Resource Library

The platform offers educational materials, videos, glossaries, and practical strategies for maintaining mental health and supporting others. It emphasizes the importance of early recognition, stigma-free language, and culturally responsive approaches. Families can use the site to guide youth through transitions by teaching self-awareness, coping skills, and how to access professional support when needed. MentalHealthLiteracy.org empowers users to take charge of their mental well-being and build strong foundations for lifelong health and independence 

The two-page guide explores how Indigenous communities view mental wellness as a balance between the individual, society, and the spiritual world. It highlights both risk and protective factors that influence youth mental health, including the impacts of colonization and the importance of cultural continuity. For families supporting a child’s transition to adulthood, this resource offers valuable insights into culturally responsive approaches to mental health, resilience, and lifelong learning—helping them plan with respect for identity, tradition, and community strength.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to mental health support, including therapy options, crisis hotlines, support groups, and educational materials. It features stories that address stigma, workplace stress, relationships, substance use, and the impact of technology on mental health. For self-advocates and families navigating the transition to adulthood, this resource offers relatable narratives and actionable advice to support emotional well-being and connect with local services. It’s a valuable starting point for understanding mental health and finding help in the Seattle area.

This scholarship provides up to $20,000 over four years to students who demonstrate a passion for technology, leadership in their communities, and financial need. Applicants must be planning to attend a two- or four-year college or vocational school in the U.S. and pursue a degree in an eligible field. Through its application process—which includes an essay on technology innovation and a recommendation letter—the program supports self-advocates in articulating their goals and planning for a successful transition into adult life and the workforce

NCIL’s website offers tools and information on independent living skills, systems advocacy, and transitioning from school to adult life. Families can explore resources on housing, employment, healthcare, and legal rights, as well as find training opportunities and national events. The Independent Living philosophy emphasizes consumer control—empowering individuals with disabilities to make decisions about their lives and futures. NCIL helps families become informed advocates and supports youth in building self-determination and community connections 

As Hawai‘i’s first autism center, NQD offers a variety of programs tailored to individuals with special needs, including soccer, baseball, and golf. The organization is committed to helping youth with disabilities discover their strengths, build friendships, and participate fully in their communities. NQD also provides volunteer opportunities and collaborates with local businesses to expand inclusive programming. This resource is ideal for self-advocates and families seeking recreational and developmental support in a welcoming setting.

Led by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), this webinar explains the foundation of Employment First, including its history, goals, and the importance of person-centered planning. It highlights how employment services are coordinated across agencies like Vocational Rehabilitation and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services. The session also introduces key supports available to help individuals with I/DD prepare for, find, and succeed in community-based jobs.

Presented by ODHS, this session walks viewers through the Career Development Plan, explaining how it supports self-advocates in identifying their strengths, interests, and support needs. The webinar covers how CDPs are used by service coordinators and personal agents to guide employment conversations and ensure that individuals are working toward jobs that match their goals. It’s a practical resource for families and youth preparing for transition and employment.

Job coaching is available once a person secures an individual, integrated job. Coaches help with learning job tasks, building workplace relationships, understanding business rules, and navigating routines. The fact sheet includes a relatable example and guidance on how to access services through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent. It encourages self-advocates to seek support that promotes success and independence at work.

The Russian version of the fact sheet describes how job coaches help individuals transition into new jobs, learn tasks, communicate with supervisors, and understand workplace expectations. It features a real-life example and provides instructions for accessing services through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent. This resource helps Russian-speaking self-advocates navigate employment with confidence and support.

The Simplified Chinese version mirrors the English content, explaining how job coaches assist with learning new skills, adapting to new roles, and building workplace relationships. It includes a practical example and outlines how to request services through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent. This resource ensures that Chinese-speaking self-advocates can understand and access employment support in their preferred language.

The fact sheet explains that job coaching is available once a person secures an individual, integrated job. Employment counselors help individuals learn new tasks, adjust to new roles, build relationships with coworkers, and understand workplace expectations. It includes a relatable example and outlines how to access services through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent. This resource ensures Spanish-speaking self-advocates can confidently pursue and maintain meaningful employment.

The fact sheet describes how job coaching helps individuals transition into new jobs, learn tasks, communicate with supervisors, and understand daily routines. It includes a practical example and instructions for accessing services through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent. This resource supports Vietnamese-speaking self-advocates in building workplace skills and achieving success in integrated employment.

Job development involves identifying job opportunities that align with a person’s strengths and preferences. A Job Developer supports the individual through the application and interview process and helps build connections with potential employers. The fact sheet includes a real-life example and guidance on accessing services through Vocational Rehabilitation or a Service Coordinator. It encourages self-advocates to take an active role in shaping their employment journey.

This Russian translated fact sheet outlines how a Job Developer helps individuals find jobs that match their abilities and interests. It includes support with applications, interviews, and employer outreach. A detailed example illustrates how a Job Developer works with a self-advocate to build confidence and prepare for employment. The resource also provides instructions for accessing services through Vocational Rehabilitation or a Service Coordinator.

The fact sheet translated in Chinese describes how a Job Developer identifies employment opportunities that match an individual’s skills and supports them through applications, interviews, and employer visits. It includes an example of a Job Developer working with a self-advocate to explore job options and practice interview skills. The resource also explains how to access services through Vocational Rehabilitation or a Service Coordinator. 

Job development helps individuals find employment opportunities that match their skills and interests. A Job Developer assists with applications, interviews, and employer visits. The fact sheet includes an example of a Job Developer working with a self-advocate to explore job options and build confidence. It also explains how to access services through Vocational Rehabilitation or a Service Coordinator.

The fact sheet describes how a Job Developer identifies job opportunities that align with an individual’s strengths and supports them through the application and interview process. It includes a real-life example of a Job Developer helping a self-advocate prepare for interviews and connect with local employers. The resource also outlines how to access services through Vocational Rehabilitation or a Service Coordinator.

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 supports self-advocates by creating a tailored employment profile based on real-world observations. A facilitator works with the individual and their support team to explore various settings, uncovering skills and preferences. This process helps match the individual with meaningful work aligned with their goals. Families can request this service through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

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.

The Discovery service involves a facilitator working with the individual and their support team to observe skills and preferences in various settings, including home and community environments. The facilitator documents these strengths in a Discovery profile, which is then used to identify job types that best match the individual’s abilities and interests. Families can request this service through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

Discovery involves a facilitator working with the individual and their support team to observe skills and preferences in various settings, including the home and community. These observations are documented in a Discovery profile, which is then used to collaborate with a Job Developer to identify ideal job matches. Families can request this service through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

A facilitator meets with the individual and their team to observe existing skills in various community environments. These strengths are recorded in a Discovery profile, which guides the process of identifying suitable job opportunities. Once the profile is complete, the facilitator works with a Job Developer to brainstorm employment ideas that align with the individual’s goals. This service can be requested through a Service Coordinator or Personal Agent.

Presented by the Oregon Department of Human Services, this webinar explores how Summer Work Experience Programs help young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain valuable work skills, build confidence, and prepare for future employment. The session includes details on how to apply, what types of jobs are available, and how these experiences fit into broader career development planning. It’s a practical resource for families seeking early employment opportunities for youth transitioning out of school.