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Resources

Disability Services in Oregon

  • What does I/DD stand for?
  • What are the eligibility requirements for disability in Oregon?
  • What disability services are available for adults with I/DD in Oregon?
  • How do I apply for developmental disability services in Oregon?
  • What’s the difference between in-home supports and supported living?
  • What does “person-centered support” mean in disability services?
  • How long does it take to start services after eligibility is approved?
  • What should I ask a provider before choosing services?
  • What counties does ALSO serve in Oregon?
  • How long has ALSO been in operation?
  • What are direct support professionals and what do they do?
  • What requirements does ALSO have for its direct support professionals?
  • What is the average tenure of DSPs who work for ALSO?
  • Why do they call it heart work?

Supported Living, In-Home Support & Housing

  • What is supported living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
  • How is supported living different from group homes or residential care?
  • What does in-home support include day to day?
  • Can services be customized around work, school, or community activities?
  • How do support hours get determined?
  • What does a typical support plan look like?
  • How do families stay involved without taking over?
  • Do you offer housing for individuals with I/DD in Oregon?
  • What is The Montage housing project in Portland?

Residential Care

  • What is residential care for people with I/DD?
  • Who is residential care best suited for?
  • What does staffing look like in a residential program?
  • What rights do residents have in residential settings?
  • How do transitions work from family home to residential care?
  • How do you handle medical needs or behavioral supports?
  • What should families look for during a residential tour?

Employment Services

  • What are supported employment services for people with disabilities?
  • How does job coaching work?
  • Can you help with resumes, interviews, and workplace accommodations?
  • What kinds of jobs are common for people receiving support?
  • How do you match someone to the right job (interests + strengths)?
  • What happens if a job isn’t a good fit?
  • Can someone keep services after they’re hired?
  • What types of companies in Oregon offer employment for people with I/DD

Children’s Services and Family Support

  • What disability supports are available for children in Oregon?
  • How do I know if my child qualifies for services?
  • What help is available for behavior support and skill-building?
  • How can services fit into school and home routines?
  • What does family-centered support look like?
  • How do you support transitions (elementary → middle, teen → adult services)?
  • How early should families start planning for adult services?

Getting Started and Navigating Funding

  • How do I start services with ALSO?
  • Who should I get in touch with at ALSO?
  • What documents do I need to enroll or begin supports?
  • What is Oregon’s case management process like?
  • What does Medicaid (OHP) cover for disability services?
  • What’s the difference between ISP vs service plan (and who creates it)?
  • How do changes in needs get updated (hours, staffing, services)?
  • Who do I contact if I’m unhappy with services or need changes?
  • What are the different ways I can donate to ALSO?