Deschutes County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) recently reached a significant milestone, with 1,000 clients enrolled in the program.
IDD is an advocacy program for community members, from infants to adults, who have intellectual or developmental disabilities like Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy or other conditions. Service Coordinators connect eligible clients and their families to the resources and services available to assist them with their developmental needs.
“We are incredibly proud of the work we do in all corners of our community, advocating for a diverse group of clients who have a variety of needs,” said IDD Program Manager Paul Partridge. “This milestone reflects the County’s commitment to supporting individuals living with disabilities and helping them live their best lives.”
Charlotte Nuchols was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder when she was three years old. Her mom, Angela Nuchols, says she found out about the IDD program through a brochure from her doctor and enrolled Charlotte immediately. The family’s case manager connected their daughter to important behavioral therapy, helped them find secondary health insurance to help cover the cost, and has been there to support all their other needs along the way.
In just over three years, Charlotte has gone from a child who was self-harming, spoke very little and spent a lot of time crying and screaming, to a typical kindergartner who talks and giggles and is willing to try new things all the time.
“She just such a happy child, it’s completely night and day compared to before IDD and after,” said Angela Nuchols, Charlotte’s mother.
“The IDD case managers are really awesome people. If I have questions about anything, they always either have an answer or find one for me. I don’t feel like I’m wandering out there by myself, IDD is always there to guide me and give me the confidence to be the parent that Charlotte needs.”
IDD works in partnerships with community and state service organizations throughout Central Oregon. Through the IDD program, eligible clients and their families may have access to a variety of resources and services including assistive technology, medical equipment, residential services, transportation and education about their specific disability.
You can find more information about Deschutes County Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities on the program website or by calling (541) 322-7554.
