Families
Information about employment
Supported employment
The Individual Placement and Support model of supported employment (IPS) for individuals with serious
mental illness has been designated an evidence based practice by the Center for Mental Health Services and
the State of Oregon.
Job corps
Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a
high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age
that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in
life.
Employment department
A place to begin searching for jobs in Oregon.
Project OPEN:Oregon Peer Employment Network
This site is dedicated to all things related to employment, especially for those who experience
mental health challenges. In the Resources, Related Articles & Links, and Tools for Peer Employment
Specialists pages, you should find enough resources and information that will help you with your own
employment goals or help you as you support other peers with their employment goals. Although some of the
resources found in this site are based in Oregon, there are many that are national resources. And the tools
and information found here are generally universal, making this site a great source regardless of the state
you reside.
Career development topics
Explore these topics for a more detailed
look at the career development process and steps that are important for your child as he or she pursues work
life. You will find practical ideas about ways you can continue to support your child’s future. And you will
be able to get suggestions for activities and other resources to help you and your child.
Interactive tool for job seekers
My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about their career
options, including growing jobs.
US Military
What is the military? In simple terms, the U.S. Armed Forces are made up of the five armed service
branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. There are three general categories of
military people: active duty (full-time soldiers and sailors), reserve & guard forces (usually work a
civilian job, but can be called to full-time military duty), and veterans and retirees (past members of
the military).
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Information for OVRS clients and advocates, can also search for a local office and a contact.
Work source
This website includes links to workforce, economic development and training information - culled from
a vast array of agencies and entities - all conveniently located and easy to navigate. You will also find
information on the Governor's Workforce Initiatives.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Answers to questions about workplace accommodations or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
related legislation.
Services & programs for people in Oregon with developmental disabilities
Employment Support is a service that assists an individual to get, learn and keep a paid job/career
in an integrated work setting where most of your co-workers are persons without disabilities. Paid work may
be full time or part time. Each worker with a disability may have his or her own individual job or work
within a small group called a crew or enclave.
United cerebral palsy (UCP) of Oregon and southwest Washington
The employment department at UCP is called Employment Solutions. We assist qualified job seekers who
experience a disability to connect with employers who value what they bring to the workplace
Community, Oregon or National resources
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have
limited income and resources.
OVRS (directory of vocational Rehabilitations services local offices)
Service directory for local OCRS Oregon offices
DD (Community Developmental Disabilities Programs)
Directory of community developmental disabilities programs in Oregon
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Food Stamps
The intent of the Program is to help improve the health and well being of low-income households and
individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs. Contrary to popular belief, SNAP
benefits are not meant to meet all of the food needs of a household or an individual, but to supplement
their nutritional needs. People do not need to be destitute to qualify for SNAP benefits.
Swindell's Resource Center
Swindell's Resource Center of Providence Child Center supports parents and caregivers of children who
have special needs, developmental delays or disabilities. We provide resources, information and education
to communities throughout Oregon and southwest Washington.
Oregon ARC
The Arc Oregon has been advocating for Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities
since 1954. We strive to create an inclusive, independent, high-quality lifestyle for individuals and
families.
Partnerships in Community Living (PCL)
The Residential Team brings the PCL mission to life through the implementation of Individual Support
Plans (ISP) and Person-Centered Plans for each person supported by PCL. Each team focuses on supporting
each person in their home to become as self-reliant and interdependent as possible. We balance individual
goals and dreams with the need to monitor and maintain each person's health and safety.
Oregon Health Plan or Medicaid
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provides health care coverage to low-income Oregonians through programs
administered by the Division of Medical Assistance Programs (DMAP). Currently, more than 600,000 people
each month receive health care coverage through the Oregon Health Plan.
Family to Family Health Information
The Oregon Family to Family Health Information Center provides information to families who are navigating
the complex world of special health care needs. We are family members ourselves, who have first hand
experience raising a child or youth with a chronic health condition, developmental delay or disability, or
emotional/behavioral challenges.
