Mapping the Future

Each day in the US, 60 families will learn that their child has autism. Over the coming years, parents will be consumed with managing a complex coordination of educational, medical, and behavioral health care.

When their child turns 21, however, those services will most likely end and their child faces the next 60 years as an adult with autism with little support, understanding, or options for housing, employment or social interaction.

Surprisingly, little has been done to collect data or to understand the issues, challenges, potential, and possibilities of the rapidly growing number of adults with autsim.

Madison House Autism Foundation is currently engaged in a multi-disciplinary research project, producing a whitepaper and national blueprint to map the way forward – for adults with autism, parents, communities and governments, private sector entities, and non-profits. With data and research, we can make model housing projects, supportive employment, and collaborative family savings plans an informed reality. Results of the research will benefit a wide range of initiatives including:

  • Housing (including such models as CSAAC, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), and the Farm Model);
  • Employment;
  • Typical healthcare for a non-typical population;
  • Ongoing education for those on the spectrum and for those working with them;
  • Education of physicians and first responders;
  • Recreation, socialization and community inclusion; and
  • Transportation to support greater independence.

 

You can be part of the research. Please share with us your ideas and your concerns about the future. Whether you are on the spectrum, a caregiver, parent or policy maker, please tell us:

  1. What is your view of the future?
  2. Do you see as the greatest challenges and the stumbling blocks in the road ahead?
  3. What resources and data would be most helpful to you in shaping a brighter future?

 

Contact Adrienne McBride at info (at) madisonhouseautism (dot) org

Housing

1
Housing: Disability.gov

VIEW THE PAGE

2
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

VIEW THE PAGE

3
Hallmark Community Solutions

Hallmark Solutions.org is committed to providing affordable housing for those in the community that need it the most. VIEW THE PAGE

4
The Center for Universal Design

The Center for Universal Design (CUD) is a national information, technical assistance, and research center that evaluates, develops, and promotes accessible and universal design in housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments, and products. Our mission is to improve environments and products through design innovation, research, education and design assistance. VIEW THE PAGE

5
Foundation for Autism Support and Training (FAST)

VIEW THE PAGE

6
Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc

TAC is a national non-profit organization that advances proven solutions to the housing and community support needs of vulnerable low-income people with significant and long-term disabilities.VIEW THE PAGE

7
Find My Roommate (FAST)

FindMyRoommate is an online matching service for people with disabilities who are looking for roommates with whom to share housing and companionship, and possibly paid services and natural supports. VIEW THE PAGE

8
Community Works

At the heart of helping people move toward lives of self-determination, connection, companionship and contribution are effective skills in person centered planning, the development of personal support networks, and strategies that define vision, invite collaboration, and build the energy and commitment necessary to work together on complex problems. VIEW THE PAGE

9
To Place A Housing Discrimination Complaint (HUD)

Housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability is illegal by federal law. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint. VIEW THE PAGE

Studies and Articles

1
Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults with ASD

The study focuses on the residential concerns of adults living with autism and related disorders and is designed to advance the development of replicable residential models that offer quality, affordable housing options within the fabric of their communities. VIEW THE WEBPAGE 

2
NY Times Abuse Article

Nearly 40 years after New York emptied its scandal-ridden warehouses for the developmentally disabled, the far-flung network of small group homes that replaced them operates with scant oversight and few consequences for employees who abuse the vulnerable population. VIEW ARTICLE 

3
Easter Seals: Living with Disabilities Study

Many parents worry their adult children’s basic needs for employment, housing, transportation, social interactions, recreation, healthcare and financial security will not be met: VIEW ARTICLE 

4
The Origins of Person Centered Planning

VIEW THE PDF

Models in Presentation and Networks

1
L’Arch USA

Founded by Jean Vanier in France in 1964, L’Arche communities bear witness to the reality that persons with intellectual disabilities possess inherent qualities of welcome, wonderment, spirituality, and friendship. VIEW THE PAGE

2
Misericordia

Misericordia offers a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged. By serving society’s most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home. VIEW THE PAGE

3
CampHill

Camphill is dedicated to creating communities where the values of service, sharing, spiritual nourishment, and recognition of each individual’s gifts and contributions offer a model of renewal for the wider society. VIEW THE PAGE

4
Network of International Farm Communities for Autism

This interactive web site highlights international efforts to provide farmstead communities which meet the residential, vocational and recreational needs of the growing population of adults with autism. VIEW THE PAGE

5
ASD Alternative Housing Network

Madison House Autism Foundation welcomes all interested in imagining the brightest future of adults with autism! We are pleased to offer this open platform for those who are interested in exploring, starting, and/or maintaining affordable housing solutions for those on the autism spectrum. Join the conversation! VIEW THE PAGE

Basic Finance

1
Supplemental Security Income

Apply For Disability Benefits APPLY HERE

2
The Disability Opportunity Fund

The Disability Opportunity Fund finances creative, highly scalable solutions for people with disabilities and their families. The DOF provides capital and advisory services to its clients, and double bottom line returns to its investors. VIEW THE PAGE

3
Housing Finance Agency

Housing Finance Agencies offer individuals, families, and businesses a wide range of support and assistance. Click your state to find HFAs and organizations near you that can help you with your housing finance questions and concerns. VIEW THE PAGE

4
Database of Vouchers (Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc)

Using all available data from HUD and the Federal Register, TAC has developed a comprehensive up-to-date database of vouchers targeted to for people with disabilities and other special needs. VIEW THE PAGE

Advocate for Housing

1
End the Wait Campaign

The ETWN Campaign is a targeted effort by people with developmental disabilities and their families to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the Developmental Disabilities Waiting List for community supports and services. VIEW THE PAGE

2
The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA)

The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created by the nation’s state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) more than 30 years ago to coordinate and leverage their federal advocacy efforts for affordable housing. What began as a small group of executive directors meeting annually has grown into a powerful national association and advocate for HFAs and affordable housing in Washington. VIEW THE PAGE