Our mission / Vision
Why Here? Why Now?
Securing a Bright Future for Adults with I/DD
Imagine you are the parent or caregiver of an adult child with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD). What happens to them when you are no longer around or need help yourself? Where will they live? Who will provide the supports they need to not only live safely but to enjoy a supportive and enriching community?
More importantly, imagine you are an adult with I/DD. What kind of choices do you think you deserve when it comes to where you live, who you live with and how you spend your time?
We believe that people with I/DD deserve to have good choices when it comes to where they live, who they live with and activities they can participate in. They deserve access to safe and affordable housing options and supports that give them the opportunity to be as independent as possible and to live their best lives.
Housing that provides these opportunities is extremely limited, and few offer affordable options that encourage social engagement or foster growth and independence.
Addressing this crisis
Did you know...?
13%
MORE THAN 13% OF FLORIDA RESIDENTS
have an intellectual and developmental
disability (I/DD).
75%
LIVING WITH A GUARDIAN
75% of adults with I/DD live with a parent or guardian.
1 in 3
LIVING WITH FAMILY
One in 3 adults with I/DD live with a family member over the age of 60, and most will outlive their caregiver.
2X
More people with disabilities live in poverty than people without disabilities.
These are the challenges for adults with I/DD and their caregivers and families. We—parents and professionals—came together as The Independence Project to tackle this challenge in our corner of the world. Though options are beginning to pop up around the country and around our state—Florida—there are nowhere near as many as needed. The ARC Village Jacksonville, one of our inspiration projects, currently has an eight year waiting list for housing units. Affordable, attainable housing is a nationwide crisis and even more so for people who need some supports to live independently and reach their full potential.
CONNECT WITH US
The Independence Project is a community project. Join our mailing list to stay informed on our progress and learn more ways to get involved.