Let's connect
a training series for parents and professionals offered by the United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon and SW
Washington
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) coordinates national resources,
offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for
youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.
National Council on Independent Living
NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities. NCIL envisions a world
in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Adolescents face a range of developmental issues, and as teens approach adulthood, living
independently becomes a significant goal. While youth with intact families may struggle to achieve
self-reliance, youth in out-of-home care face formidable obstacles. The following resources provide
information on helping adolescents transition to adulthood and live independently.
Interim Healthcare
Interim HealthCare®, founded in 1966, is the nation's leading home care, hospice and
medical staffing company. Interim’s more than 300 independently owned and operated franchise locations
provide a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare
staffing services
Assistive Technology & Curriculum Solutions
AbleNet is an international company and industry leader in providing educational and technical
solutions to help children and adults with disabilities lead productive and fulfilled lives. This includes a
complete line of communication aids for nonverbal individuals; access aids for all ages and situations; and
special education classroom curriculum that both enhance and help ensure learning progress.
Morrison - Child & Family Services
Morrison Child and Family Services is a non-profit organization that delivers specialized services to
children, from birth through age 18, and families coping with adversity and trauma. We respect the
complexity of human nature and human needs–we guide children and their families through difficult issues
by tailoring treatment plans to address individuals' needs and help them live productive lives.
Child Development & Rehabilitation Center
The Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) combines clinical excellence with innovative
research to provide the best care for children with special health needs. Our clinics use a
family-centered, team approach to care for each of our patients and families.
Mental Health Programs in Oregon
OHA and its partners are improving mental health services to children by involving parents and youth in
decisions, delivering more children's mental health services in the community, improving inter-agency
cooperation and acknowledging the child's language and cultural heritage.
Oregon Department of Education: information on Special Education
The Special Education Data, Fiscal, Legal, & Information Units of the Office of Student
Learning and Partnerships are responsible for providing general supervision statewide of the
Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004). IDEA 2004 federal mandates include provision
of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE),
appropriate evaluation, Individualized Education Program (IEP) accountability, parent and student
participation in decision-making, procedural safeguards, monitoring, technical assistance and
enforcement.
Source for assistive technology information
AbleData provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation
equipment, and a directory of products
Oregon Housing and community services
affordable housing resources
Parents Helping Parents
PACER Center is a
parent training and information center for families of children
and youth with all disabilities from birth through 21 years old. Located in Minneapolis, it serves families
across the nation, as well as those in Minnesota. Parents can find publications, workshops, and other
resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for
their children with disabilities. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources designed to
benefit all students, including those with disabilities.
Data Quality Campaign
10 foundational principles for using and safeguarding student information
Information about IEP
IEP
As parents, teachers, and students, you talk about Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, all the
time. Why, then, do they still cause so much confusion, or overwhelm—as our community indicated in a
recent survey. IEP Headquarters intends to change that
Understanding the transition IEP process
Once your child is 16
years old, a transition IEP must be held by the IEP team to discuss future services. This is done through an
Individual Transition Plan or ITP.
Keeping Special Education Records
Resolving Special Education Issues: Keeping special Education records
Oregon Standard IEP
The Oregon Standard IEP, which includes a Part A: Guidelines for Completion, and a Part B: Oregon
Standard IEP form has been revised to comply with IDEA 2004 and the federal regulations. Revisions also
include additional enhancements to the both the IEP guidelines and form. ODE now provides a standard IEP for
students age 15 or younger when the IEP is in effect; and a standard IEP for students age 16 and older when
the IEP is in effect (for students of transition age).
Post-Secondary Education Information
Education Evaluation Center Servicess
The EEC utilizes a client-centered approach to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the disabilities
that children and adults may have, as well as their individual strengths and weaknesses. The EEC uses a
multidisciplinary team approach to evaluate the impact of a disability on an individual's daily life in
school, at work, in the community and in the family.
College Resources for Disabled Students
Prospective college students with disabilities will find that many campuses are equipped with offices and
services that address accessibility, accommodation, and assistive technology for a diverse range of needs.
