Rising-Heights

Is Virtual-Only DSP Training Failing the People Who Need Care Most?

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:00:01 GMT

When the pandemic forced training programs online almost overnight, it felt like a temporary fix — a bridge to get through an unprecedented moment. Years later, for many direct support professionals (DSPs) and home-based personal care (HPC) workers across Ohio, virtual-only training never went back. What started as an emergency accommodation has quietly become the default. And the people most affected by that shift are rarely the ones in the room when the decision gets made.

For families relying on DSPs and HPCs to provide safe, skilled, compassionate care for an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), this isn't an abstract workforce policy question. It shows up in real ways — in staff who seem undertrained for a crisis moment, in turnover that disrupts a hard-won routine, in a quiet sense that something about the preparation pipeline isn't quite working the way it should.

This piece takes an honest look at what virtual-only DODD training actually delivers, where the gaps show up in practice, and why this matters enormously for the turnover crisis already straining Ohio's direct care workforce.

1. What Virtual Training Can — and Can't — Teach

Virtual training has real strengths, and it would be unfair to pretend otherwise. It allows DSPs and HPCs to complete required DODD training on flexible schedules, often critical for a workforce that frequently juggles multiple jobs or family obligations. It standardizes content delivery, ensures consistent coverage of required material, and removes geographic barriers that once made in-person training sessions difficult to access in rural or underserved parts of the state.

But certain categories of skill simply resist screen-based learning. Physical care techniques — safe transfer and positioning, recognizing the early physical signs of a medical crisis, de-escalating a behavioral episode in real time — depend on hands-on practice, immediate feedback, and the ability to adjust technique in response to a trainer physically correcting your positioning or pacing. A video demonstration, however well produced, cannot replace a trainer saying "no, lower your hands, like this" while watching you attempt it.

Equally important are the skills that develop through unscripted interaction: reading subtle nonverbal cues, adjusting communication style in real time, building the kind of intuitive responsiveness that experienced caregivers describe as central to doing this work well. These capacities develop through supervised practice and mentorship far more than through structured online modules, no matter how well designed those modules are.

There's also a quieter cost: connection. DSPs who train together in person often build informal peer networks — people they can call when facing a difficult situation on the job, mentors who remember what it was like to be new. Purely virtual training programs frequently lose this relational infrastructure, leaving new workers more isolated precisely when they need support most.

2. The Connection to Turnover — and Why It Matters So Much

Ohio's direct care workforce has faced a persistent turnover crisis for years, and the reasons are well documented: low wages relative to the difficulty of the work, limited career advancement pathways, and the emotional and physical demands of caregiving. Training adequacy doesn't single-handedly solve this — but it is a meaningful, often overlooked piece of the puzzle.

New DSPs who feel genuinely unprepared for the realities of the job — who encounter a medical emergency or a significant behavioral crisis without having practiced a comparable scenario hands-on — often experience acute stress and self-doubt in their first weeks on the job. Workforce research consistently shows that early-tenure confidence and competence are strong predictors of whether a new hire stays in the role past the critical first ninety days, which is exactly when turnover rates tend to spike.

For families, this translates directly into instability. Every time a DSP leaves, a family often restarts the relationship-building process from scratch — re-explaining their loved one's specific needs, preferences, communication style, and triggers to someone new. For an individual with IDD who relies heavily on routine and familiar faces for emotional regulation, this churn isn't a minor inconvenience. It can meaningfully disrupt quality of life and, in some cases, trigger real behavioral and emotional setbacks.

The financial cost compounds the human one. Provider agencies bear significant recruitment and onboarding expenses each time a position turns over, and high turnover strains the entire system's capacity to serve waitlisted families. A training pipeline that contributes to early departures isn't just a training problem — it's a capacity problem affecting every family waiting for services.

3. What Better Training Could Look Like

The solution isn't necessarily abandoning virtual training altogether — flexibility remains genuinely valuable for a workforce balancing multiple demands. The more promising path is a hybrid model: virtual delivery for content that translates well to screens — policy knowledge, documentation requirements, foundational disability awareness — paired with structured, supervised in-person practice for hands-on physical care skills and crisis response scenarios.

Mentorship-based onboarding offers another meaningful improvement. Pairing new DSPs with experienced staff for a structured shadowing period, even a short one, can dramatically smooth the transition from training to independent practice. This approach also rebuilds some of the peer connection and informal knowledge transfer that purely virtual training environments tend to lose.

Some Ohio providers are already experimenting with this hybrid approach, recognizing that DODD's training requirements set a necessary floor, not necessarily a ceiling on what quality preparation should include. Providers willing to invest in supplemental in-person components, even modest ones, often report stronger early retention among new hires.

For families, the practical takeaway is this: when evaluating a provider or care arrangement, it's worth asking directly about onboarding and training structure. How much hands-on practice does a new DSP receive before working independently with your loved one? Is there a mentorship or shadowing period? These questions can offer real insight into whether a provider has invested in the kind of preparation that actually supports staff retention and, ultimately, consistency of care.

Building Toward Something Better

This isn't a problem with an easy fix, and it isn't fair to place the blame entirely on any single provider, training program, or policy. It's a systemic gap that's developed gradually, often through reasonable adaptations made under real constraints. But naming the gap clearly is the first step toward closing it — for the sake of the workers doing this essential work, and the families and individuals who depend on consistent, skilled care.

