ALSO Blog – What You Need to Know

The Importance of “Person-Centered” Language

The way we communicate with others, about others, and for others, says a lot about who we are. This is why, at ALSO, we always use person-centered and identity-first language when we speak about and work with the people that we

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An Intimate Conversation with the Heart Workers at ALSO

At ALSO, our mission is this: To promote the full inclusion of people experiencing disabilities in the life of their community. A relatively short sentence… but it packs a lot of punch. First of all, when

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How to Apply for Social Security (SS) Disability Benefits (And Who to Trust to Help You)

Applying for Social Security (SS) disability benefits can feel like taking a test you weren’t sure how to study for. The information online can be confusing, asking you for

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Housing Crisis 2022: Its Outsized Impact on People with Disabilities

U.S. housing prices shot up 18.8% in 2021, the highest calendar year increase in 34 years of data. Residential rents typically follow home prices, and this past year was no exception. This January’s average rents

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From Sheltered Workshops to Individual Empowerment

The History of Disability Employment in Oregon Not so long ago, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) were considered “unemployable.” Most lived with families or in institutions: not working, not earning money for themselves, not out in the community. When they were employed, it was in

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Jackie Armbruster | Supported Living Manager

It’s staff like Jackie Armbruster who put the heart in Heart Work. When she joined the team in 2018 as a Direct Support Pro, she quickly took advantage of opportunities to advance into a path of leadership with Advocates

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