FAQs

ALSO provides individualized support services that empower people in Oregon with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful lives in their communities. We partner with each person, their families, and their circles of support to create opportunities for independence, inclusion, and connection. From 24-hour residential care to supported employment and community inclusion programs, ALSO focuses on seeing ability, not disability, and helping every individual thrive.

ALSO does not provide direct utility assistance. Our focus is on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oregon through residential, employment, and community inclusion services. For help with utility assistance, we recommend contacting local community action agencies or energy assistance programs in your area.

ALSO does not provide direct rental assistance. Our services focus on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, employment, and community inclusion programs. For rental assistance, we encourage reaching out to local housing authorities or community action agencies.

ALSO does not provide legal services, but there are organizations that can help. In Oregon, Disability Rights Oregon offers free advocacy and legal support for people with disabilities. You can also contact the Oregon State Bar for lawyer referrals or explore local legal aid services.

Residential provides 24-hour support in staffed homes, offering help with daily living, health needs, and community life in a safe, home-like setting. Supported living services also provide 24-hour on-call assistance for people who live in their own homes (or live with family/roommates) with tailored supports, like self-advocacy, money management, medical and personal care, so they can remain independent in their community. Both options are person-centered and focused on choice, inclusion, and seeing ability, not disability.

Supported living services help people live in homes of their own (or with family/roommates) with tailored supports, like self-advocacy, money management, medical and personal care, to stay independent in their community. In-home support is delivered where a person already lives, focusing on everyday tasks and goals such as transportation, academics, medication management, employment support, and hobbies. While in-home support is more limited than supported living, both are person-centered and designed to promote choice, inclusion, and independence.

Start by contacting your local county developmental disabilities office or a Support Services Brokerage to confirm eligibility and set up a person-centered plan. In Oregon, ODDS lists brokerages by county. You can also reach out to ALSO directly and we’ll explain options and coordinate next steps with your case manager or brokerage. In Portland, email info@alsoweb.org. For Central/Eastern/Southern Oregon, email centraloregon@alsoweb.org.

Intellectual disability (ID) involves significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, with onset before age 18. In Oregon, people with IQ scores around 70–75 and documented adaptive behavior limitations may meet criteria. Developmental disability (DD) is a severe, lifelong condition that begins before age 22 and causes substantial limitations in 3 or more major life activities (e.g., self-care, communication, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living/economic self-sufficiency). Final eligibility is determined through your county/DD office or ODDS using formal assessments.

Yes. SSDI doesn’t automatically qualify or disqualify you. Eligibility for services is based on Oregon’s I/DD criteria, not Social Security benefits. Most I/DD services are Medicaid-funded, so you’ll also need to qualify for Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid (there are disability-related pathways that can help). A county DD office or brokerage can walk you through next steps.

Yes. ALSO offers Children’s Services, including individualized assistance in safe, nurturing homes; in-home support for children in their own homes; and community-based skill building to help kids grow and stay connected.

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a trained caregiver and advocate who supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and connect in their communities. DSPs assist with daily living, communication, transportation, health and safety, and goal-focused skill building, always following a person-centered plan. At ALSO, DSPs partner with each person and their circle of support to promote independence, choice, and inclusion.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live the lives they choose. Day to day, DSPs: assist with personal care and daily living; help with medication and health routines as directed; support skills like communication, money management, cooking, and travel; provide transportation and community access; facilitate jobs, volunteering, and hobbies; encourage self-advocacy and choice; ensure safety; and document progress toward individual goals, all within a person-centered plan and in partnership with families and care teams.

Apply on ALSO’s Careers page to see current Direct Support Professional openings and submit your application online.

Yes. ALSO is actively hiring Direct Support Professionals; see current openings on our Careers page.

ALSO’s services are designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). If someone has a physical disability and meets Oregon’s I/DD eligibility, we can support them through our residential, supported living, employment, and children’s services.

ALSO provides services in Oregon only (currently across nine Oregon counties). For Washington, including Vancouver, contact the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) or Clark County Developmental Disabilities for local options.

Experience isn’t required, and ALSO provides paid training. Most roles ask that you’re 18+ with a high school diploma/GED, pass a background check, and complete certifications like First Aid/CPR and Oregon Intervention System (OIS), and medication administration training after hire.

Generally, no. ALSO’s DSPs are agency employees who support people assigned to our programs—not their own family members. If you want to be paid to support your family member, Oregon typically uses the Personal Support Worker (PSW) model. In that model, eligible family members can enroll with the state (through the case management entity), and are paid via Medicaid, separate from agency DSP roles. For PSW rules and how family members can serve, see Oregon’s ODDS guidance and OARs.

Emergency/crisis placements in Oregon are coordinated by your county Developmental Disabilities program or brokerage, with ODDS crisis resources (like SACU) used when support needs exceed what community homes can provide. ALSO does not place people directly in an emergency, but we can review referrals from your case management entity when appropriate and when we have an available opening. If there’s immediate risk, call 911 first, then contact your county DD after-hours line.

Not directly. Emergency/crisis placements in Oregon are coordinated by your county DD program or brokerage and the state’s Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU). ALSO doesn’t operate emergency housing, but we can review referrals from case management when we have an appropriate opening in our residential or supported living programs. For immediate safety concerns, call 911 (or 988 for a mental health crisis), then contact your county DD after-hours line.

Children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Oregon, partnering with individuals, families, and circles of support through residential, supported living, employment, and community inclusion services.

Yes. ALSO provides supported employment services, including job development, placement, skills training, and on-the-job coaching, plus help understanding work incentives and benefits.

We start with person-centered planning, listening to your goals, preferences, and support needs, then build an individualized plan with you and your circle of support. We coordinate with your case manager/brokerage to confirm eligibility and funding, and match you with programs (residential, supported living, employment, children’s) that fit your life, location, and schedule. Services are flexible and can be adjusted over time as your goals evolve.

ALSO’s services are funded through Oregon’s I/DD system, primarily Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) authorized by your county DD program or Support Services Brokerage (ODDS). For employment services, funding may also involve Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation. We don’t bill private health insurance for I/DD services. Your case manager can confirm eligibility and the exact funding path for your situation.

Yes. ALSO supports people with a wide range of needs, including complex medical and behavioral support. Our DSPs receive training in medication administration, health and safety, and crisis response, and we partner with nurses, behavior specialists, and other providers as needed. Each support plan is person-centered and designed to ensure safety, dignity, and quality of life.

ALSO focuses on prevention first, building strong relationships, clear communication, and individualized support plans to reduce triggers and stress. All DSPs are trained in Oregon Intervention System (OIS) strategies, emphasizing positive behavior supports and non-violent interventions. If a crisis does occur, staff respond with safety, dignity, and respect, while coordinating with families, medical providers, and county crisis teams as needed. Afterward, we review each situation to strengthen supports and prevent future crises.

Families and guardians are welcomed as key partners. We include them in person-centered planning, regular check-ins, and goal updates. Visits, phone calls, and participation in community activities are encouraged, and our teams maintain open communication so families stay informed and engaged in their loved one’s care.