Enforcement Agencies
Various federal and state agencies are involved in enforcing federal and state anti-discirmination laws. Most of these agencies have resources and complaint investigation processes. A few are listed below.
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)
US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (justice.gov/crt)
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) (droregon.org) – DRO is the state’s protection and advocacy system. It investigates abuse and neglect, provides information to help Oregonians with disabilities advocate for themselves, refers individuals to other organizations that might be able to help with specific needs, tracks systemic issues in the state, and handles some individual cases
Mental Health America of Oregon (MHAO) (mhaoforegon.org) – MHAO serves the greater Portland metropolitan area through comprehensive peer support programs and offers training opportunities.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Oregon (namior.org) – NAMI Oregon offers programs through our 17 local chapters across Oregon, both in person and online via Zoom incuding classes, support groups, and workshops and presentations
Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Oregon (adrcoforegon.org) – The ADRC has trained professional staff who can help with immediate aging or disability needs or help plan for the future.
Other Resources
Northwest ADA Center (nwadacenter.org) – The Northwest ADA Center provides information and training about the ADA to ensure that individuals and organizations have the resources they need to understand its spirit and guidelines.
Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service (osbar.org/public/ris/) – If you are looking for an attorney to represent you in a disability related matter, the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service is a tool that can help you identify attorneys who may be able to assist you.
Oregon State Bar Disability Legal Information for the Public(osbar.org/public/legalinfo/disabilities.html) – The Oregon State Bar has information on a number of legal topics related to disabilities, including information on disability discimination for job applicants and employees, information on disability discimination for employers, and information on special education rights for children with disabilities.
Oregon Council on Development Disabilities (OCDD) (ocdd.org) – OCDD is made up self-advocates, family members, representatives of advocacy organizations, and community partners and state agencies that provide services and supports for people with developental disabilities. Members are appointed by the Governor, and work together to determine the OCDD’s goals and objectives and allocate funds to state plan innitiatives.
Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC) (www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/pages/odc.aspx) – ODC is a 15-member, Governor-appointed commission that is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services. ODC acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.
Oregon Judicial Department Courthouse Disability Accessibility Information (courts.oregon.gov/services/ada/Pages/default.aspx) – Visit this website for information on how to file a request for an ADA accommodation for access to Oregon state courts and information on local ADA Coordinators.
Oregon Association of Higher Education and Disability (ORAHEAD) (orahead.org) – a coalition of professionals from public and private institutions of higher education around the state of Oregon, established to strengthen the professionalism, expertise, and competency of individuals who are vitally interested and involved in services for students with disabilities.