Specialized Support Services

Welcome to Specialized Support Services (S3)

S3 offers job training for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Since 1973, we have helped participants get ready for real jobs in the community. Our partners include:

Right now, we train student workers in these areas: custodial services, customer service, dining hall work, dishwashing, waste management, paper recycling, confidential shredding, and job coaching for community jobs.

Our Vision, Mission, and Values

We believe everyone deserves to be a valued part of their community, no matter their ability. At S3, participants build confidence by making their own choices with support along the way. We do this through teamwork, empowerment, and honesty.

Our mission is to give participants fair and equal training, so they are ready for school and work.

Everyone in our program has the right to make their own choices, earn a living, take part in the community, get equal opportunities, and receive respectful support when facing new challenges.

DD/ID Service Eligibility Resources

Want to learn more about eligibility for Developmental Disability (DD) or Intellectual Disability (ID) services? These resources can help:

Lane County DD/ID Services (intake and eligibility info)
Full Access Brokerage (helps people build the life they want)
Resource Connection of Oregon (connects people of all ages with services)
Oregon Department of Human Services – Seniors and Disability Services (support for families)

Who Can Join S3?

To join S3, a person must have a documented developmental disability. A qualified professional, usually a doctor, must confirm this. See Oregon Administrative Rule 411-320-0020 for the full definition. Contact the Lane County Office of Developmental Disabilities for more details.

Finding Jobs

S3 helps participants find real jobs that match their skills and interests. We offer:

A training and employment plan made just for you
Chances to work independently
A spot on a diverse team
On-the-job support and training
A path to a steady job and more independence

Local employers who have hired S3 participants include:

Lowell School District
Albertsons
Walmart
University of Oregon
Hop Valley Brewing Company
Lane Community College
Brothers Cleaning Services
Service Masters
Hobby Lobby
Les Schwab
and more!

Employment

People in our program are called "participants." Trained staff at Lane support them at several job sites, including Waste Management, Paper Recycling, and Custodial Services. S3 also helps participants find and keep jobs in the community, with ongoing support after they are hired.

Waste Management

Participants work with S3 staff in LCC's Waste Management Department, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They learn to collect and sort paper, cans, glass, and cardboard from LCC's campuses and centers. Visit the Recycling Department page to learn more.

Custodial Services

Through partnerships with local businesses, participants get real custodial training and earn a fair wage on the job.

Confidential Document Shredding

At LCC's Recycling Department, participants learn how to safely handle private documents, run shredding equipment, and send materials to off-campus recycling facilities. S3 also offers shredding services at a good rate for local businesses.