Student services offices and disability coordinators at many colleges work to make campuses inclusive
environments through specialized advocacy, support, and academic services.
Financial Aid guide for Students with Disabilities
A financial aid and scholarship guide for students with disabilities, one of the few comprehensive
and simple-to-use directories of its kind. It lists numerous scholarship options for students with
disabilities that range from national financial aid opportunities to local opportunities within the United
States and Canada. Each scholarship profile indicates whether online programs at accredited colleges or
universities are eligible for the award.
Financial Aid, Scholarships and loans
Read about the types of financial aid available from the government and other sources: grants,
scholarships, loans, and work-study.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Disable Students
There are many financing options and benefits available to disabled students. This is our guide to
the opportunities out there.
Information for those planning to go to college
Welcome to Planning for College where you will learn the ins and outs of what you need to do to plan
for college!
Students with disabilities preparing for college
Students with disabilities preparing for post secondary education: know your rights and
responsibilities
College Options for people with intellectual disabilities
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive
higher education options for people with
intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student centered
research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public
policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families
Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
AHEAD is the premiere professional association committed to full participation of persons with
disabilities in post secondary education.
Oregon Community Colleges
Directory of Oregon community colleges information
Life on a College Campus
Once
the college planning process is over and you have been accepted to a school, you will need to know what to
expect with life on campus. Will you make new friends? Will finals stress you out? From dorm room decorating
to campus safety, this section will help you understand what campus life is really like.
for Parents: when my child goes to college
Planning for college can be just as intimidating for parents of college-bound students as it can be
for the students themselves. eCampusTours has created this section specifically with you in mind. We've
included several topics geared specifically toward parents aiding their children in the college planning
process.
The first year at college, the transition year
The Transition Year is an online resource center to help parents and students focus on emotional
health before, during and after the college transition.
Planning for college
With a variety of colleges available, you need to understand your options and choose the right
college for you. A little college planning can put you on the road to success. You might need information
about choosing a college or what questions to ask on your campus tour. You will also need to know how to
prepare for college admission, understand application deadlines, find out about paying for college and
financial aid, or maybe consider the available extracurricular activities at your schools of choice.
Oregon vocational and technical schools
A list of vocational schools in Oregon, by city, by subject , and by school
Tips on selecting a private career school
Helpful tips on how to select a private career school
Job Corps
Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a
high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age
that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in
life.
GED
GED Oregon has GED exam resources and links
Help your student transition to adult life
Youth Hood
Here you can start thinking about what you want to do with the rest of your life. This website was
built to help you plan for the future.
Career development topics
Explore these topics for a more detailed
look at the career development process and steps that are important for your child as he or she pursues work
life. You will find practical ideas about ways you can continue to support your child’s future. And you will
be able to get suggestions for activities and other resources to help you and your child.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) coordinates national resources,
offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for
youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.
Transition to Adulthood
Life is full of transitions, and one of the more remarkable ones occurs when we get ready to leave
high school and go out in the world as young adults. When the student has a disability, it’s especially
helpful to plan ahead for that transition. In fact, IDEA requires it.
School to adult life transition
A multi-disciplinary team approach is used when planning for a student's transition, which can begin
as early as age 12. The plans should become part of the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and
include adult outcomes
Transition Year
The Jed Foundation knows about the complex
transition from high school to college. Our experience shows parents can benefit from having the right
information and resources to help them anticipate, plan for, and protect the emotional health of their
college-age children.
Fully Inclusive Theater Company Production for Youth
Emerging Leaders Players (ELP) is the first fully inclusive West Coast-based theater group for youth
and adolescents (ages 13-30) with and without disabilities that live in and nearby Portland, Oregon. ELP is
a part of a larger group of transition services offered through the University Center for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) located within the Institute on Development & Disability (IDD) at
Oregon Health and Science University.
Transition to Adult Life for Students in Special Education
This has a list of articles that cover many topics about student in special education
Transition to Adulthood and Independent Living
Adolescents face a range of developmental issues, and as teens approach adulthood, living
independently becomes a significant goal. While youth with intact families may struggle to achieve
self-reliance, youth in out-of-home care face formidable obstacles. The following resources provide
information on helping adolescents transition to adulthood and live independently.
