Presented by the Oregon Department of Human Services, this recorded webinar is part of the Employment First initiative, which promotes inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The session covers key topics such as person-centered planning, job coaching, vocational rehabilitation, and collaboration with local support teams. It also introduces tools and resources available through ODHS to help self-advocates explore career options, gain work experience, and connect with employment professionals. This webinar is ideal for families and youth seeking practical guidance and inspiration for planning a successful transition into the workforce.

This session highlights how Supported Employment services offer individualized job coaching, workplace accommodations, and ongoing support to help self-advocates thrive in the workforce. It explains how these services are coordinated with Vocational Rehabilitation and other partners, and includes tips for accessing support through service coordinators. The webinar is ideal for families and youth seeking to understand how Oregon’s system can help them build a successful career.

Discovery helps self-advocates build a personalized employment profile through community-based exploration. A facilitator meets with the individual and their team, visiting various locations to assess existing skills and preferences. These insights are compiled into a Discovery profile, which is then used in collaboration with a Job Developer to identify ideal job matches. Access to the service is available through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.