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.

We are excited to share a milestone for North Star Oregon: our Day Support Activities (DSA) program is now open in Josephine County, serving Grants Pass and the surrounding communities. This marks our first location outside the Willamette Valley and the next chapter in our commitment to bringing person-centered, community-based programming to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across Oregon. If you are a family, a services coordinator, a personal agent, or an individual looking for a DSA program in southern Oregon — welcome. We have been working toward this for a long time, and we are ready to meet you. What This Means Until now, our DSA programs have operated in Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield, Salem, and Tangent. Those sites have grown into communities in their own right — places where individuals come together most days of the week to create art, learn skills, volunteer, get outside, and spend time with people who know them well. Now Grants Pass joins that list. The Josephine County program brings the same model of care, the same commitment to individualized support, and the same belief that the adults we support deserve rich, meaningful days in their own community. We are enrolling participants now. Who We Serve in Josephine County Our Josephine County DSA program welcomes adults with I/DD — including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and related conditions — who are eligible for services through Oregon's K Plan or 1915(c) Medicaid waivers. Referrals come through ODDS, typically via your Community Developmental Disability Program (CDDP) services coordinator or your brokerage personal agent. We support a wide range of participants: individuals who communicate in many different ways, individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility equipment, individuals who thrive in busy social settings and individuals who prefer smaller group experiences. What unites our programming is a simple commitment: the day is built around the people in it, not the other way around. What a Day Looks Like Day Support Activities is not a place you drop someone off for eight hours of filler. At North Star, a DSA day is a calendar of real experiences — community outings, skill-building, creative expression, physical activity, volunteering, and social connection — guided by each participant's Individual Support Plan (ISP) and personal goals. In Josephine County, that means programming designed around the rhythms of southern Oregon life: · Trail walks and outdoor time in the parks and natural areas around the Rogue Valley, with accessibility and sensory needs built into every plan. · Art and creative expression — painting, music, crafts, and hands-on projects that give individuals room to try things, make mistakes, and create work they are proud of. · Community outings to local libraries, markets, museums, events, coffee shops, and gathering places in and around Grants Pass. · Volunteering — contributing to local organizations and causes, because everyone deserves the chance to give back. · Skill building — the practical work of independence, from using money to navigating public spaces to preparing simple meals. · Social connection — friendships, familiar faces, and the kind of belonging that comes from seeing the same people day after day. No two days will look exactly alike. That is the point. A good DSA schedule flexes around the interests, energy, and goals of the participants. A Regional Service Area While our Josephine County hub is based in Grants Pass, our program is designed to serve the broader county. We know that families in smaller Josephine County communities have historically had fewer options for community-based day programming close to home. That has been a real gap, and we want to help close it. If you live in a nearby area and you are not sure whether your location works for our program, please reach out. We would rather have a conversation than have a family assume the answer is no. Why Southern Oregon, and Why Now Expanding outside the Willamette Valley was not a casual decision. For years, families and professionals in southern Oregon have told us the same thing: there is real need for high-quality, person-centered DSA programming in the region, and not enough of it. Waitlists have been too long. Options have been too few. Individuals who want to be in their community have too often spent their days at home because nothing nearby fit. We cannot solve all of that at once. But we can show up, do the work well, and grow responsibly. Our Josephine County program will start with the capacity to support a focused group of participants and build out from there, the way we have done in every location we serve. Quality first, growth second. What Makes North Star Different If you are new to our organization, a few things are worth knowing as you consider whether we are the right fit for your loved one. We are a direct-employment model. Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are W-2 employees, not independent contractors. That means they receive training, support, supervision, and benefits — and you get a stable, accountable workforce caring for your loved one. Person-centered is not a marketing term for us. Each participant's day is shaped by their preferences, goals, and ISP. We take the time to know people, and we adjust programming when something is not working. We explain the system. Medicaid waivers, ISPs, ODDS, tax rules for parent-caregivers, the difference between relief care and attendant care — these are the kinds of things we will walk you through in plain English, whether or not you end up working with us. We do both DSA and in-home attendant care. Many families use us for both. If your loved one attends our DSA program during the day and needs attendant care support at home, we can coordinate that care under one umbrella. We show up for the long haul. Services for adults with I/DD are not a short-term engagement. We build relationships with participants and families that last, and we behave accordingly. How to Get Started The path to enrollment is simpler than families sometimes expect. In most cases it looks like this: 1. Reach out to us. A short conversation tells us a lot. We will ask about your loved one, what you are looking for, and what has (and has not) worked in other settings. 