Intellectual Disabilities

Notes From Today’s Meeting

Autism is a developmental disability.
It affects how we think, feel, and experience.
It makes us who we are and we can be valuable members of society.
Anybody can be autistic.
It is harder for people of color and women to get diagnosed.
Vaccines do not cause us to be autistic.
It can come with intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and other disabilities like Cerebral Palsy.
We prefer to stick to routines and don’t do well with changes.
We often might have sensory sensitivities, might not recognize when they need to go to the bathroom or are hungry, and often use music and exercise to calm ourselves.
Some of us use ipads to communicate.
We often feel and recognize emotions very strongly.
We often have difficulty making and recognizing facial expressions.
Everyone has a different experience when they are Autistic, and that is okay
We are different, not less.
We deserve to have a regular lifestyle, be respect, and have equal chances.

For too long, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been placed in institutions, group homes, or left with few choices about where — and how — they live. But a growing movement is reimagining what “home” can mean, embracing independence, inclusion, and community.

Today, several innovative models offer people with disabilities more autonomy and a greater sense of belonging.

One such option is supportive housing. In this model, individuals live in their own apartments — either alone or with roommates — and receive customized support based on their needs. Support professionals may assist with daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or transportation, while rent is often subsidized through HUD programs. www.hud.gov/hud-partners/multifamily-grants-section811ptl Supportive housing recognizes that people with disabilities can thrive independently when the right scaffolding is in place.

Another meaningful alternative is shared living, sometimes known as host home or life-sharing arrangements. In this model, a person with a disability lives with a carefully screened family or individual who welcomes them into their home. More than just providing support, this approach fosters genuine connection and a sense of family — something that can be difficult to replicate in more institutional settings. It also gives the person with a disability an opportunity to experience daily life within a household, with a natural rhythm and personal care.

Perhaps one of the most forward-thinking ideas gaining momentum is the concept of integrated, multigenerational communities. These communities are being designed where active adults over the age of 55 and independent adults with disabilities live side-by-side in a shared neighborhood. The goal? To create a mutually supportive, vibrant environment where aging adults and people with disabilities can enjoy friendships, mentorships, and mutual aid. One organization pioneering this concept is AbleLight, which envisions neighborhoods where inclusion is not an afterthought, but the foundation.

This type of integrated living model could reduce loneliness and isolation for both groups — offering community connection, increased safety, and the opportunity to build rich, interdependent relationships.

As we continue to look for better solutions, one truth becomes clear: housing is about more than just a roof overhead. It’s about dignity, choice, and community. And for people with intellectual disabilities, these new housing models are helping to make that a reality.

As the parent of an adult son with Down syndrome exploring these options can feel daunting. Even with a special needs trust it’s vitally important to document what kind of housing you want your loved one to live in. But the shift toward inclusion-based housing is growing — and with it, new hope for the kind of future all people deserve.

Creative Living Options

Adults With Disabilities