transitions
Making Connections
through Shared Living By Lisa Armstrong
O
ptions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become active participants in the community continue to grow — and choices for where individuals want to live are no exception. Shared Living is becoming an increasingly popular option for people with disabilities who wish to live in a home in the community where they can share life experiences by becoming part of a family.
How do I find a home? Shared Living service providers, like United Disability Services (UDS) in
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Akron, take the time to get to know the person looking for a placement. This careful attention to individual circumstances and personal preferences helps to ensure that the best possible match is made for the most successful outcome for both the individual and the home provider. A series of short visits is then scheduled to determine if the person is compatible with the home and family. Once a successful match has been made, service providers can even help to make moving arrangements for a smooth transition into the new living situation. How can I open my home to someone with a disability? Although there is no special experience necessary, there are a series of steps to take before someone’s home can be considered for Shared Living. The process begins with a completed application, available through a service
provider, and an interview. The next steps include a background check, required of all individuals living in the home who are age 18 and older, as well as a home inspection, proof of home and auto insurance, and a valid driver’s license. Additional training in CPR, first aid and a medication certification course all are provided at no charge. The Shared Living service provider will remain with you every step of the way, providing the reassurance and support needed to ensure a good experience for everyone. Whom do I contact? Anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability who is interested in Shared Living should contact the local county board of developmental disabilities, which will make the referral to a service provider in that area. For more information about opening your home to someone with a disability in Summit or Medina counties, contact UDS at 330762-9755 or go to udsakron.org.
livespecial.com 2017
PHOTO COURTESY OF UDS
For someone with a disability, Shared Living is similar to renting a room, but with far greater benefits. Shared Living arrangements help people to learn new skills, provide a source of reliable transportation to activities in the community and medical appointments, and create an environment in which to become part of a stable, family home life. This is ideal for anyone looking to maintain a sense of independence while still having someone to rely on in the home for assistance, if needed. It also offers an opportunity for a caring individual, couple or family looking to fulfill a desire to help others while enriching their own lives by opening their home and hearts to someone with a disability. The home provider also is able to earn supplemental income as an independent contractor while using resources they already pay for, like housing and transportation.