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​When typical children become young adults, the transition is hard for many parents to let go. But parents of adults with intellectual disabilities have much more complex worries where there aren't easy fixes.
Their biggest concern is what happens to their child(ren) after they are gone or become too sick to take care of them. Who will take care of them? Who will keep them safe? How will we be able to have a good quality of life and be safe?
There's a misconception that it's expected that adults with intellectual disabilities should live with their parents until their parents can no longer take care of them. Although this is a very personal decision, many reasons why adults live with their parents is there is no other alternative after they graduate.
Many have a desire to explore their independence just like typical young adults...but their limitations make it difficult to do so. When a parent becomes too incapacitated and there is no plan in place, the person with intellectual disabilities is taken from familiar people/surroundings creating an overwhelming stress making it extremely difficult to adjust.
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As we know, every person is different based on a multitude of variables.
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Person Centered Planning has become a new strategy for parents to create a plan where the person with disabilities directs the path. It starts with developing a vision of the adult person with disabilities o their interests, wishes, needs and identifying services to support that vision.
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It's important to assess the support needed for to support the vision. Can they be independent needing minimal or initial supports? Will they need 1:1 care? Can they be in a group setting? They also need to assess safety concerns. Parents need to consider their own health and capabilities in continuing caring for their child. And it's important to consider what the young adults want for their own life. Maybe he/she doesn't want to live at home.
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So with that, let's explore different housing options.
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Staying at home with family is the most common situation that involves minimal transition. Click here to read Home Modifications for Young Adults with Special Needs. Whether it's in the home or a separate attachment like an in-law suite on the property, services are sent there and also into the community. Supports can be put in place.
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When living at home isn't an option...
One drawback of living at home with parents is there can be little motivation to build independence, used to going through the motions of daily life and it is hard on parents to continue as caregivers past retirement age. If parents pass away or experience health issues, transition into a new setting is stressful even with other family members. Or maybe the individual experiences an increase in medical conditions that requires more care than a family member in home healthcare can provide. Many people don't have a large family or family members who are willing to take in someone with an intellectual disability.
Supported Independent Living was designed for people with disabilities who want to live independently but need extra support for daily living. Support can be therapeutic staff coming into the home, technology put in place to make a Smart Home, cleaning crew and other types of accommodations to support physical needs, ensure safety and personal care.
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Community Living/Group Homes are small facilities or individual residences located in different communities and neighborhoods. This can include single homes, townhouses or apartments. Usually there are 2-3 roommates per home. Staff is there 24/7 to monitor and address the person's needs including giving medication. Just because staff is there, families are encouraged to check in with their loved one regularly to make sure they are properly cared for. Funding is available through SSI/SSDI and private pay.
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Cooperative Living (Co-ops) The type of housing is similar to a group home. It could be a home, town home or an apartment building that is owned by a group of families or individuals in the form of a cooperative agreement. This can work well with families who have adults who have developed strong friendships with each other. It's always wise to consult an attorney when considering this type of agreement. Supports and services can also be done in these types of dwellings.
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Family/Shared Living is a program that provides people with Intellectual Disabilities to live with another family. The individuals can choose a family or individual they want to live with.
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In-Home Support/Supervised Living is for people who want to stay in their home but need help with personal care, safety, communication, social skills, etc. If there's an extra bedroom, a person who isn't related who needs housing pays a cheaper rent but supplement with specific tasks the adult with a disability needs support in. Other supportive services can be sent to the home which can keep a check and balance of potential abuse. If you're considering on purchasing a dwelling for your loved one, you'll want to read this article Help Buying a House for an Adult Child with a Disability. Also read Housing Grants for People With Disabilities | 2023
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Long-Term Care Facilities are also known as nursing homes that provide 24 hour care for both long and short term needs. This might be an option for people with disabilities that have complex medical needs.
Subsidized Housing is offered within apartment complexes. The housing is for individuals who have low to moderate incomes. The rent is based on a sliding scale. State and federal programs usually help to subsidize the rent for residents.
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Emergency Housing is for extreme cases of people with special needs that have been removed from their original home or are homeless with no other place to go. It's paid for through Emergency Solutions Grants. The person doesn't have a say as to where they are placed.
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Providers:
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Access Services
Where: 3975 Township Line Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020-4200
Call: 877.896.6667
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Supports that can empower independence
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Moving Advice for Seniors and People with Disabilities-This guide has been designed to help educate seniors, disabled adults, and/or their loved ones and provide the helpful information necessary to plan and execute a safe, well-organized, and stress-free move.
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Smart Home Made Simple is a website that features all the latest technology that can be used in the home to make independent living for many people with disabilities.
