Multnomah County will host a free Information and Resource Fair for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families and caregivers, on Thursday, May 21.
The event will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Oregon Department of Human Services Training and Conference Center, located at 11826 N.E. Glisan St. in Portland.
Organized by the county’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services Division, the fair is designed to connect residents with local services and support providers in one location.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with more than 65 community partners, including representatives from Oregon’s Vocational Rehabilitation program, brokerage agencies and in-home care providers. Services highlighted at the event include in-home support, day programs, employment resources, transportation assistance, housing support and voter registration.
For many families, events like this provide a rare opportunity to connect directly with multiple service providers in one place, helping reduce barriers to accessing care and support. Navigating disability services can often be complex, and organizers say bringing resources together in a single setting can make that process more accessible.
The fair is especially important for individuals and families who may not be aware of the full range of services available or who face challenges accessing information through traditional channels.
“Since we started this journey in 2018, our Information and Resource Fair has grown into something truly special — a cornerstone for the families and individuals we serve,” said Tammorra Barnes, interim division director.
The event is open to the public, and advance registration is not required. Organizers say the fair is intended to provide a welcoming, accessible environment where individuals and families can learn about available resources and connect directly with service providers.
The venue is accessible by MAX light rail and TriMet bus lines, and free parking will be available for attendees. The event will also include games and activities.
More than 8 million people in the United States live with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In Oregon, more than 40,000 people receive services through case management programs, according to the state’s Office of Developmental Disabilities Services.
In Multnomah County, the Department of County Human Services serves more than 8,000 individuals, including people with autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual or developmental disabilities.
