Supported Employment in Oregon: How People with I/DD Find Meaningful Work and Belonging

ALSO has been breaking down barriers involving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Oregon for over 25 years. One of these barriers is the misconception that individuals with I/DD can’t be successfully employed in their community. Our expertise in supported employment has been key to helping job seekers we support in creating a bright future in a career they love.

What is Supported Employment?

Supported employment is a job development model for assisting people with disabilities in obtaining employment that fits their skill set and career goals. A major aspect of this model is that support services are tailored to the strengths and needs of the individual.

Additionally, supported employment emphasizes competitive integrated employment (CIE). That is, real pay for real jobs within the community. It includes ongoing individualized support as needed and guidance/resources for employers. It’s a WIN-WIN for job seekers with I/DD and the Oregon employers who need reliable, motivated, and skilled employees.

Supported Employment Services at ALSO of Oregon

At the root of our supported employment services is the firm belief that anyone who desires paid work can attain it as long as the right supports are in place. Employment is not just to, ‘keep someone busy’, at a job that’s barely minimum wage. Rather, it must be meaningful, rewarding, community-based employment. It’s not simply charity, but an opportunity for hard-working employees to contribute to their employer.

When assisting supported working-age adults and youth in attaining competitive employment opportunities, ALSO actively takes the following steps:

• Job discovery based on interests and strengths.
• Job development with local employers.
• On-the-job training and job coaching.
• Ongoing support as needed.

The support offered by ALSO is flexible and based on person-centered practices. All support processes begin with desires, needs, and employment goals of the individual, regardless of work experience. We continually assess how the job placement is working with the supported person and the employer, making any and all necessary changes to ensure success.

Fact: Did you know that Oregon has an Employment First Policy? This means that jobs for people with I/DD in Oregon must be a first priority option. Individuals must be competitively paid and work alongside people without disabilities.

Why Supported Employment Matters for People with I/DD

Meaningful Work and Purpose

When we’re gainfully employed in meaningful work, we develop a sense of purpose, literally a reason to get up in the morning. As our independence grows, we become more confident, not just in our job, but in the unique individual that we are. High-quality supported employment programs help individuals with I/DD achieve these benefits that are inherently necessary for all of us.

Financial Independence and Choice

Supported employment has been shown to increase the potential for people with I/DD to improve financial independence. This creates freedom to strive for personal goals, such as independent living in the community, enrolling in educational opportunities, or even traveling with friends. Long-term benefits for society are increased diversity in our communities and a decreased reliance on public funds. 

Community Belonging

When individuals with I/DD work in a supportive environment, they experience a true sense of community belonging. Contributing to workplace tasks leads to appreciation from coworkers and supervisors, not as a ‘person with a disability,’ but as a capable fellow employee.

Additional Information: Learn how Cody formed positive relationships with his coworkers and community.

Case Study: Trey’s Story

Trey has an intellectual disability. He loves to work and has always been willing to do and learn anything to be a good employee. Thanks to consistent employment supports and encouragement from his team at ALSO, he excels at his job tasks. Trey is a valued employee and was even awarded employee of the month — finally achieving that sense of belonging that he was striving for. 

How Supported Employment Benefits Oregon Employers

The managers and employers that partner with ALSO have had eye-opening experiences of the value of hiring people with disabilities. They consistently reap benefits that improve company culture while at the same time meeting business targets, for example:

• Employees are matched with real business needs.
• Highly motivated and reliable employees.
• Job coaching is provided at no cost to employers.
• Improved retention and morale.
• Clear communication and ongoing structured support from ALSO employment specialists.
• Positive impacts on workplace culture.
• Gaining access to an underutilized talent pool. 
• Widening the customer base (because others with disabilities and their friends/families are more likely to support your business).

Employer Case Study

Kyle Gibson, President of KG Specialties, has great things to say about employment partnerships with ALSO. He first hired James to handle vending services. Coworkers and supervisors were so impressed with his customer service skills that he was promoted to handling courier services. Kyle encourages all Oregon employers to reach out to ALSO. James has proven that people with disabilities can indeed meet business needs and improve workplace culture.

Supported Employment Services Across Oregon

ALSO’s employment provider services have been a game-changer for so many businesses, making a positive impact on services, work environment, and the bottom line. Our reach for community employment opportunities for those we support is quite vast, and the following examples highlight just some of the Oregon businesses where individuals have successfully found meaningful work.

• Portland Metro: US Bank, Whole Foods, PDX Airport
• Central Oregon: (Bend, Redmond): Safeway, Best Buy, Walmart
• Eastern Oregon: Sisters Athletic Club, Harney County School District, #3
• Southern Oregon: YMCA, House of Paws, Hot Topic

In total, over 70 Oregon businesses have benefitted from our high-quality supported employment programs. 

ALSO job coaches, direct support professionals (DSPs), and employment specialists facilitate all aspects of the employment process. This includes interest exploration, job development, application processes, skills training, technical assistance, and ongoing support.

