home services, you have a choice of where your case management services come from. You can choose between any of the brokerage(s) serving your county and the local county DD office. In all six of the counties we serve, you will have the ability choose where you get your case management services, including from Resource Connections of Oregon. You can view a quick video on brokerages in the Willamette Valley.
Once you choose your brokerage, you then have the option to choose your own case manager, called a Personal Agent. At RCO, Personal Agents typically work with between 34-36 customers. If at any time, you’re interested in working with someone else, just let us know and we’ll help you find the right fit. You can view another video to see a bit about what you can expect from RCO.
Your Personal Agent will get to know you, your interests, your skills and what supports you need. They will meet with you and anyone else you want to include. This process may take a couple of meetings. These meetings will include a Needs Assessment to determine what you need to live as independently as possible, and what your resources will be.
Once you know the amount of services you qualify for, your PA will then help you develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP.) Our job is to help you meet your goals. Your plan should say what YOU want it to say. Brokerage services in Oregon are some of the most progressive in the United States.
A Personal Agent works for you and acts as a facilitator for your supports. RCO is in contact with many different kinds of service providers and will help you find the right person or agency. Your PA will work with you to set up your supports and make sure that your plan is working for you. This will include regular contact with you to see how things are going and if there is anything you need help with.
To remain enrolled in our services, we must be able to make contact on a regular basis and meet with you at least once a year.