Background
Jordan lived with his parents and brother until he was 24. He has been self-directing his services for 12 years. With the supports and planning of his family, professional team, and long-term Community Habilitation staff, Jordan gained skills to move out of his family home. They started the search for a Live-In Caregiver. Jordan decided to move close to the local college campus. They posted an ad for the LIC, and he really wanted a fellow college student. After two months, a few interviews, and some outings, Jordan and Tyler moved in together in a two-bedroom market-rate apartment. Jordan participated in classes for a year and had staff support on the college campus. He also received support to attend other community classes, maintain memberships, and participate in his local hockey club. Tyler offered nighttime and weekend companionship, oversight, and support to shop and cook together.
Tyler assisted with important mail collection, reimbursements, and overall household maintenance. Jordan and Tyler shared a love of video games, so they spent some of their evenings enjoying each other’s company while playing. After three years, Jordan, who is hard of hearing, entered a housing lottery for an affordable two-bedroom unit with flashing lights and loud tones. Jordan was able to break his lease in the market-rate apartment, and Jordan and Tyler continued to live together for the next year. Then, Tyler completed college and moved to Texas. The Circle of Support started looking for another LIC. The team had two applicants within two months. The applicants started as Com Hab staff first to work with Jordan to ensure compatibility. Anthony and Jordan have lived together now for four years. Jordan uses Assistive Technology of an Amazon Echo Show and Ring Peephole Cam for additional safety and support so that his family or staff can interact with him face to face. He uses IDGS Household-Related Items and Services to help clean and maintain his apartment.
Self-Direction Services
- COM HAB staff 5 days a week for 30-40 hours
- OPWDD Housing Subsidy
- Live-In Caregiver
- IDGS Services, including:
- Community Classes
- Memberships
- Household-Related Items and Services
- OTPS Services, such as utilities, phone, internet, and clothing allowance.