History

Oregon Supported Living Program began in 1978 through the inspiration of Dan Close and Valerie Taylor, under the auspices of the University of Oregon. Our initial endeavor was a semi-independent living program, providing various support services for individuals with mild disabilities who maintained their own residences in Eugene. In 1987 OSLP expanded to serve persons with more complex disabilities who had been displaced by the closure of Siuslaw Care Center in Florence and the downsizing of Fairview Training Center, a state institution in Salem, Oregon. This for many, was the end of an era of inhumane treatment and substandard living conditions.

In July of 1988 OSLP separated formal administrative ties with the University of Oregon and became a private non-profit corporation. In 1990 and the following years, OSLP has expanded to offer an Alternative to Employment Program, in addition to the Supported Living Program and the 24 Hour Residential Programs. OSLP has been nationally recognized as an example of barrier free living for persons in wheelchairs, and maintains a high standard of living for all of our residents. The same values of choice, independence, meaningful integration, and quality of life infuse the philosophy of OSLP.

Fairview

read the video description

In this video you will see interior shots of Fairview Institution after it closed in 2000. Despite its emptiness, the feeling of horror overcomes you as watch, trying to imagine our residents living there experiencing inhumane treatment and substandard living conditions on a daily basis.

Voices of Fairview

Firsthand accounts from residents of Fairview Training Center, Oregon.
(with subtitles)

Voices From Fairview from yoshi kardell on Vimeo.