Case study · Developmental Disabilities · Oregon
Expanding access to employment services
with Oregon Department of Human Services
The objective
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), through the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), supports Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through services that promote independence, employment, and community participation. ODDS engaged Applichat's research, marketing, and community-engagement services to expand awareness of and access to Employment Services among Hispanic communities.
The project set out to identify barriers, analyze participation gaps, strengthen community and provider engagement, and develop culturally responsive resources and marketing strategies to improve awareness, trust, and access.
What we delivered
Applichat developed a Barriers and Capacities Report informed by engagement with 68 employment providers, 23 Hispanic-serving organizations, and two surveys that collected 92 responses. Secondary research revealed a clear participation gap: Hispanic individuals were 14% of Oregon's population and 8% of the I/DD population eligible for ODDS case management, but only 4% accessed Employment Services.
Building on those findings, Applichat developed a Marketing Strategy Report that translated the research into a practical roadmap for outreach, messaging, and resource development. We then created culturally responsive materials — an English/Spanish employment guide with an infographic, FAQ, and glossary; three success stories; Spanish-language video transcreations; client outreach materials; and an Employment Provider Guide and poster. A Final Report summarized outcomes and recommendations to strengthen bilingual outreach, community partnerships, and access to Employment Services.
Discuss a project like this