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What do you need to know about

preparing for supports for independent living?

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Preparing for independent living for individuals with autism requires a thoughtful, step-by-step approach tailored to the person’s strengths, support needs, and goals. Below is a guide addressing all of your questions, from when to start planning, to technology, support systems, financial and legal considerations, and government waivers that can support independent living.

When to Start Preparing

Start planning in early adolescence (ages 12–14)—earlier if possible. This allows time to:

  • Build life and social skills gradually.

  • Explore educational and career pathways.

  • Transition smoothly to adult services (which often kick in at 18 or 21).

TIP:

Use Person-Centered Planning to keep the individual’s voice central in all decisions, no matter their support needs.

 

Technology Supports for Independent Living

Technology can be a major support of independence. Examples include:

1. Daily Living Aids

  • Smart Home Devices: Google Home, Alexa – reminders for meds, routines, or appointments.

  • Pill Dispensers: MedMinder, Hero – remind and dispense medication.

  • Visual Schedulers: Time Timer, Choiceworks app – manage tasks visually.

  • Prompting Apps: iDo, MagnusCards – step-by-step guides for cooking, cleaning, etc.

2. Safety & Monitoring

  • GPS Trackers: AngelSense, Jiobit – real-time location updates.

  • Smart Door Locks & Cameras: For remote monitoring by caregivers if needed.

3. Communication

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps.

  • Text/Call check-in systems or automated SMS check-ins.

 

Check-In Support Systems

Setting up a circle of support is critical. Here are some examples:

  • Weekly visits from a direct support professional (DSP).

  • Daily check-ins via text/phone from a family member or trusted friend.

  • Case manager or support coordinator check-ins monthly (if using waiver services).

  • Remote caregiving tools (e.g., GrandCare Systems).

 

Life-sharing or supported roommate arrangements may also be appropriate depending on the person’s needs.

 

How to Determine if Someone Can Live Independently With Supports

Consider:

  1. Life Skills

    • Hygiene, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, medication management.

  2. Social Skills

    • Communication, asking for help, setting boundaries.

  3. Executive Function

    • Following routines, transitioning between tasks, problem-solving.

  4. Self-awareness and safety

    • Recognizing danger, managing anxiety, using emergency services.

  5. Trial Periods

    • Try overnight stays or short independent living arrangements.

 

Assessments Can Help:

  • Supports Intensity Scale (SIS)

  • Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales

  • Person-Centered Planning tools

 

⚠️ THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR

  • Social vulnerability or exploitation

  • Difficulty with transitions

  • Sensory or emotional regulation

  • Executive functioning gaps (e.g., forgetting appointments, tasks)

  • Financial risk (scams, overspending)

  • Health management lapses

  • Isolation or loneliness

 

OTHER CRITICAL PLANNING AREAS

1. Finances

  • Set up Special Needs Trust (SNT) or ABLE Account to protect benefits.

  • Consider rep payee or trustee to manage income.

  • Budgeting skills training via apps (e.g., YNAB, Mint).

2. Emergency Contacts & Plans

  • Post emergency numbers visibly at home.

  • Pre-program phone with emergency contacts.

  • Register with Smart911 where available.

3. Health

  • Maintain updated health summary.

  • Use patient portals for appointments & prescriptions.

  • Have a trusted provider network (PCP, therapist, etc.).

4. Transportation

  • Travel training (using buses, trains).

  • Paratransit services (via local transit authority).

  • Ride-share gift cards or pre-scheduled Lyft/Uber rides.

  • Use travel safety apps (e.g., Noonlight).

5. Safety

  • Stove shut-off timers.

  • Water temperature regulators.

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with visual/auditory cues.

 

WAIVERS THAT SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING (U.S.)

These vary by state, but common ones include:

1. Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers

  • Support services in non-institutional settings.

  • May include housing support, DSPs, job coaching.

2. Community Living Waivers

  • Cover supported employment, day programs, residential support.

3. Self-Directed Waivers

  • Give the individual/family control over budget and services (e.g., hire your own staff).

 

Check with your state’s Department of Developmental Disabilities or Medicaid office for waiver availability and waitlist procedures.

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NEXT STEPS

  1. Start transition planning early (age 14+).

  2. Connect with local disability services office.

  3. Get on waiver waitlists NOW (some take years).

  4. Try trial independence (short stays, part-time alone).

  5. Document everything: supports, emergency plan, medical info.

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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

Website

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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

Website

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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:

  • New Bethany Ministries 610-691-5602

  • Catholic Charities Contact Tim Miller at 610-435-1541

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • 1031 West Linden Street, Allentown, Monday-Thurs 9-11am and 1-3 pm

    • 740 East Fourth Street, First Floor, Bethlehem, call for hours at 610-419-8282

  • Pennsylvania Department of Human Services - Emergency Shelter Allowance: Offers an Emergency Shelter Allowance, ESA, to help a homeless or near homeless family/individual to: stop eviction from your home/apartment or foreclosure of your house; find a long-term place to live; find a short-term place to stay.

    • Where: 555 Union Boulevard, Allentown, PA, 18109

    • Call:  (610) 821-6509

Northampton County Cares Rent Relief Assistance

For Bethlehem Township residents, Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township

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If you live in Easton there are 2 agencies you may contact:

All other municipalities of Northampton County, contact:

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:

  • 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

Website or Facebook

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If independent living isn't an option...​

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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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

Website

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North Penn Legal Services

Where: 33 North Main Street, Suite 200, Pittston, Pennsylvania 18640

Call: 877-953-4250

Website

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