via Statesman Journal: Remember, some of the homeless are the most vulnerable among us

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are the most vulnerable among us.

-Deb

Deb Patterson, Guest Opinion
Published 4:05 p.m. PT Feb. 21, 2020

Recently, I attended three “State of the Cities” addresses given by Mayor Bennett of Salem, Mayor McCardle of Independence and Mayor Koontz of Monmouth. 

All three addresses proved informative, highlighting exciting developments in the region, and outlining some common challenges. One comment made by Mayor McCardle stood out.

He said no one should be left outside to freeze in America. I couldn’t agree more. (Comparatively, Salem’s Mayor Bennett only a day earlier claimed that homeless folks had no excuse for sleeping on sidewalks). 

The number of people living without housing in our region is of growing concern. Many people mention the shortage of affordable housing, the lack of mental health and addiction providers, and the dearth of services for youth and families in crisis. Seniors, too, are joining the ranks of the homeless at an alarming rate.

One group among the homeless, however, is being overlooked, I believe. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are overrepresented among the homeless, and few people are aware.

According to a 2015 report in the Texas Observer, about 9% of the homeless have IDD, about three times the rate of folks with IDD in the general population. As the mother of a young adult daughter with IDD, I find this a terribly troubling statistic.

Who are the people experiencing IDD? In Oregon, DHS stipulates that a diagnosis of IDD involves “significantly sub-average intellectual functioning with an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 and under as measured by a qualified professional, along with a lack of daily living skills (adaptive behavior) such as, but not limited to, communicating, grooming, dressing, safety and social skills, that show up prior to 18 years of age.” 

Folks with IDD are vulnerable. NPR ran a 2018 series showing that “people with intellectual disabilities – women and men – are the victims of sexual assaults at rates more than seven times those for people without disabilities.” 

They are also far more likely to experience physical, emotional, and financial abuse, which can lead to landing them on the streets – or in prison. According to a recent report published by The Arc, which serves people with IDD, “while those with intellectual disabilities comprise 2% to 3% of the general population, they represent 4% to 10% of the prison population.”

So, this March, during “Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,” please remember that some of the homeless folks you see are among the most vulnerable people in our society.

Talk with your state legislators about fully funding services for people with IDD, like housing and case management. Talk with your federal legislators about not making cuts to Social Security and Medicaid. If you are an employer, I urge you to consider hiring someone with IDD – contact your local vocational rehabilitation office to learn more.

Finally, please take the opportunity to talk with folks experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will meet some of the most interesting people who may change your life forever, just as our daughter has changed ours.

Deb Patterson is the mother of two young adults, one with special needs, and is a former healthcare administrator and ordained Congregational clergy. Deb is a member of the Oregon Disabilities Commission and is running for Oregon State Senator in District 10. You may reach her at debpattersonhome@gmail.com

Read at Statesman Journal [Link]