2. Loop in your services coordinator or personal agent. If you are already receiving services through ODDS, your SC or PA will help with authorizations and ISP alignment. If you are not yet in services, we can help you figure out next steps. 3. Visit, if you'd like. Seeing a program in action answers questions that words on a page cannot. 4. Start slow and build up. We often begin with a small number of days per week and grow into a full schedule as the fit becomes clear. If you are not yet eligible for ODDS services and are just starting to explore the system, that is okay too. We can point you to the right first steps in Josephine County. For Services Coordinators, Personal Agents, and Community Partners If you work in the Josephine County disability services ecosystem and would like to learn more about our program, we would love to connect. We are actively building relationships with CDDPs, brokerages, and community partners in the region, and we believe strong coordination across providers is what makes services work for the people who depend on them. A Welcome Worth the Wait If you have been waiting for a DSA program in southern Oregon that takes the work seriously — the relationships, the planning, the dignity, the community connections, the quiet craft of a well-run day — we think you will recognize us when you see us. Our doors are open in Josephine County. We are enrolling now. And we would love to hear from your family. To learn more about our Day Support Activities program in Grants Pass and the surrounding Josephine County area, or to ask about in-home attendant care anywhere in Oregon, visit northstaroregon.com or contact our team. We are here to help you figure out the next right step — whatever that looks like for your family. --- North Star Oregon provides In-Home Attendant Care and Day Support Activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Oregon. Our programs operate in Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield, Salem, Tangent, and now Grants Pass / Josephine County. Services are funded through Oregon's K Plan and 1915(c) Medicaid waivers, with referrals coordinated through ODDS.

If you are a parent caring for a child or adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities, you already know what most people don’t: caregiving is full-time, year-round, and unlike any other job in the world. There are no clock-out times. There are nights without sleep. There are mornings that begin again before the previous day has fully ended. And through it all, there is profound love — the kind that holds you up even when your body and mind are exhausted. You also know something else: you cannot pour from an empty cup. The well-being of the person you care for is tied directly to your own well-being. When you are rested, supported, and cared for, you can show up for them more fully. When you are running on fumes, everyone suffers. This is why relief care — sometimes called respite care — exists. And this is why every parent- caregiver in Oregon deserves to know it’s available, what it looks like, and how to access it. What Is Relief Care? Relief care, in the context of Oregon disability services, is short-term care provided by someone other than the primary caregiver. It allows the parent or family caregiver to step away — for an afternoon, a weekend, an evening out, an appointment, a workshop, a nap, a date night, or simply a few hours of quiet — while their loved one continues to receive safe, qualified support. Relief care can happen in many forms: • A trained Direct Support Professional (DSP) comes to your home for a few hours so you can run errands or rest • Your loved one attends a Day Support Activities (DSA) program during the day so you can work, recover, or do something for yourself • Overnight care is provided so you can sleep through the night, attend a wedding out of town, or take a much-needed vacation • A family member or friend is paid through the system to provide regular relief The goal of relief care is simple: to keep families strong, sustainable, and intact over the long haul. Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint, and relief care is one of the most important ways the system supports families to keep going. Why Relief Care Is So Important The data on caregiver health is sobering. Studies consistently show that long-term family caregivers experience higher rates of: • Chronic stress and burnout • Depression and anxiety • Sleep deprivation • Physical health problems including back pain, immune dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease • Social isolation • Financial strain And these effects compound over years and decades. A parent caring for a child with significant disabilities for 20 or 30 years carries an enormous weight — physically, emotionally, and financially. Without breaks, the cost adds up. Relief care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for sustainable caregiving. Families who use relief care regularly tend to report better mental health, stronger marriages, more present parenting for siblings, and a greater ability to keep their loved one at home rather than in a more restrictive setting. Said differently: relief care helps keep families together. How Relief Care Is Funded in Oregon In Oregon, relief care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is funded primarily through Medicaid — specifically through the K Plan (Community First Choice State Plan) and the 1915(c) waivers that support adults and children with I/DD. These programs pay for a range of in-home and community-based services, including: • In-Home Attendant Care (which can include relief care hours) • Day Support Activities • Employment