During the restrictions placed on our work due the COVID-19 Stay Home order, the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) has authorized indirect supports for customers who need it.

We have received a loan from the federal government for the purposes of keeping our employees working during this time. Here are some ways for you to continue to earn a paycheck during this time.

Direct Services (Customer’s Home)

Direct services are those times when you are with your customer and doing billable work. Some of the ideas below are things that were not permitted by the company prior to the Stay Home order. They are currently permitted until further notice.

• Play a game with the customer in their home.
• Watch a movie.
• Organize shelves and drawers.
• Make a safety plan.
• For Portland customers, fill out an Additional Needs Registry form with the Police.
• Make sure that health providers’ numbers are available to you, the company, and the customer.
• Call health providers and ask what their policy is for DSPs attending appointments with customers.
• Review with customers about their rights. Get it here.
• Complete a Care Passport for the customer. They only need to have one. Download one here, here, or here.
• Help customers understand their rights and how to be safe. Go here.

Direct Services (In the Community)

• Get outdoor exercise.
• Shop for groceries and other needed items.
• Many parks are reopening soon. Go here.

Indirect Services

Indirect services are those times when you are not personally with the customer. These services can be provided by phone or other devices likes computers or tablets using products like Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Google Duo, and Skype.

• Play a game
• Make a safety plan.
• For Portland customers, fill out an Additional Needs Registry form with the Police.
• Make sure that health providers’ numbers are available to you, the company, and the customer.
• Call health providers and ask what their policy is for DSPs attending appointments with customers.
• Review with customers about their rights. Get it here.
• Complete a Care Passport for the customer. They really only need to have one. Download one here, here, or here.
• Watch a video about self-preparedness for people with disabilities.
• Check in frequently to make sure the customer is OK.
• Do role playing with customers about how to say no to telemarketers.
• Help customers understand their rights and how to be safe. Go here.

Non-billable Work

Non-billable work is work that can be billed to the company but is not billable to the customer.

• Complete all DSP training. You can find instructions on how to get the training here.
• We are looking for an on-line First Aid course or an in-person First Aid course with social distancing.
• If you have completed all of the online DSP training, ask your lead DSP about reading the updated policies and procedures manual.
• If you have completed with everything else and are out of ideas, contact us.