Require Oregon to recognize mental disabilities as disabled
Require Oregon to recognize mental disabilities as disabled
The Issue
My nephew has a mental disability, and despite his challenges, he is unable to receive the benefits and support that individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities get in Oregon. His situation is not unique, and there are countless others with mental disabilities who are denied necessary resources simply because their disabilities do not fit within the state’s current classification system.
Oregon's disability classification system fails to recognize the full spectrum of disabilities, thereby excluding those with mental disabilities from being designated as 'disabled.' This exclusion means that individuals like my nephew struggle without access to essential services and benefits that could drastically improve their quality of life.
It's crucial to understand that people with mental disabilities often face barriers that are just as challenging as those experienced by people with physical or cognitive disabilities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 51 million adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness, and many of these individuals would greatly benefit from state-recognized support and services.
By updating Oregon's classification to include mental disabilities, we can ensure fair treatment and equal access to benefits for all individuals with disabilities. This change would acknowledge the reality that disability can manifest in various forms and would support a vulnerable group in our community, granting them resources for a better and more independent life.
We urge the state of Oregon to re-evaluate its disability classification system and recognize mental disabilities as it does physical and cognitive disabilities. This reform would not only be an act of justice but also a step towards a more inclusive and supportive community.
Please sign this petition to compel the state government of Oregon to recognize people with mental disabilities as disabled, granting them the benefits and respect they deserve. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of so many who are unfairly overlooked.
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The Issue
My nephew has a mental disability, and despite his challenges, he is unable to receive the benefits and support that individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities get in Oregon. His situation is not unique, and there are countless others with mental disabilities who are denied necessary resources simply because their disabilities do not fit within the state’s current classification system.
Oregon's disability classification system fails to recognize the full spectrum of disabilities, thereby excluding those with mental disabilities from being designated as 'disabled.' This exclusion means that individuals like my nephew struggle without access to essential services and benefits that could drastically improve their quality of life.
It's crucial to understand that people with mental disabilities often face barriers that are just as challenging as those experienced by people with physical or cognitive disabilities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 51 million adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness, and many of these individuals would greatly benefit from state-recognized support and services.
By updating Oregon's classification to include mental disabilities, we can ensure fair treatment and equal access to benefits for all individuals with disabilities. This change would acknowledge the reality that disability can manifest in various forms and would support a vulnerable group in our community, granting them resources for a better and more independent life.
We urge the state of Oregon to re-evaluate its disability classification system and recognize mental disabilities as it does physical and cognitive disabilities. This reform would not only be an act of justice but also a step towards a more inclusive and supportive community.
Please sign this petition to compel the state government of Oregon to recognize people with mental disabilities as disabled, granting them the benefits and respect they deserve. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of so many who are unfairly overlooked.
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Petition created on June 16, 2026