supports • Skills training • And, in many cases, dedicated relief care hours within an Individual Support Plan The exact amount of relief care available depends on the individual’s annual budget, which is set through the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA), and the priorities outlined in the Individual Support Plan (ISP). Some families have a specific allocation for relief; others fold relief into their broader attendant care hours. If you’re not sure how much relief care your loved one is approved for, your Services Coordinator (through your county CDDP) or Personal Agent (through a brokerage) is the right person to ask. They can walk you through your current ISP, help you advocate for additional hours if needed, and connect you with providers. Who Provides Relief Care? In Oregon, relief care is provided by qualified Direct Support Professionals — typically trained, background-checked, and employed by an agency that handles the complexities of payroll, workers’ compensation, training, and oversight. There are also models where families hire individuals directly, but increasingly, more families are choosing direct-employment agencies (where DSPs are W-2 employees of the agency, not contractors). The benefits of this model include: • The agency handles taxes, payroll, workers’ comp, and HR • DSPs receive training, supervision, and support • There is built-in backup if a regular caregiver is sick or unavailable • Liability and oversight are professionally managed • Continuity is more reliable, because the agency is invested in matching and retention At North Star Oregon, we use a direct-employment model precisely because we believe it produces better outcomes for both the individuals we support and the families who depend on us. What If a Family Member Wants to Be the Caregiver? Here’s a piece of news that surprises many families: in Oregon, parents and other family members can be paid to provide care for their own children or adult family members in many situations. This includes both regular attendant care hours and, in some cases, relief care hours when another qualified caregiver is unavailable. The ability to be paid for caregiving is significant for families where one parent has had to stop working or reduce hours to provide care. It transforms what was unpaid labor into a livable income, while also allowing the family to keep their loved one at home rather than in a more institutional setting. There are rules and structures to follow — caregivers must be hired through an agency or appropriate channel, must meet training and background check requirements, and must document hours worked. But for many families, this option has been life-changing. In a shared-home setting, North Star Oregon employs parent-caregivers as W-2 staff, which provides the legal, tax, and benefit protections of formal employment while honoring the unique role parents play in their children’s lives. Tips for Making the Most of Relief Care If you’re new to using relief care, here are a few things that experienced families have learned along the way: Start small. Your first time leaving your loved one with a new caregiver may feel impossible. Start with a one- or two-hour outing close to home before working up to longer breaks. Find the right match. A good DSP-to-individual fit makes all the difference. Don’t be afraid to give feedback to your provider if a match isn’t working — a quality agency will work to find someone who’s right. Build a routine. Consistency helps everyone. Same caregiver, same day, same time each week tends to work better than scattered, unpredictable coverage. Use the time intentionally. It’s tempting to use relief hours for chores and errands, and sometimes that’s exactly right. But also schedule time for things that fill you up — coffee with a friend, a walk in the park, a movie, a long bath, a nap. Whatever recharges you. Don’t feel guilty. This is a hard one. Many parent-caregivers carry deep guilt about taking time away. Remember: you are not abandoning your loved one. You are sustaining the very care they depend on. Rest is part of the work. Document and communicate. Keep a simple log of routines, preferences, and important details that help a new caregiver get up to speed quickly. The smoother the handoff, the more you can relax. Ask for what you need. If your current relief care hours aren’t enough, talk to your Services Coordinator. Needs change over time, and ISPs can be updated. A Word About Sustainability We meet many families who have been pushing through caregiving for years without ever taking a real break. Sometimes they didn’t know relief care was available. Sometimes they felt guilty asking. Sometimes they tried once, had a bad experience, and never tried again. If that’s you, please hear this: it’s not too late, and you are not alone. The system exists to support you. Good providers exist. Your loved one will be okay. And you — you matter. Your health matters. Your rest matters. Your joy matters. The most loving thing you can do for your family is take care of yourself well enough to stay in this for the long haul. How North Star Oregon Can Help At North Star Oregon, we provide In-Home Attendant Care and Day Support Activities across the Willamette Valley, including dedicated relief care hours that give parent-caregivers the breaks they need. Our W-2 employed Direct Support Professionals are trained, background- checked, and matched thoughtfully to each individual we support. Whether you need a few hours of relief each week, regular DSA programming so you can return to work, or overnight care so you can finally take a vacation, we’d love to help you build a plan that works for your family. Take the First Step If you’re a parent-caregiver in Oregon and you’ve been running on empty, let this be your sign. Reach out to North Star Oregon to learn more about relief care, in-home attendant care, and day support activities. We’re here to walk alongside your family. Visit northstaroregon.com or contact us today — and please, take the break you deserve.