At Rising Heights Care , care quality and staff stability are central to what we're building, not an afterthought layered on at the end. We believe inclusive housing only works when it's paired with a care model that genuinely supports the people providing that care — through better preparation, real mentorship, and a structure designed to reduce the kind of turnover that disrupts the lives of the people we serve.

If you're a family member, a care professional, or simply someone who cares about this issue, we'd value hearing your perspective. Reach out at natalie@risingheights.org/440-364-2975 , or join our interest list to stay connected as we build a model of care designed around stability, not just compliance.

Guardianship at 18: What It Means and What You'll Need to Decide

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The day your child turns 18, something happens that most families don't see coming: in the eyes of the law, they become a full legal adult, regardless of their intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), regardless of their actual support needs, and regardless of whether anyone in the family feels ready for that shift.

Overnight, the legal authority you've had as a parent to make medical decisions, manage finances, and advocate on your child's behalf doesn't automatically continue. Unless something has been formally put in place, your adult child is now presumed, legally, to make all of their own decisions — even if that presumption doesn't match their day-to-day reality.

This catches a surprising number of families off guard, often at the worst possible moment — in a hospital waiting room, at a bank, or in a meeting with a school or service provider who suddenly says, "We can't discuss this with you without documentation." This guide is meant to help you avoid that moment, by understanding your options well before your child's 18th birthday arrives.

1. What Actually Changes at 18

Turning 18 ends what's called the "age of majority" status as a minor and confers full legal adulthood under Ohio law, just as it does everywhere else in the country. This means your child now has the legal right to make their own medical decisions, sign their own contracts, manage their own finances, and make their own choices about where and how they live — even decisions you may strongly disagree with, and even if their disability significantly affects their ability to understand the consequences of those decisions.

Healthcare providers, who were previously required to loop you in as a parent, are now bound by HIPAA privacy rules that treat your adult child as an independent patient. Without specific legal documentation granting you access, a doctor's office may not be able to discuss your child's diagnosis, treatment, or medical history with you at all — even if you're the person who has managed every aspect of their care for eighteen years.

Financial institutions operate the same way. Bank accounts, government benefits correspondence, and legal notices are now addressed to your child as an independent adult. If your child needs support managing money or understanding financial decisions, that support no longer happens automatically just because you're the parent — it requires a specific legal arrangement to be in place.

2. The Range of Legal Options Available

Full guardianship is the option most families have heard of, but it's actually one end of a spectrum, not the only choice. Under full guardianship, a court grants a parent or other appointed adult the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of their child across some or all areas of life — medical, financial, residential, and legal. It is the most comprehensive option, and also the most restrictive of your child's independent legal rights, which is why courts generally expect families to consider less restrictive alternatives first.

Limited guardianship allows a court to grant decision-making authority in specific areas only — medical decisions, for example, while leaving your child's legal right to make financial or residential decisions intact. This option is designed for situations where a person needs support in some areas of life but is fully capable of managing others independently, and it's often a better fit than full guardianship for many young adults with IDD.

Supported decision-making is a newer, less restrictive approach gaining recognition in many states, where your adult child retains full legal decision-making authority but formally designates trusted people — often parents — to help them understand information and communicate their choices. Rather than transferring legal authority away from your child, this model keeps decision-making with them while building structured support around it.

Power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney are tools your adult child can voluntarily grant you, without any court involvement, if they have the legal capacity to do so. These documents allow your child to formally designate you to make financial or medical decisions on their behalf in specific circumstances, while leaving their underlying legal rights and decision-making authority fully intact.

Choosing among these options is not just a legal decision — it's a values decision about how much independence your specific child can safely exercise, and in which areas of life. What does your son or daughter currently manage well on their own, and where do they genuinely need more support?

3. How to Start the Process Before It Becomes Urgent

The most important practical step is starting this process well before your child's 18th birthday — ideally six months to a year ahead, not the week before. Guardianship and alternative arrangements require court involvement in Ohio, including filings, sometimes a hearing, and in many cases a court-appointed evaluation of your child's capacity, all of which takes real time to complete.

Consult with an attorney who specifically practices disability and guardianship law, rather than a general family law attorney. The nuances between guardianship, limited guardianship, and supported decision-making require specialized knowledge, and an attorney experienced in this area can help you choose the option that actually fits your child's situation rather than defaulting to the most restrictive option simply because it's the most familiar one.

Involve your child in this process as much as their understanding allows, even when pursuing guardianship. Many families find that explaining the process in accessible language, and including their child's voice and preferences wherever possible, leads to better outcomes and a smoother transition than treating the decision as something done entirely on their behalf without their participation.

Revisit your decision over time. Guardianship and similar arrangements are not necessarily permanent or unchangeable — as your child's skills and circumstances evolve, options like limited guardianship can sometimes be modified to grant additional independence, and full guardianship can occasionally be adjusted toward less restrictive alternatives as appropriate.

A Decision Worth Making Thoughtfully, Not Hastily

There is no universally "right" choice here — only the choice that genuinely fits your child's specific capabilities, needs, and the level of independence they can safely exercise. Some families pursue full guardianship and find it provides essential protection. Others find that limited guardianship or supported decision-making better honors their child's autonomy while still providing necessary support. Both can be the right answer, depending entirely on the individual.

What matters most is making this decision deliberately, with good legal guidance, and with enough time to do it well — rather than scrambling to figure it out after a hospital or school has already told you that you no longer have the legal standing to be involved.

At Rising Heights Housing , we know that guardianship decisions are just one piece of the much larger transition our families navigate as their children approach adulthood. If you're working through this alongside other transition questions — housing, care, employment, community — we'd like to be part of that conversation with you.

