Persons with disabilities are facing a housing and support crisis. The Home Place is working to change that by creating an inclusive residential community where people of all abilities live side by side, build friendships, and thrive.
The Reality & Crisis
- 1 in 54 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (CDC).
- 7 in 10 adults with disabilities live with their parents or guardians (Easter Seals Living with Disabilities Study).
- Every year 707,000 to 1,116,000 teens age out of school-based autism services and enter adulthood (CDC).
- $461 Billion is the estimated cost of caring for Americans with autism as of 2025 (CDC).
- The U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates 500,000 youth with autism will enter adulthood by 2025 with current service systems not being adequate to meet their needs. 87% live in their family home and 35% require 24-hour support (GAO).
The ‘Institutional Mindset’ | Isolation and Lack of Integration
- The Institutional Mindset feeds into a mindset of ableism, which classifies an entire group as ‘less than’ & includes harmful stereotypes, misconceptions, and generalizations of persons with disabilities
- Persons with disabilities often remain ‘childlike’ because they are not given the opportunity to be independent and reach their optimal potential
- Currently there is:
- Inadequate funding
- Long wait lists at group homes
- Lack of necessary care
- Minimal housing options that are integrated and inclusive
- Insufficient education for the general public
- When persons with disabilities are placed into services that are geographically and socially separate, they become isolated from their communities and peer groups, resulting in long-term detrimental effects on their life
The Concept & Vision
We are committed to providing our adult sons and daughters with disabilities, a home where they build lifelong relationships and are active in the community.
It is time to create duplicable models that reduce cost, improve staff care/consistency/expertise, and create dignified living and working arrangements that enhance the quality of life for every individual.
The ‘Optimal Potential Mindset’ | Social & Community Participation
- Persons with disabilities are valued members of the community with some additional needs. Our living and housing models must evolve toward mindsets of great inclusion, integration, and maximizing potential. It is a win for everyone!
- We envision:
- An affordable, integration, sustainable residential community that will thrive for years to come
- A blend of persons with disabilities, working families, active seniors, and individuals of every age
- A place where persons with disabilities are able to live and interact with persons without disabilities, while receiving the health care and long-term supports they may need
- An environment that had a family feel where friendships are formed and every person feels welcome, safe and has a sense of belonging
- A place you truly want to come home to
“To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.” – Simone Weil