For many families in Oregon, the years between ages 18 and 21 bring one of the biggest transitions in their child's life — the move from school-based supports to the adult disability services system. After more than a decade of IEP meetings, classroom routines, and the predictable rhythm of the school year, the road ahead can feel uncertain. The structures change. The acronyms change. The people you've trusted for years are no longer part of your weekly life. If your son or daughter is approaching this transition, take a deep breath. You are not behind, and you are not alone. With the right preparation and the right partners, the transition from school to adult services can become an exciting next chapter, full of new opportunities for growth, connection, and independence. This guide walks Oregon families through what to expect, what to plan for, and how to make the most of the transition years. When Does the Transition Begin? In Oregon, transition planning is required to begin by age 16 as part of your child's IEP — but most families benefit from starting the conversation even earlier. The reason is simple: the adult system works very differently from the school system, and there is much to learn. In school, services are an entitlement. Once a student qualifies, supports are planned and delivered automatically through the district. In the adult world, services are eligibility-based and self-directed. Families need to apply, choose providers, and actively coordinate care. The shift from "the school handles it" to "we drive it" can be jarring without preparation. A good rule of thumb: by age 14, start learning the language. By age 16, begin formal planning. By age 18, have an adult services intake completed. By age 21, the school exit should feel like a handoff — not a cliff. Step 1: Connect with Your Local CDDP or Brokerage Adult disability services in Oregon are coordinated through two types of agencies depending on the level of support an individual needs: Community Developmental Disability Programs (CDDPs) serve individuals who need comprehensive support and are typically county-based. They handle eligibility determination, service coordination, and case management for both children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Support Service Brokerages serve adults (18+) who live in their own home or family home and need less intensive supports. Brokerages help individuals direct their own services and manage their support budgets. If your child is already receiving services through a CDDP as a minor, you likely have a Services Coordinator who will continue to work with you through the transition. If not, contact your county's CDDP to request an intake. The earlier this happens, the more options you'll have when planning begins in earnest. Step 2: Understand the Funding — K Plan and Waivers Adult services in Oregon are primarily funded through Medicaid, specifically the Community First Choice State Plan (also known as the K Plan) and the 1915(c) waivers. These programs pay for in-home attendant care, day support activities, employment supports, residential services, and more. To access these benefits, an individual must: Be enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) Be determined eligible for I/DD services through the local CDDP Have a current Individual Support Plan (ISP) that identifies needed services Be assigned an annual budget through the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA) The transition years are the perfect time to make sure all of this paperwork is in order. Medicaid eligibility for individuals with disabilities does not automatically follow them into adulthood — at age 18, many young adults must reapply as their own household, even if they still live with parents. Missing this step can cause gaps in coverage right when they're needed most. Step 3: Build the Adult ISP The Individual Support Plan, or ISP, is the heart of adult disability services in Oregon. It replaces the IEP as the central planning document for your son or daughter's life. Where the IEP focused on educational goals, the ISP focuses on the whole person — what they want their life to look like, where they want to spend their days, who they want to be around, and what support they need to make it happen. The ISP is built through a person-centered planning process led by the Services Coordinator, with input from the individual, family members, providers, and anyone else the individual wants involved. The plan typically covers: Daily routines and preferences Goals for community participation, employment, and skill development Specific services authorized (in-home attendant care hours, day support, employment, etc.) Health and safety considerations Risk assessments and emergency plans Families often find the first ISP meeting overwhelming. Our advice: come prepared with a vision. Even a simple list of "things our family member loves," "things they want to try," and "things they need help with" can transform the meeting from a checklist exercise into a meaningful planning conversation. Step 4: Choose the Right Service Providers Once your loved one is eligible and the ISP is in place, it's time to choose the providers who will deliver those services. This is one of the most important decisions families will make, and it deserves real time and thought. For young adults aging out of school, two types of services tend to be most relevant in the early years: In-Home Attendant Care provides one-on-one support in the home and community. This service helps with personal care, daily living skills, supervision, and community participation. For families where a parent has been the primary caregiver, attendant care can also be a way to formally compensate that work — Oregon allows parent-caregivers to be hired as direct-employment staff in many situations. Day Support Activities (DSA) provide structured, community-based programming during the day. Think of it as the