DHS I/DD Director's Message: ODDS condemns racism
Oregon Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 06/01/2020 04:46 PM PDT
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June 1, 2020
To: Individuals, Families, Providers, CDDPS and Brokerages and I/DD Stakeholders
From: Lilia Teninty, Director, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services
Earlier today DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Deputy Director Liesl Wendt sent a message to all DHS staff acknowledging that every day our African-American communities face racism, institutional discrimination, bias and harm. We recognize that some of us will never be able to understand the deep pain they endure. The death of George Floyd and the events that have occurred since in response to the grief felt by many, have impacted us all.
I wanted to send a similar message out to the broader Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) community to say that we are with you, and together we condemn racism in all its forms.
Our system supports Oregonians with I/DD and we believe that every person has the right to a full life in the community. Service equity, including racial equity, is a cornerstone of our Strategic Plan, and we are more committed than ever to the hard work of systems change. We honor intersectionality and the diversity of Oregon’s disability community.
The impacts of racism are widespread and affect us in different ways. ODDS has compiled a few resources that may be helpful to your during this time.
- Learn how COVID-19 has impacted Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and how to share important resources with broader communities: Office of Equity and Multicultural Services: COVID-19 Equity Resources
- Pursue “unlearning” of systemic racism by unpacking your personal bias with resources such as How to Be An Antiracist, Me and White Supremacy, and other Anti-Racism Resources
- Find ways to address system change beyond demonstrations: 26 Ways to Be in the Struggle Beyond the Streets
- Engage in conversations with:
- ODDS Person-centered Practices & Service Equity Coordinator Caitlin Shockley, caitlin.shockley@dhsoha.state.or.us.
- Office of Equity & Multicultural Services Service Equity Manager Missy Elliot, melissa.a.elliott@dhsoha.state.or.us.
Thank you. Be well, and stay safe,
Lilia Teninty
Director
Office of Developmental Disabilities Services
Previous ODDS Director’s Messages are available at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/DD/Pages/messages.aspx
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You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer. Contact the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services at 503-945-5811. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.
