(1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that, in keeping with the traditional concept of the inherent dignity of the individual in our democratic society, the older citizens of this state are entitled to enjoy their later years in health, honor and dignity, and citizens with disabilities are entitled to live lives of maximum freedom and independence.

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(2) The Legislative Assembly declares that the policy of this state is to provide and encourage programs necessary to fulfill the commitment stated in subsection (1) of this section and that the purpose of policies stated in this section and ORS § 410.020 is to provide a guide for the establishment and implementation of programs for older citizens and citizens with disabilities in this state. It further declares that the programs shall be initiated, promoted and developed through:

(a) Volunteers and volunteer groups;

(b) Partnership with local governmental agencies;

(c) Coordinated efforts of state agencies;

(d) Coordination and cooperation with federal programs;

(e) Partnership with private health and social service agencies;

(f) A designated state agency that will encourage and work with older citizens and their organizations, that will coordinate state and local programs, that will encourage and monitor federal programs and that will act as an advocate for older Oregon citizens; and

(g) A designated state agency that will encourage and work with citizens with disabilities and their organizations, that will coordinate state and local programs, that will encourage and monitor federal programs and that will act as an advocate for Oregon citizens with disabilities.

(3) The Legislative Assembly declares that it shall be the policy of this state to give special attention to the special concerns of our most frail and vulnerable older citizens. Furthermore, it shall be the policy of this state to support strongly the full development and participation of citizens with disabilities in all aspects of social, political and community life.

(4) Recognizing the diversity in geography, economy and lifestyles in Oregon and the diversity of local senior citizen networks, the Legislative Assembly declares that it is the policy of this state to avoid complete uniformity in planning and administering programs for older citizens and to encourage and emphasize local control to achieve the most effective blend of state and local authority, not precluding the ability of the state to perform its mandated responsibilities for planning and administration. Multipurpose senior centers may be considered as focal points for the delivery of services to older citizens in each community where practicable. Disability services should also be consolidated where possible to provide efficient and convenient delivery of services to citizens with disabilities. [1981 c.191 § 1; 1985 c.180 § 1; 1989 c.224 § 70; 2007 c.70 § 163]