Reach out at natalie@risingheights.org /440-364-2975, or join our interest list to stay connected as we build something built specifically for families at this stage of the journey.

What Makes Mixed-Use IDD Housing Work? Lessons from Colorado and Virginia

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Mixed Use Housing Models - Lessons

Most families searching for housing options for an adult child with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) run into the same two choices, and neither one feels right. There's the traditional group home — clinical, institutional, often disconnected from the wider community. And there's staying home indefinitely — loving, but unsustainable, and quietly built on the assumption that a parent will always be there to provide care.

What most families don't know is that a third model exists, and it's already working in communities across the country. It's called mixed-use, inclusive co-housing, and it flips the traditional housing model on its head: instead of building a place exclusively for people with disabilities, it builds a neighborhood where people with and without disabilities live side by side, as actual neighbors.

Two of the clearest examples of this model in action are Trailhead Community in Evergreen, Colorado, and Faison Residence near Richmond, Virginia. Neither is a perfect blueprint to copy exactly — every community has to be built around its own region, its own funding landscape, and its own families. But together, they offer something invaluable: proof that this model works, and a clear picture of what makes it succeed.

1. Trailhead Community (CO): Independence Built Into the Architecture

Trailhead Community sits on a mountain campus in Evergreen, Colorado, and was designed from the ground up around a simple but radical idea: adults with IDD deserve homes that look and feel like real homes, not facilities. The community includes individual residences, shared community spaces, and access to surrounding natural land — all built with universal design principles that support independence rather than dependence.

What sets Trailhead apart is its emphasis on skill-building as a core part of daily life, not an add-on service. Residents participate in cooking, gardening, and household management as part of the community's everyday rhythm, supported by trained staff who focus on coaching independence rather than simply performing tasks for residents. The goal isn't just to house people — it's to help them build a fuller, more capable version of their own daily life.

Trailhead also intentionally blends levels of support within the same community. Some residents need more intensive daily assistance; others live with significant independence and minimal support. Rather than segregating people by support level, the community is structured so that neighbors with different needs and strengths coexist, much like they would in any typical neighborhood. This mirrors something families often say they want most: for their child to live somewhere that doesn't define them entirely by their diagnosis.

Trailhead's location also matters. Being situated near Denver while maintaining a quieter, nature-oriented setting gives residents access to broader community resources — medical care, employment opportunities, recreational programs — without sacrificing the calm, supportive environment many families look for. It's proof that inclusive housing doesn't have to mean isolated housing.

2. Faison Residence (VA): Co-Housing as Genuine Community

Faison Residence , located outside Richmond, Virginia, takes the co-housing concept and applies it with deep intentionality to social integration. The development includes housing specifically designed for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities alongside market-rate homes for the general public — meaning residents with IDD are literally neighbors with people who have no formal connection to disability services at all.

This isn't simply geographic proximity. Faison was built around shared community spaces — gathering areas, walking paths, and communal programming — designed to create natural, everyday interaction between residents with and without disabilities. The philosophy is that genuine inclusion happens not through structured "inclusion events," but through the ordinary rhythms of shared community life: a wave from a neighbor, a conversation at a community garden, a shared walk to a common space.

Faison also addresses one of the most persistent gaps in IDD housing: affordability paired with quality. The development incorporates a mix of housing types and price points, recognizing that families' financial circumstances vary widely and that affordability cannot be an afterthought if a model is meant to be sustainable and scalable. This matters enormously for families who've found that high-quality inclusive housing models often come with price tags that put them out of reach.

Perhaps most importantly, Faison demonstrates that integration benefits the entire community, not just residents with disabilities. Neighbors without disabilities who choose to live at Faison often cite the strength and warmth of the community as a primary draw — suggesting that inclusive design isn't a compromise non-disabled residents tolerate, but a genuine amenity they actively seek out.

3. What These Models Teach Us &What We're Building in Cleveland, OH

Looking at Trailhead and Faison side by side, a few shared principles emerge that go beyond either individual project. Both models reject the binary of "fully independent" or "fully dependent" living, instead building environments that support a spectrum of needs within the same community. Both treat genuine social integration as a design requirement, not a nice-to-have. And both recognize that sustainable inclusive housing requires intentional planning around affordability from day one.

These aren't abstract lessons. They are exactly the principles we're building Rising Heights around here in Northeast Ohio. We believe families in Cleveland deserve the same thing families near Denver and Richmond have started to access: a real neighborhood, not a facility. A place where their adult child can build skills, form genuine relationships, and live with appropriate independence — supported by design, not isolated by it.

We're not simply copying either model. The founder of Trailhead inspired and guided our team in this journey. We're learning from both and more, while building something shaped by our own community's needs, funding landscape, and the specific families we're already in conversation with. That's the work ahead of us, and it's work we believe is worth doing carefully rather than quickly .

An Invitation, Not Just an Idea

If you've been searching for years for something better than the two options most families are handed — institutional group homes or an unsustainable promise to "figure it out" forever — know that better models exist, and they are not theoretical. They're already housing real adults with IDD, in real communities, right now.

We're building toward that same reality in Ohio, and we want families to be part of shaping it from the beginning at Rising Heights Housing — not just moving in once it's finished. If this resonates with your family's situation, whether your child is two years or twenty years from needing housing, we'd genuinely like to talk with you.

Live, Work, Play + Care like Rising Heights solve the systemic isolation and high costs of traditional group housing and care while creating a self-sustaining, vibrant community.

