Housing that's home for people with (or without) intellectual and developmental disabilities

The residents who have been diagnosed with intellectual disabilities typically receive Supplemental Security Income benefits (with a maximum of $967 a month in 2025), Medicaid Waiver

funding, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and, for many, some employment income. Since rental assistance program (RAP) certificates require that each resident spend

no more than 30 percent of their adjusted gross income on rent and utilities, the RAP pays the difference between that number and the listed rent, enabling residents to use their remaining

income for food and personal expenses. The families of qualifying residents are not required to contribute financially, although many do. The apartment complexes are typically located in

places that are either walkable to nearby amenities or close to public transit; if they are not, transportation services are provided to the residents with I/DD. Supports delivered by

service providers approved by Connecticut’s Department of Developmental Services are based on each tenant’s level of need for tasks that can include cleaning, cooking, laundry, bill-paying,

shopping and transportation to appointments and work. Among the many reassurances to parents is that the residents with I/DD can reside in their apartments and receive needed supports

throughout their lives. COMPARING ISH AND TRADITIONAL GROUP HOMES Integrated supportive housing developments typically have a 75/25 split between units that are available for people without

and with disabilities. Lauren and Scott on their wedding day. Future apartment mates Megan and Kristin. Erin dining in her apartment. Family-provided courtesy photos A HOME OF ONE’S OWN

Three families share their experiences with integrated supportive housing. READ “The residents with I/DD get true integration into a larger community,” says Regan, who adds that because

traditional group home residences are often located far from a town or area’s activity hubs, living in one can be isolating. A benefit to the service provider, local government or (most

commonly) a nonprofit organization is the cost efficiency of apartments that are located in a single complex as opposed to housing people in smaller homes in disconnected locations. “With

the apartment complex model, you’ve got built-in staffing and transportation efficiencies,” explains Morris. “In a group home setting, you generally have staff there 24 hours a day. However,

there are a lot of residents in those settings that, if they had the proper supports, wouldn’t necessarily have 24-hour needs. The integrated supportive housing model provides the needed

staffing in more affordable and efficient ways.” The most important benefit of a supportive housing, apartment-based model may be that it provides people who have I/DD with increased

independence. “Over the past decade, more individuals and their families have sought more independent living solutions to the traditional group home model,” says Elba Caraballo, who in 2022

became the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services’ first housing director. “My position was created in response to the growing demand for diverse living options. Roles like mine

were designed to support and facilitate new choices. With all advances in assistive technology, we are able to ensure safety in the context of expanded independence and autonomy.” While

supportive housing doesn’t work for every person with I/DD, especially if they require a high level of care, Morris believes that as the model expands and improves, and service providers

learn from their experiences, it can work for more and more individuals. Some residents of Favarh’s group homes have successfully transferred into integrated supportive housing apartments.

SHARING AND REPEATING THE ISH MODEL By creating more ways to meet the diverse needs of people with I/DD, the integrated supportive housing model helps free up space in group home settings

for individuals who require more direct or complex services.