Goals:
To help people with disabilities move from family or supervised homes to living independently in the community.
To develop support services for people with disabilities who already live independently in the community but who require professional assistance and guidance.
The Need:
While a vast majority of people with disabilities in Israel live within the community, they often do so without adequate support. More supportive frameworks are offered through supervised group homes or institutions – but these come at the cost of independence. About 20,000 Israelis with disabilities reside in such out-of-home frameworks, and those who wish to shift into living independently face serious challenges. These include poor public services, lack of a supportive family network, and difficulty paying for an apartment and other monthly expenses.
Target Audience:
People aged 21-55 with severe physical disabilities, cognitive impairment, high-functioning autism, and developmental disabilities, and sensory disabilities such as vision and hearing impairments.
Activities:
Participants receive support in finding an apartment and adapting it to various needs (living alone or with a partner or a chosen roommate); acquiring life skills like running a household; accessing information about services and employment opportunities, leisure and social activities, substitute caregivers, medical and emergency services, transportation, repairs, etc. Each program participant works with program staff to develop a personalized plan and is accompanied by a “care coordinator” for 3-7 hours per week. Members are responsible for their own living expenses including private caregiver, rent, utilities, etc.
