Independent Living Archives - ALSO

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A teacher works with a developmentally disabled girl who is looking through a magnifying glass at an object.

Navigating Back to School for Children with Disabilities

“Normalizing disability begins in school.” -Joseph Schneiderwind, writer and disability advocate1 A particularly poignant quote as we think about going back to school after a long summer break. For students living with disabilities, a successful return to

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A young man with developmental disabilities in a wheelchair sits at a table and smiles at the camera.

Developing Gross Motor Skills for Individuals with Disabilities

We often think of gross motor skills as activities like jumping, catching a ball, or waving our arms. But did you know that these are also the skills that allow us to get in and out of

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9 Benefits of Person-Centered Support Services for People with Disabilities

“I have a disability yes that’s true, but all that means is that I may have to take a slightly different path than you.” -Robert M. Hensel A powerful statement, isn’t it?[1] As a person

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Hotel sitting on cliffs on the Oregon Coast.

Accessible Destinations for Summer Travel in the Pacific Northwest

Are you looking for a great way to enjoy the summer months? Got a road trip in mind? The Pacific Northwest is among the best places for individual, family, or group travel in the country. What’s

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What Disability Support Services Does ALSO Offer?

ALSO has been transforming the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1997. We are a nonprofit disability support services provider operating in many Oregon counties, including Portland Metro area, Deschutes, Klamath, Umatilla, Josephine, Jackson, and Harney.

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A developmentally disabled woman lies in bathtub with an "XOXO" sign above as part of an event.

Respecting Autonomy in Relationships and Bodily Autonomy (Part 3)

Respecting Autonomy in Relationships and Bodily Autonomy It’s no secret: Positive social relationships foster health and happiness. But many people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) lack autonomy in relationships, which limits their opportunities to make friends. In fact, individuals with I/DD have an average

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