The Autism Housing Network (AHN) is thrilled to announce the upcoming publication of A Place in the World and FREE Webinar Symposium offered in collaboration with our sponsors: Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy and First Place AZ and its Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy. For the first...
With already so few opportunities and scarce funding available to adults on the autism spectrum, why would policymakers create even more hurdles for autistic adults or others with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD)? Policy developed to protect and empower those with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities is creating unintentional barriers. The...
In late 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the CMS Innovation Center’s New Direction Request for Information (RFI). CMS Administrator Seema Verma said, “We recognize that the best ideas don’t come from Washington, so it’s important that we hear from the front lines of our healthcare...
Denny Roger’s daughter, Emily, was at a dead-end. Her family modified their home so she could have her own space, but her frequent meltdowns expressed her dissatisfaction and frustration. She moved into a home in the community with a roommate, but led a very isolated life. Sitting in front of...
By now, many of you have probably seen Brian Bethun’s article The End of Neighbors or coverage by The Today Show, TIME Magazine, or AOL that reported 50% of all Americans do not even know their neighbors' names. Bethun illuminates the notion that we, as a society, need to foster more human connections....
Homes For Life Foundation's (HFL) mission is to address an urgent issue in Delaware: the affordable housing crisis for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DDs). Over the past 25 years, the foundation, led by husband and wife team, Dr. Lanny and Micki Edelsohn, has raised millions of dollars to build and...
At age 21, our friends with developmental disabilities lose access to many of the supports they receive as children. The #Imagine21 mini-documentary series highlights the incredible stories of adults living with autism and the unique circumstances they face as they age into adulthood. Through them, viewers will be intimately acquainted with just...
If you or a loved one has an intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) and/or autism, it is imperative that you consider the following five realities that impact the future of available support services and housing. Knowing your housing and support options is also imperative. Check out the Autism Housing Network's Virtual Tour...
Madison House Autism Foundation is excited to unveil a project that has been in the works for over a year now: the new Autism Housing Network (AHN). “The AHN is the first interactive online community for adults with special needs and their families,” says Desiree Kameka, national housing expert at MHAF....
Access to affordable and supportive housing is becoming increasingly challenging, and funding for waiver supports and housing vouchers is not meeting the demand. It is concerning that professional, non-state resident advocates are writing letters to Medicaid authorities in Arizona and Florida urging the state to restrict individuals with disabilities from...
The CCC has created an STP Mini-toolkit as a quick reference guide after almost 2 years of HCBS Final Rule implementation. This information is an extension of that toolkit: The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and NORC, the contractor helping implement the Final Rule and review State Transition Plan’s,...
PDF VERSION, click here: Official CCC Statement on the Anniversary of the ADA On July 26, 2015 we honor the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the most important pieces of legislation ever created by Congress. Everyone knows someone who is protected under the ADA: a cousin with...
In many states, policy is changing in an effort to improve life options for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). Indeed, new policy raises new questions and issues: How will the positive and negative effects of policy change be measured in regards to the impact it has on the lives of...
The Atlantic recently published an article, 'Who Decides Where Autistic Adults Live?' that highlighted the moral dilemma of how policy can create barriers to the human right to be supported in one's choice of home and community. The author, Amy Lutz, interviews many individuals with different perspectives and opinions. Nancy...
Denny Roger’s daughter, Emily, was at a dead-end. Her family modified their home so she could have her own space, but her frequent meltdowns expressed her dissatisfaction and frustration. She moved into a home in the community with a roommate, but led a very isolated life. Sitting in front of...
Regulations regarding waiver services and supports in every state are in flux. In January 2014, the Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new federal regulations intended to increase the quality of life for the elderly and those with disabilities who receive public funding through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers....
Pam’s mother promised that Pam would be able to stay in her family home and continue her existing lifestyle even when her mother was no longer around. Upon her mother's death, Pam was fortunate to have siblings that were prepared to interview, hire, and manage the direct support staff Pam...
Public comments on your Statewide Transition Plan needed! Does this affect me? If you are receiving waiver services, you may be affected. At a minimum, the settings in which you are supported will be subject to scrutiny to ensure compliance with new regulations. Worst-case scenario could include: (1) the...
If you are planning, developing, managing social enterprises or a residential community for those with developmental disabilities, you may want to attend the next Brookwood Community Network Days Conference, February 11-13, just outside of Houston, TX! It is a three-day immersion into the day-by-day operations with in-depth seminars led by...
As part of a nationwide movement to create local housing and employment solutions, the mother of a young man on the autism spectrum started Erik’s Ranch & Retreats. This past April, the Minnesota retreat opened its doors, and a second location, a Montana ranch, is in the process of fundraising to build a...
By now, many of you have probably seen Brian Bethun’s article The End of Neighbors or coverage by The Today Show, TIME Magazine, or AOL that reported 50% of all Americans do not even know their neighbors' names. Bethun illuminates the notion that we, as a society, need to foster more human connections....
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was just passed in the House by an overwhelming vote of 404-17! It must now pass through the Senate and could be voted on as early as next week. The ABLE Act would allow for the creation of tax-sheltered savings accounts (similar to...
In January 2014, Coalition for Community Choice came together and continues to grow as a unified voice for increasing options and decreasing barriers to housing choices. Several years ago, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule change that included changes that defined what settings people with disabilities...
Here, you can learn all about the work we do to advocate for housing choice for those with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities.