ALSO provides a wide variety\u00a0of individualized supported employment services<\/a> for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I\/DD).\u00a0We are known throughout Oregon for facilitating excellent employment outcomes for the people we support. In addition, ALSO employment programs create collaborative partnerships with\u00a0employers that benefit local communities. It’s a win-win for everyone!<\/p>\n The Rehabilitations Services Administration<\/a>\u00a0[1] defines supported employment\u00a0services as those that achieve\u00a0competitive integrated employment. This means that employment opportunities pay a reasonable living wage, and the work environment is well integrated into the community.<\/p>\n ALSO’s customized support services\u00a0help those we support to make meaningful contributions to their community. At the same time, they fulfill employers’ needs for enthusiastic, capable, and dedicated employees. All support services and individual placements are customized to:<\/p>\n LEARN MORE: ALSO Assists Oregonians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Find Employment<\/a><\/p>\n High-quality supported employment programs empower people with disabilities to live a life of their own choosing in many ways.<\/p>\n The ability to serve customers or help co-workers\u00a0creates\u00a0a boost in confidence and increases our self-worth.<\/a>[2] Simply put\u2014we feel better about ourselves! We get tangible evidence that we’re\u00a0valued by peers, employers, and customers. This is the same for people living with I\/DD.<\/p>\n Historically, people with I\/DD have lived at or below the poverty level.<\/a>\u00a0[3]\u00a0It wasn’t long ago that they struggled in repetitive, boring, sheltered workshops that paid far below minimum wage. Competitive employment (employment that provides a competitive wage with benefits) has fortunately become more common.<\/p>\n As it states in the ALSO Mission,<\/a>\u00a0we promote the full inclusion of people experiencing disabilities into the life of their communities. The opportunity to do meaningful work and demonstrate talents is an integral part of full community inclusion.<\/a> [4]<\/p>\n When people living with I\/DD are in competitive employment programs, they tend to experience increased social connectedness with other employees both with and without disabilities. They\u00a0also express feelings of being a valued member of society, just like everyone else.<\/a>[5]<\/p>\n The professional experience and job development training obtained from a positive work environment enable further improvement of skills, abilities, and productivity.\u00a0\u00a0With high-quality on-going support services,<\/a>\u00a0individuals may even be able to use these skills in other work settings, at home, or at school.<\/p>\n LEARN MORE: The Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities.<\/a><\/p>\n ALSO’s supported employment services are at the heart of our organization. We’re\u00a0tenacious and creative in providing\u00a0assistance that helps those we support to thrive in integrated settings. We collaborate with other organizations, such as the Oregon Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Health and Human Services.<\/p>\n Throughout the individual supported employment process, we embrace a person-centered approach that respects their rights to input, personal goal setting, and choice. Here are the steps that we follow,\u00a0with adjustments along the way as needed.<\/p>\n If needed, we explore available funding sources and additional community-based services.<\/p>\n Once an employment offer is made, individuals receive ongoing support through targeted job coaching. ALSO service providers\u00a0never leave the new employee alone without making sure they are able to complete job tasks. We use various teaching strategies (e.g.\u00a0breaking\u00a0tasks down into smaller parts) and assistive technologies<\/a> so that, eventually, supported persons can function\u00a0on their own. We’re truly excellent at establishing long-term supports and reasonable accommodation that will help employees succeed.<\/p>\n Most of us define ourselves (at least in part) by our chosen career. The need to have\u00a0a job that is satisfying and\u00a0well-paid\u00a0is the same for people living with I\/DD. Job security may very well be the primary pathway for independence, identity, financial freedom, and full community inclusion.<\/p>\n By working together with the individuals we support, we’ve\u00a0been successful in helping people with disabilities achieve vocational and career goals. Our commitment is reflected in our Mission and Vision<\/a>\u00a0for full inclusion<\/em> of people with all types of disabilities as participating and valued members of their communities.<\/p>\n Would you like to learn more about ALSO Employment\u00a0Services? Contact\u00a0Chaz or Spencer!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Supported Employment Services: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities in the Workplace ALSO provides a wide variety\u00a0of individualized supported employment services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I\/DD).\u00a0We are known throughout Oregon for facilitating excellent employment outcomes for the people we support. In addition, ALSO employment<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4785,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,35,43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-assistive-technology","category-direct-support-professionals","category-supported-employment"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat are Supported Employment Services?<\/h2>\n
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How do Supported Employment Services Empower People with Disabilities?<\/h2>\n
Increasing Self-Worth and Self-Confidence<\/h3>\n
Facilitating Financial Independence<\/h3>\n
Improving Community Inclusion<\/h3>\n
Facilitating Social Connectedness<\/h3>\n
Learning New Skills<\/h3>\n
The Process of Supported Employment<\/h2>\n
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The Role of Job Coaches and Employment Specialists<\/h3>\n
Supported Employment Services from ALSO<\/h2>\n
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Sources:<\/h2>\n
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