North Star Oregon

From outdoor adventures to creative workshops, here's how Day Support Activities programs help individuals with disabilities build skills, friendships, and confidence this spring. --- Why Spring Is Our Favorite Season for DSA There's something about an Oregon spring that makes everything feel possible. The rain starts to ease, the Willamette Valley turns impossibly green, and suddenly there are a hundred reasons to get outside and do something together. For the individuals we support through Day Support Activities — and for the staff who work alongside them — spring opens up a world of programming options that just aren't available during the darker, wetter months. Day Support Activities (DSA) is a Medicaid-waiver-funded service that provides structured, community-based programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The goal isn't to fill time — it's to build real skills, foster meaningful relationships, and support each person's path toward greater independence and community belonging. At North Star Oregon, our DSA programs operate across the Willamette Valley in Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield, Salem, and Tangent. Each location develops programming that reflects the interests of the individuals we support and the unique resources of the local community. Here's a look at what spring brings. Outdoor Adventures: Getting Into Oregon's Backyard Oregon's spring weather — mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the occasional spectacular sunny day — is perfect for outdoor programming. Our DSA groups take full advantage of this season with activities designed to get people moving, exploring, and connecting with the natural beauty around them. Park Visits and Nature Walks. The Willamette Valley is home to dozens of accessible parks and trail systems. Groups visit spots like Avery Park in Corvallis, Alton Baker Park in Eugene, and Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem for guided nature walks, birdwatching, and outdoor picnics. These outings aren't just fun — they support physical fitness, sensory engagement, and an understanding of the natural world. Gardening Projects. Spring is planting season, and several of our DSA programs incorporate gardening into their weekly activities. Working with soil, seeds, and plants teaches patience, responsibility, and cause-and-effect thinking. It's also deeply satisfying to watch something you planted grow over the weeks and months. Some groups maintain raised garden beds; others partner with community gardens in their area. Fishing and Waterside Activities. As the weather warms, some groups take trips to local fishing spots or spend time along rivers and creeks. These outings combine outdoor skills with social interaction and provide sensory experiences — the sound of running water, the feel of a breeze — that many of the individuals we support find calming and grounding. Creative Expression: Art, Music, and More Community-based programming isn't all about the outdoors. Creativity is a core part of what makes DSA meaningful, and spring brings fresh energy to our art and creative workshops. Art Workshops. Our programs regularly incorporate visual arts — painting, drawing, collage, ceramics, and mixed media. These sessions are adapted to meet each person where they are, whether someone is working on fine motor skills through brush control or expressing complex ideas through abstract art. Some of our groups display their work at local community centers or participate in art shows, which is a powerful experience for the artists and a meaningful way to increase visibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Music and Movement. Music is a universal connector. DSA groups engage with music through drumming circles, sing-alongs, movement-based activities, and even songwriting. For individuals who communicate in nontraditional ways, music provides an alternative channel for expression and connection. Cooking and Baking. Spring means fresh produce starts appearing at local farmers markets, and our cooking activities reflect the season. Groups learn to prepare simple, healthy meals using seasonal ingredients — strawberries, asparagus, snap peas, herbs. Cooking builds practical life skills (measuring, following sequences, kitchen safety) while also creating opportunities for social interaction and shared meals. Community Connection: Volunteering and Social Skills One of the most important aspects of DSA programming is its focus on community integration. The individuals we support aren't just going on outings — they're becoming active, visible, valued members of their communities. Volunteering. Several of our DSA groups participate in regular volunteer activities. This might mean helping at a local food bank, picking up litter at a park, assisting at an animal shelter, or sorting donations for a thrift store. Volunteering builds a sense of purpose and contribution. It also challenges the narrative that people with disabilities are only recipients of support — in fact, they have a great deal to give. Community Outings. Spring programming includes visits to local museums, libraries, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and community events. These outings provide real-world practice in social skills like ordering food, paying for activities, navigating public spaces, and interacting with community members. For some individuals, these experiences are steps toward greater independence. For all of them, they're opportunities to be part of the fabric of their community. Social Skills Groups. Many of the individuals we support are actively working on social and communication skills. DSA provides a natural setting for this work — not in a clinical office, but in the flow of real activities and real relationships. Staff support individuals in practicing conversation, managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and building friendships within the group. Skill Building: Working Toward Independence Every DSA activity, whether it's a hike or an art project, is an opportunity for skill development. Our programming is designed around person-centered goals, meaning the activities are chosen and adapted to support what each individual is working toward in their Individual Support Plan (ISP). Daily Living Skills. Activities like cooking, gardening, and community outings naturally incorporate daily living skills — things like following a schedule, managing money, using transportation, and practicing hygiene and self-care routines. Communication and Self-Advocacy. DSA groups create space for individuals to practice making choices, expressing preferences, and advocating for their own needs. This might look like choosing which activity to do, asking for help, or telling a peer what they need in a