Tips for Supported Employment Success

For Job Seekers

• Have patience in the process — sometimes great things take a long time!
• Talk to your case management and employment team about what a good job means to you.
• Ask for support when you need it.
• Know your strengths — we all have gifts to share!

For Employers

• Start out with an open mind! It’s great to make new discoveries!
• Communicate business needs to the employment team. We’re here to help.
• The person you hire wants to do their very best — so it’s always helpful to express appreciation when tasks are done well. 
• If something isn’t working, let us know and we’ll address it immediately.

The Bigger Impact on Oregon Communities

At the root of community based services in Oregon supported employment services, is the inherent value of meaningful work and its strong connection to community belonging. With the right support and skills training, individuals with IDD can be fully capable of making real workplace contributions. Working together, we can create compassionate and vibrant Oregon communities — a great place to live, work…and belong.

How ALSO Helps you Get Started

Are you ready for an amazing journey? Let’s get started!

For Job Seekers

• Connect with ALSO or a case manager.
• Identify employment goals.
• Begin supported job search and coaching.

Remember that flexibility is really important, and there may be some bumps in the road to a great job. But stay positive. ALSO will help!

For Employers

• Explore the Employment Services on the ALSO website.
• Connect with ALSO.
• Identify your employment needs.

ALSO is dedicated to understanding and fulfilling your employment needs. We’ve facilitated many successful job placements that result in equal employment opportunities for persons with I/DD. Simultaneously, employers get what they need: employees that improve both company culture and the bottom line.

Whether you’re a job seeker or employer, give us a call today at (503) 489-6565, or email us: info@alsoweb.org.  

Belonging Begins with Opportunity

With opportunity, comes the chance to excel and share talents. Our fellow residents of Oregon with I/DD are ready to seize upon all opportunities for the freedoms and belonging that fair employment has to offer. All it takes is a few open doors to break down those barriers. Supported employment (and your help) is the key. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can receive supported employment services in Oregon?
   According to Oregon Administrative Rules, people eligible for vocational rehabilitation, have a most significant disability, and who have been determined they would benefit from supported employment.
2. Will work affect Social Security and Medicaid?
   In many cases, benefits continue while working. The employment team helps individuals and families understand how work may affect benefits and supports informed decision-making.
3. How long does job coaching last?
   Job coaching for Oregon residents with disabilities can last for up to 24 months. This includes an initial 6 months of job coaching, with ongoing job coaching lasting up to 18 months.
4. How do employers get involved?
   Employers can reach out to anyone on ALSO’s employment team to talk about hiring goals. We identify job candidates, coordinate onboarding, and provide ongoing support. Call us at (503) 489-6565 or drop an email: info@alsoweb.org.
5. What makes ALSO different?
   ALSO knows how supported employment works in Oregon. We take the time to listen to our employer partners so that they get employees who are the right fit for the job. We’ll always be available for ongoing support, making sure job placements are working for everyone. Employers hiring people with I/DD in Oregon (with ALSO as partners) have everything to gain:

• • Great employees,
  • A competitive edge [Check out this Forbes article]
  • Opportunities to support community belonging for all.

Sources

1. Canadian Association of Supported Employment. About supported Employment. https://www.supportedemployment.ca/about/about-supported-employment/  Accessed January 20, 2026.
2. Oregon Department of Human Services. Employment first.  https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/employment-first/pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ODHS&utm_medium=egov_redirect&utm_campaign=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oregon.gov%2Fdhs%2Femployment%2Femployment-first%2F Accessed January 22, 2026.
3. Sangeeta, M, Shrivastav, VK. A study on employment opportunities in achieving economic independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Gateway International Journal of Innovative Research. 2025;4(1): 47-63. https://gijir.gateway.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5.-A-Study-on-Employment-Opportunities-in-Achieving-Economic-Independence-for-Individuals-with-Intellectual-and-Developmental-Disabilities-IDD-Ms.-Sangeeta-Dr.-Vikas-Kumar-Shr.pdf Accessed January 20, 2026.
4. Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research. Research synthesis: what do we know about the effectiveness of disability employment interventions? May 2024. https://clear.dol.gov/sites/default/files/Disability%20Employment%20Research%20Synthesis%20Brief_May2024.pdf   Accessed January 20, 2026.
5. Employ Abilities. 10 ways hiring people with disabilities can help your business. https://employabilities.ab.ca/10-ways-hiring-people-with-disabilities-can-help-your-business/ Accessed January 21, 2026.
6. State of Oregon. Rule 582-072-0015 — Eligibility for supported employment services https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_582-072-0015   Accessed January 21, 2026. 
7. Oregon Department of Human Services. Employment Services II. A. Job Coaching Requirements. https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/employment-first/Documents/wg-job-coaching.pdf  Accessed January 21, 2026.
8. Arnold, K. The business benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Forbes, EQ. 2025, August 5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeseq/2025/07/08/the-business-benefits-of-hiring-people-with-disabilities/ Accessed January 22, 2026.