Closing a Meaningful Chapter: The OTAC Legacy and Our Path Forward
September 30, 2025
Since 1984, OTAC, originally Oregon Technical Assistance Corporation, has played an instrumental role in advancing person-centered approaches to services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Oregon. Born as an independent nonprofit, OTAC earned a reputation for innovation and impact. From supporting the closure of the Fairview Training Center to helping shape person-centered planning practices statewide, OTAC has helped Oregon move toward more inclusive, community-based systems of support.
In 2016, OTAC rebranded as Oregon Training and Consultation. Then in 2018, after several years of increasing funding challenges, OTAC merged with The Arc Oregon. Since that time, The Arc Oregon has provided additional funds to continue OTAC’s work and vision. Recent work has included providing training and consultation, as well as ongoing leadership for the Oregon ISP process.
However, in recent years, OTAC has faced continuing challenges. Demand for training services has declined, while the costs of developing and delivering meaningful, person-centered training have remained high. Despite persistent effort, we have not been able to identify a path toward sustainable revenue.
After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to sunset the OTAC program. The remaining state contract that continues to provide training and technical assistance related to Oregon’s ISP process will remain active and will be transitioned into our Guardianship, Advocacy, and Planning Services (GAPS) program. We will continue to offer training opportunities and will share more about our offerings in the coming months. Our commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered services remains unchanged.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to OTAC’s work over the past four decades: staff, trainers, families, self-advocates, government partners, and community organizations. Your collaboration and dedication helped shape a better future for thousands of Oregonians with IDD.
While this chapter is coming to a close, the values that OTAC championed—dignity, inclusion, and person-centered thinking—remain core to everything we do at The Arc Oregon.
For questions about this transition or to share your memories of OTAC’s legacy, please contact us at info@thearcoregon.org.