social interaction. Physical Health and Fitness. Active programming — walking, bowling, swimming, dancing — supports physical health in ways that are enjoyable and sustainable. For individuals with certain conditions like Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, adaptive approaches ensure that physical activities are safe, accessible, and beneficial. What Makes North Star Oregon's DSA Different There are several DSA providers in the Willamette Valley, and families have the right to choose the one that's the best fit. Here's what we think sets North Star Oregon apart: Direct Employment. All of our DSA staff are W-2 employees of North Star Oregon. They receive training, supervision, and support from our team. This means consistent quality, accountability, and stability for the individuals and families we serve. Person-Centered Programming. We don't run a one-size-fits-all program. Activities are planned around the interests, goals, and needs of the people in each group. If someone loves being outdoors, we make sure they have plenty of outdoor time. If someone is working on social skills, we build in opportunities for supported social practice. Community Presence. We're embedded in the communities where we operate. Our staff know the local parks, businesses, and organizations. We build relationships with community partners so that the individuals we support are welcomed and included wherever they go. Family Communication. We know that families want to know what their loved one is doing during the day. We maintain open communication with families about programming, progress, and any concerns that arise. How to Access DSA Services DSA is funded through Oregon's Medicaid waiver system and accessed through referrals from ODDS (Oregon Disability and Developmental Services). Here's the basic path: 1. Eligibility. The individual must be eligible for developmental disability services through ODDS. This typically involves a determination of intellectual or developmental disability and functional eligibility. 2. Service Planning. DSA hours are authorized through the Individual Support Plan (ISP), developed with the individual, their family, and their services coordinator. 3. Provider Selection. Families choose their DSA provider. You're welcome to contact North Star Oregon at any point in this process to learn more about our programs and availability. 4. Getting Started. Once services are authorized and a provider is selected, programming begins based on the individual's schedule and goals. If you're already receiving services through another provider but are curious about what North Star Oregon offers, you have the right to change providers at any time. Spring Is Calling The Willamette Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon, and spring is when it really shows off. For the individuals we support, this season is a chance to try new things, build new skills, and deepen their connection to the communities they call home. If you'd like to learn more about Day Support Activities through North Star Oregon — or if you're interested in enrolling a family member in our spring and summer programming — we'd love to connect. Visit northstaroregon.com or contact us directly. Let's make this a spring to remember.

If you are new to Oregon's disability service system, you may have heard the word "brokerage" thrown around in a way that sounds almost transactional — like a stock brokerage, or a real estate broker. It's not that. A brokerage in Oregon's I/DD system is a local nonprofit organization that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities plan, coordinate, and manage the supports they need to live the life they want. Brokerages are one of the most distinctive features of Oregon's disability service landscape. They are also one of the most misunderstood. This guide walks through what brokerages are, who they serve, what personal agents do, and how brokerage services fit alongside the care North Star Oregon and other providers deliver. A Little History (The Short Version) In the early 2000s, Oregon became one of the first states in the country to build a system for adults with developmental disabilities that emphasized self-direction. The idea was simple but radical: instead of routing every adult with I/DD into the same county case management system, give adults the option to direct their own supports through a local nonprofit that worked for them, not the state. Brokerages were the result. Oregon currently has a network of fourteen regional brokerages covering every county in the state. They are independent nonprofit organizations, but they are funded through ODDS and operate under state oversight. Some serve a single county; some serve many. The brokerage system is specifically for adults age 18 and older who live on their own, with family, or in other non-24-hour settings — people who want help planning and coordinating supports but who are not in a residential or foster-care arrangement. Who Does a Brokerage Serve? You may be a good fit for brokerage services if: · You are an adult with I/DD eligible through ODDS · You live in your own home, with family, or in a non-licensed setting (not a residential care facility or adult foster home) · You want an active voice in how your supports are chosen and used · You have a level of support need that does not require 24-hour supervision Brokerages are an alternative to county case management through a Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP). Most adults in Oregon can choose either path. Children and adults who need 24-hour residential supports are typically served through their CDDP or through a comprehensive residential provider rather than a brokerage. Meet Your Personal Agent The single most important person in the brokerage system is the personal agent (often called a PA). A personal agent is your primary point of contact at the brokerage. Their job is to help you figure out what you want your life to look like, plan supports that move you toward it, manage the budget and paperwork, and adjust the plan as things change. A good personal agent does many things: · Leads your person-centered planning process · Writes and updates your Individual Support Plan (ISP) with you · Explains what services you are eligible for and what your budget allows · Helps you identify and hire providers like North Star Oregon · Reviews timesheets, service agreements, and documentation · Connects you with community resources · Advocates for you when something isn't working Personal agents typically carry a caseload of around 40–60 individuals, which is lower than most county case managers. That lower caseload is a deliberate design choice — it is part of what allows PAs to know their clients well and respond to their actual lives, not just to compliance