adult-life equivalent of a school day — but designed around interests, skills, and community inclusion rather than academics. Good DSA programs offer art, recreation, volunteering, fitness, social outings, and skill-building tailored to each participant. When you're evaluating providers, ask: Are your staff direct W-2 employees, or contractors? (W-2 models tend to mean better training, accountability, and continuity.) How do you involve individuals and families in planning activities? What does a typical day look like in your DSA program? How do you handle behavior support, medical needs, and emergencies? What is your staff turnover rate? Can we visit and observe before enrolling? Trust your instincts. The best provider is the one whose values, communication style, and program design match what your family member actually needs. Step 5: Plan for Life Beyond Services Services are a crucial piece of the puzzle, but they are not the whole picture. The transition years are also a chance to think bigger about adult life: Health care: Has your loved one transitioned from a pediatrician to an adult primary care provider? Are specialists in place? Legal matters: Do you need to consider guardianship, supported decision-making, or a power of attorney? An attorney experienced in disability law can help you choose the least restrictive option. Financial planning: Look into ABLE accounts, Special Needs Trusts, and Social Security benefits like SSI. These tools can protect eligibility while building financial security. Housing: Where will your loved one live in five years? Ten? Even if the answer is "with us, for now," it's worth starting the conversation about long-term options. Connection: What does community look like for them? Friends, faith communities, hobby groups, teams — these matter as much as any formal service. You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone The transition from school to adult services is one of the most significant moments in a family's journey, and it's also one of the most well-supported when you know where to look. Services Coordinators, brokerage personal agents, advocacy organizations, and experienced providers are all part of the network that exists to help families navigate this season. At North Star Oregon, we walk alongside families across the Willamette Valley as their loved ones step into adult life. Whether you need in-home attendant care, day support activities in Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield, Salem, or Tangent, or simply a friendly conversation about what comes next, we're here to help. Ready to Talk About What's Next? If your son or daughter is approaching the transition years — or already past them and looking for the right adult services partner — we'd love to connect. Reach out to North Star Oregon to learn more about our In-Home Attendant Care and Day Support Activities programs, and how we can support your family's next chapter.

If you're a parent caring for your adult child with intellectual or developmental disabilities in your home, there's a tax provision you need to know about. IRS Notice 2014-7 allows parents employed as in-home caregivers to exclude qualifying Medicaid waiver payments from their federal income taxes—potentially saving thousands of dollars per year. At North Star Oregon, we're committed to helping our parent-employees understand and access this benefit. Here's what you need to know. What Is IRS Notice 2014-7? In 2014, the IRS extended "difficulty of care" tax treatment—originally designed for foster parents—to caregivers providing services under Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. This means parents who work for disability services providers like North Star can exclude certain payments from their taxable income. The key word is certain. Not all services qualify, and the rules are specific. Which Services Qualify? In-home Attendant Care services qualify when you provide care to your child in the home you share together. This includes: Assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility Meal preparation and feeding assistance Medication reminders Light housekeeping in shared living areas Shopping and transportation for medical appointments or essential needs Other activities of daily living performed in the shared home The Critical Requirements To qualify for the tax exclusion, you must meet ALL of these conditions: You and your child live together full-time in the same home Your child receives services under Oregon's Medicaid waiver program (K Plan or 1915(c) waivers through ODDS) You provide in-home attendant care services as described in their plan of care You're paid through the Medicaid waiver program for these specific services The "same home" requirement is strict. This means: You share the same primary residence You don't maintain a separate home where you spend weekends or holidays You can document the shared living arrangement with matching addresses on IDs, utility bills, etc. What This Means for Your Taxes The Income Tax Exclusion Qualifying Medicaid waiver payments are excluded from federal gross income. This means you don't pay federal income tax on them. However, you still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA). When North Star is your employer (as opposed to a consumer-directed arrangement), FICA applies even to excludable income. This is actually beneficial—it means you're earning Social Security credits toward your retirement benefits. Your W-2 Will Look Different Your W-2 from North Star will show: Box 1 (Wages): Only your taxable wages (training, PTO, any non-qualifying services)—excludable attendant care is removed Box 12 Code II: The amount of excluded Medicaid waiver payments Boxes 3 & 5 (Social Security/Medicare wages): ALL your wages including excludable payments Boxes 4 & 6: The FICA taxes actually withheld The fact that Box 1 is smaller than Boxes 3/5 is correct and expected. The Earned Income Tax Credit