Originally from Minnesota, ATS founder Danya Ochoa started working in Special Education with elementary aged students in 2007. Her co-worker, Becky, initially introduced her to the field of Adult Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and soon Danya saw the huge need for support in this field. Shortly thereafter, Danya became an Independent Contractor working with adults who experienced intellectual and developmental disabilities both in their homes and communities. Danya had a lifetime of experience with developmental disabilities (I/DD) and understood the importance of learning and living in integrated community settings, so a few years later built Ability Training Services to help get more Oregonians experiencing I/DD get out into their communities to learn, work, and integrate.
Since 2014 ATS has succeeded in helping many individuals with I/DD to maintain and improve their health and wellness, communication skills, independence, safety, and employment skills. ATS understands the effectiveness of semi-structured social learning and so incorporates social learning into all of its programs: Mad Moves Health and Wellness class, Communication Clique, money handling class, Friendship Retreat, Mad Moves Health and Wellness Retreat, Safety Retreat, Explore Minnesota, Explore Oregon, and the Experience series. Positive behavior supports, person-centered thinking, trauma-informed care, and self-determination are guiding lights for ATS when serving individuals during all respite/relief care, one-on-one, small group, and large group appointments.
In 2016 ATS saw the need to support Oregonians who experience I/DD in finding stable and competitive jobs. To that end, ATS began working with Vocational Rehabilitation and Oregon Department of Developmental Disabilities to help individuals find fulfilling, completely integrated work in their communities at competitive wages. ATS is eager to be able to help ones through the Discovery Process into VR and into paid employment. And, for those who need the extra support, ATS is happy to continue assisting individuals at their newly acquired jobs through long-term job coaching.
ATS is a collaborative group of coaches, teachers, and mentors who want to see individuals succeed and reach the greatest independence possible.
- In Oregon, ATS collaborates with other Medicaid Agencies in The Washington County Network to expand its social learning opportunities and create a vibrant community of support. ATS is also an active member of the Oregon Association of Provider Agencies which advocates for the interests and needs of Oregonian’s who experience I/DD.
- In Minnesota, ATS has begun to operate within the Consumer-Directed Community Supports, or CDCS. With this exciting waiver option, you have more choice and responsibility for your services and supports. ATS offers non-traditional, community-living based services that get you out into the world: working, residing, and socializing.
From our Twitter and Instagram to our Facebook page, ATS is all about making connections in the community and developing a network with which to learn and grow. You can follow us on all three social media platforms by clicking on the links at the bottom of our site.