Community-Based Residences Make Social and Economic Sense
by Brian Rubin
The availability of community-based housing is enormously important for individuals with disabilities. Living in natural home settings and interacting with the wider community provide opportunities for personal growth, independence, and the building of self-esteem.
For more than 20 years, I have served on the board of directors of Clearbrook, a social service agency that supports more than 30 group homes throughout northern Illinois, each of which serves eight or fewer individuals, most serving fewer than six.
When you begin the process of opening a new home, there are invariably apprehensive neighbors. We invite them to discuss safety, traffic, property values, and other concerns they may have. We show a video that features interviews with others, like themselves, who were initially nervous about potential changes that a group home could bring. They talk about how their preconceptions dissipated as they built friendships with their new neighbors – shared barbecues, holiday parties, daily chats. And they explain how much it means to them that their children are growing up alongside people with disabilities so that stereotypes can be squelched.
In my state of Illinois, there are currently more than 22,000 people waiting for openings in our limited number of community-based homes. That situation is mirrored throughout the nation. In Illinois, a bias towards institutionalization persists, despite its social and economic disadvantages. It costs approximately $55,000 per person annually to provide group home services in contrast to in excess of $165,000 per year in state-run institutions.
Despite the savings that could be realized by focusing on community-based living, the current economic climate is making matters worse. I’ve seen smaller group home provider agencies forced to close due to recent changes in Medicaid reimbursement policies. Further, proposed Medicaid cuts at both the state and federal levels are likely to “shut out” thousands seeking to build self-directed lives in their communities.
Posted: July 11th, 2011 | 5 Comments »
I agree completely! It makes economic sense to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their communities and it changes the societal perception, when people with I/DD become neighbors, store patrons, employees and active community members.
Thanks for a nicely written piece, Brian. I hope Illinois can come closer to the national average of 3 or fewer individuals living together in the community.
Do you know of any if any of these communities are available in Southern California?
Thanks for your query. Here’s a link to a list of SNA members in California, any of whom can advise you concerning the process of identifying and applying for community-based housing.
http://specialneedsalliance.org/locate-an-attorney/?state=CA
Hello, Need help for 29-year-old son caught in county line dispute. We live 3 miles over the county line into York County but just less than the same to nearby Cumberland County where my son works. Dauphin County could also be a possibility for him as he rides the CAT transit bus. What other options are there for him other than the group homes here and would he have help. He receives SSI. Also looking for legal help to plan my estate.
Kathy, Zach’s mom, New Cumberland PA 17070
Phone 717 695 0700
Click on the link below for a list of SNA member attorneys who practice in Pennsylvania. All SNA members have years of experience in special needs law, including a comprehensive understanding of benefits and estate planning. They work closely with community organizations that serve individuals with special needs and their families and understand the sorts of issues you are facing. Many of them have families members with disabilities and so have personal experience navigating support services.
http://specialneedsalliance.org/locate-an-attorney/?state=PA