Join our interest list, or reach out directly at natalie@risingheights.org or Call us at 440-364-2975 .

The earlier you connect with us, the more your family's voice can shape what we build.

The IDD Cliff Is Real: A Survival Guide for Ohio Families Approaching Age 22

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:45:03 GMT

The IDD Cliff - A Survival Guide

Families in the IDD community have a name for it, and they didn't invent it to be dramatic. They call it "the cliff" because that's exactly what it feels like. One day your son or daughter has a school bus, a classroom, a team of familiar adults, a structured day, and a system that — imperfectly, but consistently — has been there for years. The next day, at 22, all of it can end at once.

If your child is approaching this age and you feel like you're standing at the edge of something with no map, you are not imagining it, and you are not alone. This is one of the hardest transitions in the entire IDD journey, and very few people prepare families for how disorienting it can be. We're not going to pretend otherwise. But we are going to give you something more useful than reassurance: a clear, honest picture of what's coming and what you can do about it.

1. Why It's Called "The Cliff" — and What Actually Ends

Under federal law, students with disabilities are entitled to a free, appropriate public education through age 21, or until they earn a regular high school diploma, whichever comes first. In Ohio, that generally means school-based services — including transportation, classroom supports, therapies delivered through the school, and the structured weekday schedule families have built their entire lives around — end the year a student turns 22, or sooner if they graduate.

What makes this moment so jarring isn't just the loss of school itself. It's the simultaneous loss of an entire ecosystem. The school nurse who knew your child's medical needs. The aide who understood exactly how to redirect a hard moment. The peer relationships built over years in the same hallways. The predictable Tuesday-through-Friday rhythm that organized your whole household. All of it can disappear in the same season, often within days of each other.

Meanwhile, the adult service system that's supposed to pick up where school left off does not operate on the same timeline, the same structure, or sometimes even the same philosophy. Adult IDD services in Ohio are administered through county boards of developmental disabilities, and eligibility, waiver availability, and program capacity vary significantly by county. Waitlists for certain waiver programs can stretch for years. Many families discover this only when they go looking for the next step and find there isn't a smooth handoff waiting for them.

This is not a failure of any single family. It is a structural gap that exists nationwide, and Ohio families experience it just as acutely as families anywhere else. Understanding that the disorientation is systemic, not personal, is often the first relief families need.

2. What to Do in the Years Before 22

If your child is currently 16 to 20, you have a genuine window of time, and what you do with it matters enormously. The single most important step is connecting with your county board of developmental disabilities well before your child's last year of eligibility — ideally two to three years ahead, not two to three months. County boards manage waiver applications, service coordination, and eligibility determinations, and the process to access them is rarely fast.

Ask directly about waiver waitlists in your county. Ohio's Medicaid waiver programs for individuals with developmental disabilities — including the Individual Options and Level One waivers — have varying wait times depending on county resources and your child's current support needs. Getting on a waitlist early, even before you're certain which services you'll ultimately need, is almost always better than waiting until the need becomes urgent.

Talk to your school's transition coordinator about what specific supports your district offers in the final years before exit — some districts provide extended transition services, community-based work experiences, or connections to adult day programs that can ease the handoff. Not every district offers the same level of support, so it's worth asking explicitly rather than assuming.

Start building relationships with adult service providers before you need them. Visit day programs. Talk to other families already using them. Ask hard questions: What does a typical day look like? How is staff turnover handled? What happens in a medical emergency? The answers will help you make a more confident choice when the time comes, rather than choosing under pressure with limited information.

3. What to Do in the Year Of, and the Year After

If you're already in the final year before your child ages out, the priority shifts from exploration to execution. Confirm your child's exact exit date with the school — it is tied to their 22nd birthday and the academic calendar, and the precise timing can affect benefits, waiver start dates, and program enrollment windows.

Revisit guardianship and legal decision-making status if you haven't already. By 18, your child became a legal adult in the eyes of the law, regardless of their support needs. If guardianship, power of attorney, or supported decision-making arrangements weren't formalized at that point, this is the moment to finalize them with an attorney familiar with disability law, ideally before services transition.

Build a "day in the life" plan for the first weeks after school ends. Many families find the structural void more destabilizing than any single service gap — the sudden absence of a schedule can be as hard as the absence of any particular support. Even a temporary, imperfect plan for how weekdays will be structured can ease that first transition significantly.

Research consistently show that waiting until a child reaches legal "transition age" is often too late to build foundational life skills

Give yourself permission to grieve this transition even while you're managing it logistically. Many parents describe feeling like they should only focus on the practical tasks, while privately carrying real sadness about the end of an era that, for all its challenges, was familiar and safe. Both things can be true at once — the loss is real, and so is your capacity to build what comes next.

You Are Not Alone - there is help right here right now.

The cliff is real, but it is not the end of the story — it's a hard chapter in a much longer one, and the families who navigate it best are the ones who don't try to do it in isolation. Lean on other parents who've already crossed this threshold. Lean on your county board, even when the process feels slow. Lean on whatever faith community, neighborhood, or support network you have.

At Rising Heights Housing , this exact transition is the reason we exist. We're building an inclusive, affordable co-housing community in Northeast Ohio where adults with IDD live as full neighbors — with housing, care coordination, work opportunities, and community woven together intentionally, instead of left to families to assemble piece by piece after services end. We know the cliff because the families we talk to live it, and we're building something specifically to soften that landing.

