The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities Consumer Involvement Fund gives people with developmental disabilities and their families valuable learning opportunities through participation in conferences and trainings.

Why a Consumer Involvement Fund?

People with developmental disabilities and their families often lack the necessary resources to attend conferences and trainings that would increase their skills and knowledge as advocates. Through the Council’s Consumer Involvement Fund, individuals receive financial assistance to support their participation in local, state and national training events. By gaining new information and skills, participants are better equipped to advocate for themselves and others.

How can the funds be used?

The Consumer Involvement Fund awards funds that typically cover the following expenses:

  • Registration fees
  • Transportation costs including mileage
  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Respite or child care
  • Personal assistant services
  • Sign language interpreters
  • Other reasonable expenses related to attending a training event

Who can apply?

  • Oregon residents who are individuals with a developmental disability or a family member.
  • Organizations and agencies in Oregon seeking financial assistance to send members to an event.
  • Event planners who want to provide scholarships to Oregon participants with developmental disabilities and their families.

How are funds awarded?

The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities Consumer Involvement Fund Committee reviews applications and decides who will receive funding. The committee limits the number of awards for any single event. The committee may offer less financial assistance than is requested. Organizations and agencies seeking stipends on behalf of members should also be contributing financially to their participation.

Individuals and families who receive Consumer Involvement Funds are only eligible for one request during the year. They may reapply but not until two years from the date they received initial funds.

All Consumer Involvement Fund applications must be consistent with the purpose of the fund and the mission of the Council. Individuals who receive funds are asked to complete a survey about how they benefited from the event they attended, and how they plan to share what they’ve learned with their community and the Council.