requirements. Person-Centered Planning: The Heart of Brokerage Work The planning process at a brokerage is designed to start with the person, not the system. A good person-centered plan starts with questions like: · What does a good day look like for you? · What do you want to learn or get better at? · Who are the important people in your life, and how do you stay connected to them? · What do you want your home, work, and community life to look like in one year? Five years? · What is making life harder right now, and where do you want support? These questions may feel obvious, but historically the disability services system has worked the other way around — starting with what the system has and fitting people into it. Oregon's brokerages helped lead a national shift back toward putting the person first. The ISP that comes out of that conversation is meant to be your plan, not the brokerage's plan for you. What Services Can a Brokerage Fund? A brokerage itself does not provide direct care. What it does is help you use your Medicaid waiver dollars — your "support services" budget — to purchase services from providers. Common services funded through brokerage plans include: · Attendant Care — One-on-one help with activities of daily living, delivered in your home or community by an agency like North Star Oregon. · Community Inclusion — Support to participate in community life: volunteering, hobbies, classes, events, faith communities, and relationships. · Employment Support — Help finding, learning, and keeping a job in the community. · Environmental Modifications — Physical changes to your home (ramps, grab bars, accessible bathrooms) that support independence. · Transportation — Help getting to work, medical appointments, and community activities. · Specialized Medical Supplies and Equipment — Items not covered by standard health insurance. · Relief Care — Support that gives family caregivers a break. · Family Training — Education for family members on specific topics relevant to the individual's support needs. Your personal agent helps you decide which services make sense, how many hours you need, and which providers are a good fit. You are the decision-maker — the PA is the guide. How a Brokerage Works With a Provider Like North Star Oregon Here is where the two worlds meet. The brokerage plans and coordinates. Providers like North Star Oregon deliver. In practice, that means: 1. You and your personal agent identify that you need, say, 20 hours per week of In-Home Attendant Care and a DSA program three days per week. 2. Your PA shares a service agreement template with us, outlining hours, goals, and funding. 3. We meet with you and your family, talk through what support should look like day to day, and introduce you to caregivers we think will be a good match. 4. Our caregivers (W-2 employees of North Star Oregon) deliver services in your home and community. 5. We document services, invoice the brokerage, and communicate with your PA about progress, concerns, and any adjustments needed. 6. At your annual ISP meeting, the three of us — you, your PA, and our team — review what's working and update the plan. This three-way partnership (individual, brokerage, provider) is the core of how self-directed services work in Oregon. When it works well, it's one of the most person-centered disability service models in the country. CDDP vs. Brokerage: Which Is Right for You? This is one of the most common questions families ask, so let's be direct. Consider a CDDP if: · You need comprehensive 24-hour residential supports · You are a child (most children receive services through a CDDP) · You prefer a more traditional case management relationship with the county · Your support needs are complex and highly medical Consider a brokerage if: · You are an adult living on your own or with family · You want active involvement in directing your own supports · You value a lower caseload and more time with your case manager (personal agent) · You are looking for flexibility in choosing and changing providers Many adults are eligible for either path and can choose. You can also transfer from one to the other if your needs change. If you are unsure which is right for you, both your CDDP and your local brokerage will talk with you about the differences without pressure. Finding Your Brokerage Each region of Oregon has its own brokerage. In the Willamette Valley, depending on your county, you may work with brokerages serving Linn, Benton, Lane, Marion, Polk, and surrounding counties. ODDS maintains a directory, and your local CDDP can tell you which brokerages serve your area. When you contact a brokerage, you will typically have an introductory conversation with an intake coordinator who explains their services, walks you through enrollment, and connects you with a personal agent. Common Questions Do I have to give up my doctor, my providers, or my current services to enroll with a brokerage? No. Brokerages coordinate your ODDS-funded supports. Your medical care, therapies, and other non-ODDS services stay the same. Does the brokerage get a cut of my services budget? Brokerages are funded by ODDS to provide case management. Your services budget is used to pay providers for the direct services you receive. Can I change personal agents if we aren't a good fit? Yes. Brokerages are accustomed to reassignments. You can request a different PA, and in some cases you can change brokerages entirely. How often will I see my personal agent? This varies, but most PAs meet with the people they support at least quarterly, and more often during ISP development, transitions, or changes in circumstance. Why This Matters Oregon's brokerage system represents a deeply held belief: that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not problems to be managed but people with their own lives to build. The structure of the system — small caseloads, self-direction, person-centered planning, and real choice in providers — is the infrastructure for that belief. Understanding how brokerages, personal agents, and providers fit together helps you use the system the way it was designed to be used: as a flexible set of tools that you and the person you love get to direct, not as a set of rules you are navigating around. Connect With Us North Star Oregon works closely with brokerages and personal agents across the state to deliver In-Home Attendant Care and Day Support Activities for adults with I/DD. If you are enrolled with a brokerage and looking for a provider, or if you are trying to decide whether a brokerage is the right path for you, we are happy to help you think it through. Visit northstaroregon.com or contact our team to learn more. There is no cost to have a conversation, and we are glad to share what we know — whether or not you ultimately choose to work with us.