If your family is approaching this transition — whether it's three years away or three months away — we'd like to talk with you. Join our interest list or reach out directly at natalie@risingheights.org or 440-364-2975.

You don't have to have it all figured out to start the conversation. None of us do.

Your Child's IEP Just Mentioned "Transition Goals" — Here's What That Actually Means

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:26:02 GMT

Your Child's IEP just mentioned "Transition Goals".. here is what that actually means.

You're sitting in an IEP meeting. The team is moving through goals you recognize — reading, math, communication. Then someone says a phrase you've never heard before: "transition goals." A few heads nod around the table like this is routine. You nod too, even though you have no idea what it means or why it suddenly matters.

If this has happened to you, you are far from alone. Transition planning is one of the most important parts of an IEP for a student with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) — and one of the least explained. Schools are required to introduce it. They are not always required, or equipped, to walk you through what it actually means for your family.

This guide is here to fill that gap. By the end, you'll understand what transition goals are, why they start as early as they do, and what you can start doing right now — whether your child is in sixth grade or about to enter high school — to make this period work for your family instead of catching you off guard.

1. What does "Transition Goals" in an IEP Actually Mean?

In the simplest terms, transition planning is the process of preparing a student with a disability for life after high school — not just academically, but across every part of adult life: employment, postsecondary education or training, independent living, and community participation. It's built into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as a required part of the IEP process once a student reaches a certain age, and it's meant to be revisited and refined every year after that.

Federal law (in the USA) requires transition planning to begin no later than the first IEP in effect when your child turns 16, but many states — including Ohio — start the process earlier, often around age 14. That means if your child is in middle school, this conversation may already be relevant, even if no one has fully explained it yet.

Transition goals are different from academic goals because they're forward-looking by design. Instead of asking "What does my child need to learn this year?" they ask "What does my child need to be ready for the next ten, twenty, thirty years?" That's a much bigger question, and it's one most families have never been asked to answer in a school setting before.

The goals typically fall into a few core categories: education and training after high school, employment, independent living skills, and community involvement. Each of these becomes its own thread of planning, woven into your child's IEP alongside their academic goals.

Have you noticed transition language appearing in your child's IEP yet, even in small ways? Sometimes it shows up quietly — a goal about following a daily schedule, or practicing a community outing — long before anyone calls it "transition planning" out loud.

2. Why It Starts So Early — And Why That's Actually a Good Thing?

It can feel jarring to hear "adult life" discussed when your child is still years away from graduation. Many parents describe an instinct to push back — their child is twelve, or fourteen, still very much a kid ( especially if accompanied with cognitive developmental delays) . Why does the school want to talk about jobs and independent living already?

The honest answer is that meaningful change takes time, and skills compound. A student who starts practicing functional skills — managing a schedule, communicating preferences, navigating a familiar environment — at fourteen has a very different foundation by twenty-two than a student who starts at nineteen. Early transition planning isn't about rushing childhood. It's about giving your child the runway they need to build real capability at a pace that respects who they are.

There's also a practical, less emotional reason: services and supports outside the school system often have long waitlists, complex eligibility requirements, and processes that take months or years to navigate. Families who start exploring adult service systems, vocational programs, or housing options early are simply better positioned when the time comes. Families who wait until age 21 to start asking questions often find themselves scrambling against a deadline that was, in truth, visible for years.

Importantly, starting early doesn't mean having everything figured out. It means beginning a conversation — with the school team, with your child, and within your own family — about what a good adult life could look like, in whatever form that takes for your particular son or daughter.

3. What You Can Do Right Now, At Any Age?

If your child is in middle school, you have more time than you might think — and that time is valuable. Start by simply asking questions in IEP meetings. "Can you tell me more about what transition planning will look like for my child?" is a perfectly reasonable thing to say, even if the formal transition goals haven't been introduced yet.

Pay attention to what your child is already showing you. What tasks do they complete independently, even small ones? What do they gravitate toward — a subject, an activity, a type of interaction? These observations are not just heartwarming details; they are data points that will eventually inform real conversations about education, work, and daily living. Start writing them down.

If your child is in high school and transition goals are already part of the IEP, take time to actually read them — not just sign off on them. Ask the team to explain any goal in plain language if it isn't clear. Ask what's being done this year to build toward it, and what you can reinforce at home. The most effective transition plans are the ones where home and school are pulling in the same direction.

Finally, start connecting with other families further along this path. Parent networks, county DD boards, and organizations focused on adult IDD services can offer perspective that's hard to get anywhere else — the kind that comes only from people who have actually walked the road ahead of you. What would you want to ask a parent whose child has already gone through this transition?

What This Means for Your Family's Bigger Picture

Transition planning is, at its heart, an invitation to start imagining your child's adult life intentionally, rather than letting it arrive unplanned. It is not a countdown to a cliff. It's a years-long process of building skills, relationships, and options — one IEP meeting at a time.

At Rising Heights, we think about this exact stretch of time constantly, because it's the period when families start to wonder where their child will live, work, and belong as an adult — and when no clear answers tend to exist yet. We're building an inclusive, affordable co-housing community in Northeast Ohio designed for adults with IDD to live as full neighbors, not as residents in a program. Housing, care, work, and joy, built to work together.

We're not finished building yet, but families thinking about these questions — even years before they become urgent — are exactly who we want to walk alongside. Join our interest list, or simply reach out at natalie@ risingheights.org to start a conversation. The earlier we connect, the more we can help you plan with confidence instead of guesswork.