Oregon Housing and Community Services
Affordable housing resources
Rental and Housing Search
Connecting people with affordable housing
in the Portland/Vancouver metro area
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Affordable housing resources
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
The Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) is a nonprofit civil rights organization driven to
eliminate illegal housing discrimination through enforcement and education across Oregon. We promote equal
access to housing by providing education, outreach, technical assistance, and enforcement opportunities
specifically related to federal, state, and local fair housing laws. These laws protect against illegal
housing discrimination based on “protected class status” in any housing transaction and, in fact, any
housing situation.
Family and Community Together (FACT)
Empowering Oregon families experiencing disability
Transition Resources - Oregon Department of Education
Various links to resources related to transition
National Center for Learning Disabilities
In partnership with the 92nd Street Y in New York City, NCLD created a menu of easy-to-use materials
that are intended to help teenagers and their families get a head start on the post-high school transition
process
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Resources for Youth on VR and Exploring Careers - booklet of information
Getting the Most our of Vocational Rehabilitation
Resources for Youth on VR and Exploring Careers - booklet of information
While your student is still in High School
Checklist for parents of high school students
High school goes by quickly for most students – and their parents. And after high school, what then?
Regardless of whether your teen plans to go to college, work, apprentice, join the military, travel,
or some combination, high school is an important time to prepare. Your student needs your help because
his or her responsibilities are mounting. Here are some things you will want to stay on top of. The
first is a list of general items for all four years, followed by specific lists for each year.
Transition Planning for Students with IEPs
The transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical stage for all teenagers; for
students with disabilities , this stage requires extra planning and goal setting. Factors to consider
include post-secondary education, the development of career and vocational skills, as well as the ability to
live independently. The first step in planning for a successful transition is developing the student's
transition plan.
A transition plan is required for students enrolled in special education who have an Individualized
Education Program (IEP).
In this article, we will define and describe transition planning and how it can be utilized to maximize your
teenager's future success.
Oregon High School Exit options
a list of high school diplomas and alternatives
Oregon Diploma credit requirements
These refer to state-wide requirements and serve as a minimum for graduation. Local districts may have
additional graduation requirements. For the most complete list of requirements for graduation, please
contact your local high school.
Advanced Placement (AP) classes and tests
The College Board's Advanced Placement courses are college-level classes in a wide variety of
subjects that you can take while still in high school. They offer you challenging course work and a taste of
what college classes are like.
Understanding the Transition IEP Process
Once your child is 16
years old, a transition IEP must be held by the IEP team to discuss future services. This is done through an
Individual Transition Plan or ITP.
Planning to live independently
This resource page is designed to help you and yours take apart the concept of independent living,
examine its many elements, and put the concept back together again with concrete plans and insight into what
it takes to turn the concept into reality.
Teen's Health
Answers questions that teens have about health issues, body changes, mental health and other
questions
Fully Inclusive Theater Company Production for Youth
Emerging Leaders Players (ELP) is the first fully inclusive West Coast-based theater group for youth
and adolescents (ages 13-30) with and without disabilities that live in and nearby Portland, Oregon. ELP is
a part of a larger group of transition services offered through the University Center for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) located within the Institute on Development & Disability (IDD) at
Oregon Health and Science University.
Getting a driver's license
This page provides information on obtaining an Oregon Driver License (provisional) if you are under
the age of 18. Other requirements apply if you are 18 years of age or older.
ODE: information on Special education
The Special Education Data, Fiscal, Legal, & Information Units of the Office of Student Learning
and Partnerships are responsible for providing general supervision statewide of the Individuals with
Disabilities Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004). IDEA 2004 federal mandates include provision of a free and appropriate
public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), appropriate evaluation, Individualized
Education Program (IEP) accountability, parent and student participation in decision-making, procedural
safeguards, monitoring, technical assistance and enforcement.