OverviewTogether . . .
This word makes a crucial difference as individuals, families, guardians and community-based service providers work to meet the needs of Ohioans with developmental disabilities. It is the guiding principle that defines the purpose and business of the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA).
Our Association . . .
As a statewide association of service providers, OPRA is a leader in efforts to collaboratively build a statewide service system to meet the needs of our ultimate customers - Ohioans with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.
Founded in 1974, OPRA is a non-profit organization that represents community-based providers of services to individuals with disabilities. At the beginning of de-institutionalization, OPRA supported efforts to move Ohio's citizens with developmental disabilities from large state-operated institutions into small, privately owned, community-based residential settings. Today, while still offering community-based services in supervised residential settings, we also are providing individualized supports to adults and children in their own homes, as well as vocational and employment assistance.
Currently, OPRA's membership consists of more than 150 organizations providing services to more than 15,000 Ohioans with developmental disabilities. The association represents approximately 70 percent of the state's community-based providers.
Our Mission . . .
To support and provide advocacy for community-based service providers to ensure the availability of programs, services and funding adequate to support and assist individuals with developmental disabilities as they strive to achieve a life of increasing independence, productivity and integration.
Our Core Strategy . . .
- To work with legislators, administrative agencies and other stakeholder groups, including families and community-based organizations, to shape public policies that deeply affect people with developmental disabilities.
- To protect the right of individuals and families to choose where and how their loved ones are cared for and supported, and our highest priority is providing and sustaining high-quality services for all Ohioans with disabilities.
- To promote the creation of a statewide structure that is rational, equitable, fair and effective.
Our Values . . .
- We support our members in their commitment to sound, innovative business practices and quality standards of service.
- We are transparent and open in all of our activities.
- We are outspoken in our advocacy for public policies and practices that address the needs of individuals with disabilities.
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