Your child's transition years don't have to be a mystery you face alone. With the right information, a little time, and a community around you, this stretch of the journey can become something you approach with hope instead of dread.

We are here to help you and your special needs child take the first step towards independence. Call us today at 440-364-2975.

Celebrate Who They Are Right Now: A Parent's Guide to Milestones That Actually Matter for Teens With IDD

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:59:19 GMT

Know what’s weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon…everything’s different. — Calvin from Calvin and Hobbe s

Nobody warns you that the milestones stop looking familiar.

When your child is young, the markers are everywhere — first steps, first words, first day of kindergarten. Friends celebrate with you. Teachers send home notes. The world is set up to notice these moments and hold them up.

Then your child hits middle school. Then high school. And the milestones your son or daughter is hitting every single day — the real ones, the hard-won ones — often go uncelebrated. Not because they don't matter. Because most people aren't looking for them in the right places.

At Rising Heights, we believe the teen and young adult years are some of the most important in the life of a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) — and in the life of their family. These are the years when identity starts to form, when preferences become clear, when the shape of a person's future starts to come into view.

This March, for National IDD Awareness Month, we want to say something directly to parents of teens with IDD: your child is achieving things right now that deserve to be seen, named, and celebrated. And we want to help you do that — while also helping you look ahead with a little more clarity and a little less fear.

Why the Teen Years Matter More Than We Talk About

There's an uncomfortable truth in the IDD community that most families learn too late: the window between ages 14 and 22 is one of the most consequential stretches of a person's life, and most families spend it in reactive mode rather than planning mode.

By age 14, an IEP (IPP in Canada, EHCP in the UK, ILP in Australia etc.) should begin including formal "transition goals" — plans for what education, work, housing, and daily living will look like after school services end. Most families don't know this. Many who do know it still don't know what it means in practice. It often gets buried in the paperwork as a checkbox, not a conversation.

By 18 - 22 years, legal guardianship decisions have to be made. SSI eligibility shifts. Medical decisions change hands. The support structures that felt permanent suddenly have expiration dates that nobody mentioned when you were celebrating the good news of your child's progress.

By 22, school services end entirely in the US — what families often call "the cliff." The supports your child has relied on, the familiar staff, the structure of the school day, the therapists, the routine — all of it stops at once. For many families, it's the hardest transition they've ever faced.

We're not sharing this to frighten you. We're sharing it because the families who navigate this transition best are the ones who started thinking about it early. And the best place to start is not with fear — it's with celebration.

Milestones That Actually Matter — and How to Recognize Them

The milestones your teen with IDD is hitting right now are not lesser versions of typical adolescent milestones. They are their own category — more specific, more hard-fought, and in many cases more meaningful. The challenge is learning to see them for what they are.

Here are some of the ones we think deserve your full attention this month and every month:

➔ Self-advocacy, even small. When your teenager tells a teacher what they need, asks for help without being prompted, or says "I don't like that" and holds their ground — that is a milestone. It is one of the most critical skills for adult independence. Notice it. Name it out loud to them.

➔ A preference that becomes a passion. Maybe it's a specific music artist they follow obsessively. A YouTube channel they watch every single day. A type of task or project they pursue with focus and joy. These aren't just hobbies. They're identity. They're also potential pathways to meaningful employment, community connection, and lasting joy. Write them down.

➔ A relationship they've built themselves. A friendship at school. A favorite staff person they seek out. A connection with a neighbor or grandparent they have chosen to nurture. The ability to form and maintain relationships is one of the clearest predictors of quality of life in adulthood. If your teen is doing this, even imperfectly, it matters enormously.

➔ Functional independence, even in one area. Making their own breakfast without being reminded. Navigating a familiar route to a familiar place. Completing a household task from start to finish without a prompt. Each of these is a building block for adult life. They often happen quietly, without announcement. Celebrate the ones that show up.

➔ Emotional regulation progress. If your teenager handled something hard this year — a transition, a disappointment, a big and overwhelming feeling — better than they did last year, that is real and significant growth. It often goes unnamed because it's invisible from the outside. Name it anyway. "I saw how you handled that. You've come a long way."

How to Celebrate in Ways That Build Toward the Future

Celebrating your teen isn't just good for them emotionally — it's also one of the most practical things you can do to support their development. Recognition builds identity, and identity is what carries people forward into adulthood. Here's how to make your celebration count for both today and tomorrow.

➔ Keep a milestone journal. Not a formal document — just a note on your phone or a small notebook where you write down the wins, big and small, as they happen. This becomes invaluable later when you're filling out adult services applications, talking to new providers, or helping your child build a portfolio for employment. The details you capture now are the story they'll tell later.

➔ Let them know you see it — specifically. Tell your teenager, in detail, exactly what you noticed. Not just "I'm proud of you." Try: "I saw you tell the cashier what you wanted yourself today, without me jumping in. That was you doing something hard. I noticed." Specific recognition builds a specific sense of self.

➔ Connect the milestone to what comes next. When your teen does something that points toward adult capability, say it out loud: "The way you figured that out is exactly the kind of thinking you'll need when you're living more on your own." You are not just celebrating a moment — you are building a mental map of possibility.

➔ Involve your community. If you're part of a faith community, a neighborhood, or a network of families, let people celebrate with you. One of the loneliest parts of parenting a child with IDD can be the sense that your family's wins go unwitnessed by the people around you. Let people in. Let them see your child.

A Word to Families Approaching the Transition Years

If your child is between the ages of 14 and 22, some part of you is probably already aware that something big is coming. The shift from school-based services to the adult IDD service world is real, and it is hard. We won't minimize that, because the families we talk to deserve honesty more than they need reassurance.

