Independent Living CATS

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It is important for anyone to have his own comfortable living environment.




So is it for people with disabilities. When they are younger, it isn't recognized as an important issue because they live with parents and family members. But when people with disabilities get older, it is hard for them to expect the same quality of care from the siblings and old parents. Where to live becomes a big issue. Adjustment to a new environment is difficult for everybody. Especially, people with disabilities have a harder time getting adjusted to a new environment. So, it is recommended for parents to prepare and plan for a living place for their child to stay after they become adults.

Housing Urban Development (HUD) has several programs such as a Boucher program and disabilities buyer program, which allow people with disabilities to live in their own homes.

Some other living options for people with disabilities are provided by local vendor service programs. A person with disabilities can choose one of the living options according to his/her ability and preference. Two different types of living options are the supportive living option and the group-home option. If a person has significant disabilities, there are intermediate care facilities or 24-hour developmental centers operated by the state government.

• Independent living options
    o Supported Living: Apartment living or roommate program
    o Affordable Housing: DDS purchases the residential houses and leases them to people with disabilities
    o Family Home Agency: A person with disabilities and his/her family members or two families live together in the same house and share responsibilities collaboratively
    o Foster Family Agency: In collaboration with the Department of Public Social Service, they provide a foster family for a person with disabilities
    o Independent Living: A person with disabilities lives independently
    o Intermediate Care Facilities and Community Care Facilities: Another program operated by the DDS for people with significant disabilities

The Group Home is the most common living option for people with disabilities. Group Homes serve the consumers of Regional Centers. Talk with your child’s Regional Center counselor to consider living arrangements by visiting several potential group homes for your child before making a decision.