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Trade in for old devices. Click here to learn how you can trade in old technology for an Amazon gift card.
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​What is ACT 150? Provides supports and services to elderly people with a disability living in their own homes. Services include —but are not limited to — bathing, toileting, and dressing. All supports are designed to allow individuals to stay in their own homes instead of living in nursing homes; ensure their safety; and help individuals to live as independently as possible within the community setting.
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Advocacy and assistance with renting
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What is the Fair Housing Act? is a federal law that ensures there is no discrimination against people's disabilities, race, etc. when they want to rent housing. For more information, click here. If you feel that your rights have been violated, click here.
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What is PHFA PA Housing Finance Agency?
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable home ownership and rental apartment options for senior adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state.
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SDHP (Self-Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, Inc.) advocates for accessible, affordable, and integrated housing opportunities for individuals.
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Under federal law, disabled tenants and prospective tenants with a disability have the right to apply for and live in a rental unit regardless of their impairment. When a landlord rejects disabled tenants based on the use of a discriminatory housing practice, they have violated the law.
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​The Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves people with disabilities, and their family members, living in Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
Services: You will work one-on-one with a Community Support Coordinator to identify your housing situation, search for available housing, and develop a housing action plan to ensure you remain safe and independent in your own home. They can also advocate for service or support animals.
Where: 713 North 13th Street, Allentown, PA 18102
Call: 610-770-9781
Email: info@lvcil.org
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Vision for Equality believes that all people have the fundamental moral, civil, and constitutional right to live, learn, work, play, and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing.
Check out their webinars regarding Life Course planning and Advocacy, click here.
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Transition to Independence (TIP) offers assistance with housing, employment and community life functioning for people in Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks County.
Where: 3975 Township Line Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020-4200
​Ages: 16 years old
Call: 610-866-6667
Email: LVTIP@accessservices.org
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Do you qualify for a state housing rebate? For more information on eligibility, click on this link.
PA Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is the state agency that protects people's civil rights. PHRC enforces laws that ensure all people are treated equally in the areas of employment, housing, commercial property, public accommodation and education. Potential remedies in housing discrimination cases include: ability to lease/rent a desired property, modify a unit or area around the building, change the terms of the agreement, stop an eviction, and receive money for humiliation/embarrassment.
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Lehigh County Cares Rent Relief Assistance-Residents can seek assistance with rent repayment by contacting the following agencies:
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New Bethany Ministries 610-691-5602
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Catholic Charities Contact Tim Miller at 610-435-1541
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North Penn Legal Services at 610-317-8757 for low to moderate income households who feel that they are being illegally evicted or foreclosed upon. Free advice, referrals and advocacy.
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For residents who are 14 days or less away from losing their residence and have either a Notice to Quit or a Lockout Order/Notice or are currently homeless, call 211 to be connected to the Coordinated Entry Referral System; or visit Lehigh Conference of Churches.
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1031 West Linden Street, Allentown, Monday-Thurs 9-11am and 1-3 pm
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740 East Fourth Street, First Floor, Bethlehem, call for hours at 610-419-8282
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Northampton County Cares Rent Relief Assistance
For Bethlehem Township residents, Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township
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New Bethany Ministries 610-691-5602
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If you live in Easton there are 2 agencies you may contact:
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Easton Area Neighborhood Center 610-253-4253 or email Ross Marcus at rmacus@eastonanc.org
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ProJeCt of Easton 610-258-4361
All other municipalities of Northampton County, contact:
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Third Street Alliance (610) 258-6271
For residents who are 14 days or less away from losing their residence and have either a Notice to Quit or a Lockout Order/Notice:
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Call 211 to be connected to Northampton County Tenant Eviction Assistance program seeking rental assistance.
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Assistance with heating and electric bills:
UGI Customers: Current customers can Contact UGI for information for low income customers and people financially affected by COVID-19. Customers with specific questions can call 1-800-276-2722. You can register online at www.ugi.com.
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PPL has different programs to assist with paying their electric bills. Call1-800342-5775 or apply online www.pplelectric.com.
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Upcoming Local Housing Opportunities
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Love Ran Red Foundation is a Christian-based, nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping adults with Autism by creating housing. It's also dedicated to providing employment through Duke's Delites and essential living assistance to families of adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Where: P.O. Box 242, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049
Call: (610) 965-1208
Email: info@loveranred.org
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When Advocacy isn't enough and you need an attorney
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Kingspry Attorneys & Counselors
Where: 1 West Broad Street. Suite 700 Bethlehem, PA 18018
Call: 610-332-0390
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North Penn Legal Services
Where: 33 North Main Street, Suite 200, Pittston, Pennsylvania 18640
Call: 877-953-4250