What we will tell you is this: the families who come through it best are the ones who started building — community, plans, relationships, a shared vision of what adult life could look like — before the deadline arrived. Not because they had everything figured out. But because they were moving toward something, and they weren't moving alone.

At Rising Heights, we're building a community designed specifically for adults with IDD and their families: affordable, inclusive co-housing right here in Northeast Ohio where people with and without disabilities live as neighbors, not as residents in a program. Housing, care, work, and joy, all designed to work together. It's the model that families across the country have been searching for — and we're committed to bringing it to Cleveland.

We're not finished building yet. But families who want to be part of what we're creating can join our interest list now — at any age, at any stage. The earlier you're connected to us, the more we can walk this road with you. And that connection starts with a conversation.

This Month, Celebrate What Is True Right Now

Your teenager with IDD is not a future version of themselves still being assembled. They are a full person, right now, today — hitting real milestones, building real skills, forming a real and specific identity that belongs entirely to them.

This March, for IDD Awareness Month, we invite you to do one simple thing: find one milestone your child has hit in the last year that didn't get the recognition it deserved — and celebrate it. Tell them what you saw. Write it down. Share it with someone who loves them.

The future is coming. Planning for it matters deeply. But so does the life your child is living today.

Want to stay connected as we build something new in Cleveland? Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page, or reach out directly at askme@risingheights.org . We'd love to hear your family's story — and we'd be honored to be part of it.

A parents reality about their IDD Child's Future

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:59:36 GMT

This Post was originally posted on SteppingStoneCommunities.org on November 15, 2018

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And the tears still come…

I’m not much of a crier. But when I tell our story, it is hard to hold back the tears. The problem is overwhelming. Literally, thousands of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are facing an uncertain future – on in which they will find themselves completely alone.

Our story? In Colorado alone, over 10,000 adults with disabilities are living with family caretakers who are over 60 years old. Our local communities are simply not ready for this tsunami of need that is heading our way.

Thanks to medical advancements, people with disabilities are living longer… and that is good news. But what happens when their families are no longer there to care for them?

The current options are not pretty. Institutional settings are not appropriate for these adults. Even host homes (think: “adult foster care”) are too restrictive for many. And worse, these government options are not available to most – there is a waiting list in the thousands for funding for residential assistance.

The most recent Colorado Legislature identified as many as 2,800 individuals who need housing assistance immediately. The response: funding for 300 people. While this is better than nothing, it clearly is not going to put a dent in the enormous need.

Complicating the situation is today’s housing market. Even people without disabilities are struggling to afford apartments in today’s market. Average rent is $1400 for a one-bedroom apartment. So what are the chances for someone who must live on a $750 disability check?

Living in an “affordable” apartment complex with a roommate just does not provide the protection they need. Even the highest functioning of adults with IDD are vulnerable to exploitation of all kinds. Someone has to be loving and watching and caring.

For all of these reasons and more, it is vital that we build the 60-unit apartment building and hopefully more buildings like it going forward. These buildings will be homes – a place to belong. Sharing the building with non-disabled adults and together managing their own place – this will truly be a safe and nurturing community.

I have probably told this story several hundred times – to friends, family, large groups and the cashier at the grocery store. Some people’s eyes glaze over – but the vast majority here, learn and open their hearts.

As many times as I have told this story, I still get a lump in my throat and then come to tears – tears of love and of gratitude for everyone who is supporting this endeavor and who will join in our efforts over the next weeks and years.

Source - https://www.trailheadcommunity.org/blog/parents-reality

Unlocking Affordable Living in Cleveland's Glenville: A Closer Look at The Davis Community

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:38:20 GMT

Unlocking Affordable Living in Cleveland's Glenville: A Closer Look at The Davis Community

Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood recently celebrated the grand opening of The Davis, a pioneering affordable housing community designed to offer much more than a roof over the heads of its residents. This 52-unit marvel is not just a place to live but a beacon of hope and a testament to what community-centric development can achieve.

A New Chapter for Glenville

The Davis marks a significant milestone in the Glenville area, symbolizing progress and renewal. Beyond providing affordable housing, it aims to be a cornerstone for the community, offering a plethora of resources aimed at enriching the lives of its inhabitants, particularly students, by fostering an environment conducive to success and well-being.

Health and Wellness at the Forefront

Addressing the stark disparities in life expectancy within the region, The Davis has integrated a University Hospital Community Wellness Center into its framework. This initiative is a bold step towards bridging the health divide, offering residents access to healthy food options, educational resources, and a suite of wellness services. It's a holistic approach to health care, aimed at nurturing not just the body but the community spirit as well.

Cultivating Community Through Engagement

The Davis doesn't stop at health; it actively engages its residents through practical life skills sessions, like cooking demonstrations, underscoring the importance of healthy eating and living. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to empower residents, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

Sparking Economic and Social Revitalization

The introduction of The Davis is seen as a catalyst for further economic development within Glenville. By attracting additional services like drugstores and grocery stores, it aims to create a dense, vibrant community space. This development is not just about building apartments; it's about creating a sense of place that resonates with the neighborhood's identity and aspirations.

A Model of Modern Community Development

The Davis stands as a shining example of what modern community development can look like. It’s not just about addressing immediate housing needs but about envisioning a future where every resident has the opportunity to lead a healthy, prosperous life. This project illustrates the powerful impact of collaborative efforts and shared goals, uniting a community towards a common vision of growth and prosperity.

