VOR-What We Do
For over 30 years, VOR has advocated for high quality care and human rights for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). VOR is the only national advocacy organization which supports the full continuum of care - from large and small Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) to community based settings, from sheltered workshops and facility-based day programs to competitive employment opportunities. We recognize that there is a diverse range of intellectual and developmental disabilities and that individuals and families need to have an array offerings available to them in order to support their unique needs.
What We Do
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VOR is a resource. We provide research and policy statements and help families and other advocates speak out on issues (such as residential and employment options, competitive wages for direct care professionals, guardianship, etc.) to keep programs in place for people with I/DD.
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VOR honors Olmstead’s true meaning. Through campaigns and lobbying, VOR informs lawmakers of the true meaning of the ADA and the U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision which support the continuum of care, including institutional settings, and make individual choice paramount.
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VOR fights to preserve choice of services. We support individuals and families harmed by DOJ actions and Protection & Advocacy (P&A) agency class action lawsuits designed to close facilities and programs. We help them organize so that their interests are brought before the court and supported through VOR Amicus Briefs.
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VOR keeps a strong presence in Washington DC. We lobby for sound legislation and Congressional oversight of Developmental Disabilities Act programs (State Developmental Disabilities Councils, P&A agencies and University Centers on Disabilities) which influence policy at the state level.
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VOR makes a difference. VOR is proud that its Amicus Brief was quoted in the majority opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision recognizing:
“As already observed [by the majority], the ADA is not reasonably read to impel States to phase out institutions, placing patients in need of close care at risk... ‘Each disabled person is entitled to treatment in the most integrated setting possible for that person — recognizing on a case-by-case basis, that setting may be an institution’ [quoting VOR’s Amici Curiae brief].” Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581, 597 (1999) at 605
Through these efforts, VOR aims to be instrumental in maintaining large and small ICF/IIDs, group homes, sheltered workshops and facility-based day programs so that all individuals with I/DD can find expert, safe and appropriate care among a true choice of options.
Help us by becoming a member today.
Go to: www.vor.net/get-involved Thank you for your support!
