Ability Training Services OR

08/02/2026

We got to celebrate our amazing providers today, celebrate a win, and share the word that “ATS raises the bar for Disability Supports!”

09/01/2026

29/12/2025

Some important thoughts to consider!

Planned communities for people with intellectual disabilities are often sold as progress. They come with glossy brochures and careful language: safety, belonging, independence, “community.”

And I understand the appeal. Families are tired of waiting lists, crisis placements, and broken supports. When the system fails this badly, anything stable can feel like hope.

And yes, there may be people who want to live in a setting like this. Some may prefer being near others or having supports close by. The problem isn’t that this option exists. The problem is what happens when it becomes the option. How many people truly choose this, and how many accept it because other real choices were never built, funded, or offered?

Choice isn’t real when it’s “take this or have nothing.” It isn’t real when individualized supports in ordinary neighbourhoods are unavailable. And it isn’t real when safety is used to justify segregation.

We also need to talk about power. Parents are often the driving force behind planned communities, acting out of deep love, fear, and exhaustion. Their advocacy can move governments and unlock funding in ways their sons and daughters cannot. But this places people with intellectual disabilities in a difficult position: living in environments chosen for them, not always by them. When parental voices dominate planning, self-direction can quietly disappear, even when everyone believes they are doing the right thing.

Planned communities also send a message to the rest of society: “Don’t worry. We’ve taken care of them.” It relieves the neighbourhood, the employer, and the community from having to learn how to include. It allows exclusion to remain intact, and simply builds an alternate world for the people who are excluded.

But inclusion is not a disability service. Inclusion is a community responsibility.

We don’t need “a community for them.” We need a world that makes room. That means ordinary homes, individualized supports, flexible funding, and support teams that follow the person rather than buildings that require the person to fit the program.

We already have communities.

What we lack is the will to share them.
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ID: Image shows plans for a planned community for people with intellectual disabilities in a very isolated location. Text reads: People with intellectual disabilities...? "Don't worry. We've taken care of them."

28/11/2025

Part 2 of celebrating our ATS athletes at this past weekend!

06/11/2025

We love being creative and exploring our wonderful surroundings as the beautiful fall colors come into view!

23/10/2025

Important information about SNAP benefits!

OSAC wants to make sure that self advocates in the I/DD community across the state are staying up to date on changes to SNAP benefits. Please share this post to get the word out in our community!

Right now, October SNAP benefits have not been impacted. People received their October benefits as usual, and anyone newly approved during October will also get their full benefits. ODHS received a memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that November benefits will be disrupted if a federal shutdown continues.

Here is what you can do to make sure you have access to food if your benefits are affected and how to stay informed:

1. Talk to your supporters to make a plan for you to access food if your benefits are affected. You can call your case managers and talk to them and ask them about local resources in your community.

2. Find out where your nearest food bank is by using the website: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/default.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

3. Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting www.211info.org.

4. Older adults and people with disabilities: Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org

5. Sign-up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case. Here is a video to learn how to do that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j85LjipK4PY&t=5s

6. Stay up to date with federal changes by visiting this ODHS webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/pages/federal-updates.aspx

23/10/2025

Calling all self advocates who use TriMet services to get around the Portland and Beaverton Metro area to share your feedback on the potential bus and MAX service cuts on October 28 from 5-7pm. Scan the QR code below to attend.

You can also share your feedback using this survey link: https://trimet.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8J1yEdTdeSoaIL4

23/10/2025

03/10/2025

Working out and getting healthy is always fun at Hidden Creek Community Center in Hillsboro!!!

04/09/2025

At 7, Giants third baseman Matt Chapman was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. He, his dad and Bob Melvin talked to the Chronicle about how he deals with the disorder.