Resource Library

Access Alaska encourages and promotes the total integration of people who experience a disability and senior Alaskans to live independently in the community of their choice.

Founded in 1997, ALSO provides comprehensive disability support services across the Portland Metro area, Central, Southern, and Eastern Oregon. Their programs include supported living, residential care, employment services, and children’s services—all designed to promote full inclusion and independence. ALSO’s approach centers on building strong relationships and fostering opportunities for self-advocates to thrive in every aspect of life. Their work is guided by the belief that everyone deserves the same opportunities to connect, belong, and grow.

The site features interactive tools like career assessments, resume builders, and job search platforms, along with guidance on apprenticeships, internships, and vocational training. Specialized resources such as GetMyFuture help youth explore career paths, set goals, and connect with support services. Families can use CareerOneStop to help their children identify strengths, plan for postsecondary education or employment, and build the skills needed for independent living. The platform also connects users to local American Job Centers for personalized assistance and support 

Families can use this toolkit to learn how schools, vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, and community partners work together to support employment goals. It outlines best practices for transition planning, highlights the importance of early work experiences, and explains how to build a coordinated support network. The CIE Toolkit empowers families to advocate for inclusive employment opportunities and helps them become informed partners in their child’s journey toward independence and career success.

The DISID website is a single point of entry for individuals to access resources from The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Division of Support Services (DSS), Guam State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), State Independent Living Council (SILC), it also lists upcoming events and helpful links for individuals living in Guam. 

Easterseals services for youth and young adults provides individualized, community-based programming and in-school supports to foster independent living as they transition with disabilities into the workforce or into post-secondary education. 

Families can use Explore Work to guide their child through key transition topics such as identifying talents, gaining early work experience, and learning how to advocate for support in school and the workplace. The site includes tools for teachers and trainers, making it a valuable resource for collaborative planning. With accessible content and practical activities, Explore Work helps youth and their families take meaningful steps toward a successful adult life.

Impact Oregon helps self-advocates and their families explore employment opportunities in a field dedicated to inclusion and support. The site offers tools to search for jobs by location, role, and organization, and includes resources to learn more about career paths in disability services. Whether you're looking to begin a career, change jobs, or find a role that aligns with your values, Impact Oregon provides a clear and accessible way to take the next step toward employment in a supportive and impactful field.

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.

Lanakila Pacific offers personalized support for individuals with cognitive, physical, social, or age-related challenges. Their programs include Teaching & Learning Centers, job readiness training, Meals on Wheels, and digital literacy classes. Participants can also gain hands-on experience through Lanakila’s social enterprises, such as custom printing, catering, and grounds services. This resource is ideal for self-advocates seeking opportunities to grow their skills, find employment, and build a more independent future in an inclusive environment.

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.