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Finding Housing Takes Perseverance, Creativity
July 2007
Exceptional Parent
For many people, moving to a place of their own is an important part of becoming independent. Although young adults with disabilities who strive toward this goal may face extra challenges, they can succeed in their search for housing that is affordable, accessible, and available by planning early and networking with others for creative alternatives.
With the help of family, friends, and professionals, people with disabilities often are able to find housing in their communities and live with whom they choose. A process called person-centered planning, which focuses on ways to help an individual succeed in the community, can assist young adults and their families to determine their independent living preferences, strengths, and needs. Learn more about person centered planning.
Housing and community living goals should be considered as part of a student’s transition planning when an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is being developed for transition-age youth. In fact, independent living is one of the transition services listed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) for discussion in IEP planning. It is important that teachers talk to students and families early so that the appropriate skills (cooking, budgeting, and menu planning, for example) can be incorporated into the IEP. Some teachers and staff help students identify where they want to live by accompanying them into the community to explore housing options in various parts of town and its proximity to a bus line, job, or school. Together, they investigate resources and support strategies as well as housing possibilities. By planning early, families can help ensure that their sons and daughters have the necessary skills and resources to live as independently as possible.
People with disabilities have many housing options to consider—including some creative ones. For example, families may come together to form a trust that would own the housing, employ the staff or agency, and access whatever resources are available at the state level. Some school districts enlist the help of other agencies, families, and students to develop community living programs for students during their last few years of school. Another option may be a home share program, which matches homeowners or renters who want to share living space. In addition, many communities have cooperative housing ventures, where people live in their own homes but share common dining and recreational facilities. See a list of links to national housing resources.
Resources for Financing Housing
The federal government is a primary source of financial resources for the development of housing for people with disabilities. State and local housing agencies also distribute funds, information, and technical assistance to low- and moderate-income tenants, which include many people with disabilities. Families may want to explore how the following agencies, programs, and options might help.
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal agency responsible for low-income housing assistance. For example, this agency administers Section 8 Housing, Community Development Block Grant Programs, Section 811, 202 loans, and other programs.
- State housing authorities work with people and communities to increase the supply and quality of affordable housing.
- Community development corporations, available in many areas, help individuals and groups plan, develop, and implement affordable housing strategies.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) resources can be used to pay expenses, including food and rent.
- Medicaid home and community-based waiver services pay for support services so people can live in the community.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service's food stamp program provides low-income recipients with stamps to exchange for food.
- Trusts are legal tools through which parents can put money or property toward the future benefit of their sons or daughters. Trusts can be used in a number of ways but need to be carefully written so that people don't lose state or federal benefits as a result of the arrangement.
Additional programs include the state offices of mental health or developmental disabilities and the Farmers Home Administration, which is an important source of funding grants for housing and services in rural areas.
Resources for Support at Home
Centers for independent living (CIL) have lists of people who work as personal care assistants. You can find the closest CIL in your state. CIL staff also provide independent living skills programming and Americans with Disabilities advice and help to advocate for necessary accommodations.
In-home companion care is an option for individuals with disabilities who are willing to exchange room and possibly board for assistance with non-medical care or home management tasks. University or college students may be looking for housing in exchange for providing support assistance. Companion-care services also may be available through home-care agencies. The most conscientious companies are accredited and put their employees through a rigorous background check.
Nonpaid supports are available from whatever social networks an individual has. Support from a person’s place of worship, for example, might include help with transportation, shopping, or home maintenance.
A wide range of services and supports can help a person with disabilities to live independently. Remember, each individual and family is unique. There is no blueprint for securing housing and support. It will take time, energy, and ingenuity to come up with a plan. With preparation and effort, however, you can help provide your young adult with a future home that suits his or her needs.
PACER Center is a national training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities. PACER is located at 8161 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044. Families can call 952-838-9000 (voice); 952-838-0190 (TTY) or 888-248-0822 (toll free). PACER’s Web sites are www.pacer.org, www.taalliance.org, www.fape.org, www.PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org. Its e-mail address is pacer@pacer.org.
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