Skilled Intellectual and Developmental Disability Support Services in Portland, OR

At Essential Services, we provide intellectual and developmental disability support services here in Portland, Oregon, designed to help you or your loved ones achieve greater independence and comfort in everyday life. We’re right there alongside you, offering practical assistance and genuine care—whether it’s navigating MAX lines during rush hour or enjoying the Saturday Market—we ensure everyone feels supported and empowered.

Intellectual and Developmental Disability Support Services in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon

Explore Our Intellectual and Developmental Disability Support Services in Portland, Oregon

Our DSPs help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by giving personalized care and rides when needed, as long as mileage reimbursement is approved in their support plan.

Attendant Care

Our fun daily activities help adults make friends, feel connected and supported by their community, learn important social skills, and take part in everyday life in a welcoming and friendly place.

Day Support Activities

People with disabilities practice everyday activities like cooking, shopping, and cleaning with support from Direct Support Professionals. Doing these skills regularly helps them feel independent and confident in their lives.

Daily Living Skills

Home caregivers provide helpful breaks for family caregivers by offering kind and caring support right at home, including urgent care, daytime breaks, or staying overnight, helping families rest and recharge.

Relief Care

Direct Support Professionals help people with disabilities do everyday tasks. They also drive clients places if transportation is approved in the person's service plan, keeping them safe and comfortable.

Transportation Support

Why We Are The Right Choice in Portland, Oregon

Our DSPs are special workers who really get to know each person they help. They take time to learn what each person needs every day, whether it’s help with daily tasks, learning new things, or being someone they can count on. They truly care.

Personalized Support – Tailored care, utilizing Individual Support Plan (ISP) documents and client preferences.
Experienced Team – Compassionate professionals dedicated to quality care.
Community Integration – Encouraging independence and meaningful connections.

Who We Are

Testimonials From People We Support

Real stories from folks we support in Portland, Oregon and across Multnomah County.

stacy Hinton 4 weeks ago

Essential Services is a fantastic company. With so many great events for our clients and community to attend.

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Felicia Ramer 1 month ago

Such a wonderful company with such caring staff. 10/10. By the best team I have ever worked for!

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Kayla Brown 1 month ago

Essential Services is an amazing company. They truly care about their clients and staff. Highly recommend!!

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Shawna Vaughn 7 months ago

Our clients do such fun things, here pictured is bunco with prizes and snacks! Then a Hawaiian Luau with dinner and dessert provided! Great company to work for 5 stars!

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Carolyn Clark 7 months ago

They are amazing, provide awesome activities for their clients, they are very supportive of clients and staff

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Luis Straub 7 months ago

Great company to work for and even better with the clients. Also love seeing all the clients at different events

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Robb & Della Gulick 7 months ago

My son was one of their first clients. I was one of their first DSP’s the best company to work for and the best company for their clients.

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Marvin Black Jr. 1 year ago

Doing an awesome job with our kiddo. He likes the bowling trip

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Lisa Vincenty 2 year ago

My son & his domestic partner are clients of Essential Services, and they are hands down the best service company they have been associated with. Essential has made my life as legal guardian, so much easier. They help the “kids” with daily activities & social outings, that keep them busy & connected with the community. I can’t recommend them enough, for special needs adults that need assistance navigating life’s challenges & having a sense of belonging. All of their employees are caring & amazing individuals.

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Schedule a Free Consultation

Speak with service coordinator overseeing client and DSP matching in Portland, Oregon to discuss your needs and preferences before being matched with a qualified caregiver.

Contact Us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age-range that Essential Services serves?
Essential Services can provide DSP services for any individual who has an active K-Plan with the State of Oregon, regardless of age.
What services does Essential Services provide?
Essential Services offers a range of community support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This includes Attendant Care to help with daily tasks, Day Support Activities (DSA) for community engagement, Respite Care for 24 hour overnight support, and Daily Living Skills.
Which areas of Oregon does Essential Services cover?
Essential Services is certified to provide services throughout the entire state of Oregon.

View all service areas
Can a family member be hired as a care provider through Essential Services?
Yes, it is possible for a family member to become an official care provider with Essential Services.

Check out our career opportunities here!
How does Essential Services coordinate with brokerage and IDD offices?
At Essential Services, we don’t pass client information directly from case managers to DSPs. Instead, our dedicated Service Coordinator Team bridges the gap between DD Services/Brokerage offices and our DSPs. Service Coordinators work closely with case managers, clients, and DSPs to create strong caregiver matches tailored to each individual’s needs.

Once a client begins receiving support, our administrative team continues to provide regular progress notes and updates to the case manager, helping ensure the client is meeting their goals and receiving meaningful day-to-day support.