Opportunity Here's where it gets interesting. A 2019 Tax Court case (Feigh v. Commissioner) ruled that you can have your cake and eat it too: the IRS now allows you to count excluded income toward earned income tax credits (EITC) and additional child tax credit (ACTC) while still excluding it from taxable income. This "double benefit" can be worth thousands of dollars for qualifying families. You'll want to work with a tax professional to claim this correctly. What You Need to Do If you think you qualify, here's your action plan: Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility Do you and your child live together full-time? Does your child receive services under Oregon's Medicaid waiver program? Are you providing in-home attendant care (not DSA)? Step 2: Contact North Star's Payroll Team We'll provide you with: An attestation form to complete under penalties of perjury Documentation requirements (matching addresses, etc.) Information about how your W-2 will be adjusted Step 3: Keep Records Maintain proof of shared residence Keep copies of your signed attestation Track which hours are attendant care vs. other services Step 4: Work With a Tax Professional This is complex tax law. We strongly recommend working with a qualified tax preparer who understands Notice 2014-7, especially if you want to claim EITC benefits. What Doesn't Qualify Be clear about what payments cannot be excluded: Any community-based services provided outside your shared home Training hours or administrative time Paid time off or vacation pay Respite care provided outside your shared home Any private payments not from Medicaid waiver programs Common Questions Q: Can I apply this to previous years? A: Yes, you can file amended returns for open tax years (generally the past 3 years). Consult a tax professional. Q: What if my child moves out temporarily? A: You must notify North Star immediately if living arrangements change. The exclusion applies only during periods of shared residence. Q: Does this affect my Social Security retirement benefits? A: No. When North Star is your employer, FICA taxes continue to apply, so you're earning Social Security credits normally. Q: What if I provide multiple types of services to my child? A: We'll track your hours separately. Only in-home attendant care hours qualify for exclusion. Any services provided outside the home or other non-qualifying services remain taxable. Q: Do I still need to report this income anywhere? A: Yes. It appears on your W-2 in Box 12 Code II, and you'll report it on your tax return with an offsetting adjustment on Schedule 1. We believe in supporting the families who provide extraordinary care to their loved ones with disabilities. Helping you access this tax benefit is part of that commitment. If you're a parent-employee providing in-home care to your child and you think you might qualify, please reach out to our payroll team. We're here to help you navigate this process and ensure you receive the tax treatment you're entitled to under the law.

At North Star Oregon, we believe that some of the most profound growth happens not within four walls, but out in the world. Our Day Support Activities (DSA) are designed to do more than just fill a day; they are crafted to enrich lives, foster independence, and build lasting connections within our community. While our DSA calendars are packed with a variety of engaging activities—from art classes and volunteering to bowling and museum visits—there is a special kind of magic that happens when we step outside. Why We Love to Be Outdoors Living in the Pacific Northwest gives us a unique advantage. We are surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from lush forests and winding rivers to calming beaches and majestic mountains. We make it a point to incorporate these incredible landscapes into our DSA programs whenever possible. For many of the individuals we support, the outdoors offers a sense of freedom and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. The simple act of walking on a trail, breathing in the fresh air, or listening to the sounds of nature can be incredibly grounding. The Healing Power of Nature There is something inherently healing about being in nature. It's a place where stress seems to melt away, and minds can become clearer. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the benefits can be even more significant: Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The sensory experience of nature—the sights, sounds, and smells—can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace. Improved Mood: Sunlight and physical activity are natural mood boosters. Our outdoor adventures, whether it's a walk in a local park or a trip to the coast, often end with smiles and laughter. Enhanced Social Connection: Exploring a new trail or sharing a picnic in a park creates natural opportunities for social interaction and team building. It's a shared experience that strengthens bonds between participants and staff. Sensory Engagement: Nature provides a rich and gentle sensory environment that can be both stimulating and soothing, allowing individuals to engage with the world around them at their own pace. Building Confidence: Navigating a trail or trying a new outdoor activity can be a great confidence booster. It shows our participants what they are capable of and encourages them to step outside their comfort zones. Our Commitment to Community & Exploration Our DSA groups in Albany, Corvallis, Salem, Eugene and beyond are always looking for new ways to explore. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and wonder of the natural world. Whether it's a sunny day perfect for a beach trip or a misty afternoon made for a forest walk, we are committed to helping the individuals we support find their own "true north" through connection, community, and the healing power of the great outdoors. Join the Adventure!

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