As The Davis flourishes, it will undoubtedly inspire similar initiatives, not just in Cleveland but across the nation, demonstrating that with the right blend of vision, commitment, and community engagement, positive change is within reach. Glenville's journey is just beginning, and The Davis is leading the way towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

Celebrating Community Transformation: The New Dawn of Affordable Housing in Cleveland's Buckeye-Woodhill

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:38:20 GMT

Celebrating Community Transformation: The New Dawn of Affordable Housing in Cleveland's Buckeye-Woodhill

The revitalization journey of Cleveland's Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood reached a significant milestone with the grand opening of a groundbreaking affordable housing development. This marks the completion of phase one of the Woodhill Homes transformation, a project that is not only reshaping the skyline but also the lives of its community members.

A Beacon of Hope and Renewal

In a neighborhood craving rejuvenation, an empty lot has been ingeniously transformed into a living and community space that promises more than just affordable housing. The development comprises 120 units designed to provide safe, accessible, and affordable living options for families and individuals, breathing new life into the area and igniting hope among its residents.

A $46 Million Investment in Community

With a hefty investment of $46 million, the project underscores a significant commitment to tackling the affordable housing crisis in Cleveland and revitalizing the Buckeye-Woodhill area. This development is not just about constructing buildings; it's about building a community and fostering a sense of belonging and pride among its residents.

Phase One: The Foundation for a Brighter Future

The completion of phase one of the Woodhill Homes transformation represents a foundational step toward a brighter future for the neighborhood. It sets the stage for further development and revitalization efforts, signaling a strong start to an ambitious project aimed at transforming the area into a thriving, vibrant community hub.

A Model for Urban Revitalization

The Woodhill Homes project serves as a beacon for urban revitalization efforts, demonstrating the impact of thoughtful, community-focused development. By converting underutilized spaces into valuable community assets, the project illustrates how cities can address affordable housing needs while fostering community growth and development.

As city leaders celebrate this grand opening, the Buckeye-Woodhillneighborhood stands on the brink of a new era. With phase one complete, the community looks forward with anticipation to the continued transformation and the promise of a revitalized, vibrant neighborhood that all its residents can be proud to call home.

A New Dawn in Cleveland's Fairfax Neighborhood: Affordable Housing Takes Center Stage

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:38:20 GMT

A New Dawn in Cleveland's Fairfax Neighborhood: Affordable Housing Takes Center Stage

In the heart of Cleveland's Fairfax neighborhood, a transformative project is unfolding, bringing much-needed affordable housing to the forefront. The recent opening of a new apartment building marks a significant milestone in the city's efforts to address the ongoing struggle for affordable living spaces. This initiative not only opens doors to homes for those who may not afford it but also revitalizes the community spirit, embodying a beacon of hope and inclusivity.

Celebrating Community and Accessibility

The launch of this project was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by community leaders and residents alike, including Steven Hernandez, who witnessed the unveiling of this pivotal development. The project comprises 80 studio, one, and two-bedroom units, with a substantial portion dedicated to affordable housing, aiming to cater to a diverse demographic, particularly those who have a longstanding connection to the area.

This initiative stands as a proud testament to Fairfax's enduring neighborhood ethos, striving to maintain its rich heritage while adapting to the contemporary needs of its residents. The focus is not just on building homes but on fostering a community that thrives on pride, resilience, and mutual support.

Forward-Looking: Phases of Progress and Inclusion

The project is poised to enter its next phase, further expanding its reach and impact within the community. This upcoming phase underscores a broader vision of equity, inclusion, and justice, aiming to provide a lifeline to those living alone or facing mobility challenges. It speaks volumes about Cleveland's commitment to not just meeting the immediate housing needs but ensuring long-term sustainability and accessibility for all its citizens.

A Blueprint for the Future

As Cleveland stands on the cusp of a new era in affordable housing, the leaders' vision for spreading such initiatives across the city is both ambitious and inspiring. The goal is to create a mosaic of inclusive, equitable, and accessible living spaces that span every corner of this great city. This endeavor is more than just about erecting buildings; it's about laying the foundation for a community that embodies the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Fairfax affordable housing project is a clarion call to action, urging us to reimagine urban development in ways that prioritize people and their well-being. It serves as a blueprint for future efforts, not only within Cleveland but as a model for cities nationwide grappling with similar challenges. As we look ahead, the promise of a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community landscape in Cleveland shines brightly, a beacon of hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Neuro-Inclusive Housing: The New Paradigm Transforming Lives

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:13:00 GMT

As dawn breaks and cities buzz into life, homes light up one by one. But, for many with I/DD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities), this basic human right remains an elusive dream. The prospect of finding a comfortable, safe home remains a challenge. What if there was a breakthrough in housing that not only addressed this need but did so by celebrating neurodiversity?

The Awakening: Why Traditional Housing Fails I/DD Adults

For countless parents, caregivers, and families, the ordeal isn’t just about finding any house - it’s about discovering a home where their loved ones can feel accepted, safe, and empowered. With their one-size-fits-all approach, traditional housing developments often overlook the unique needs and potential of adults with I/DD.

Can you recall the moment you felt most at home? How would you feel if that comfort, that feeling of belonging, was perpetually out of reach?

The Neuro-Inclusive Housing Revolution

Enter neuro-inclusive housing - an innovative and holistic solution to the housing crisis adults with I/DD face. Here’s what makes it a game-changer:

Why This Matters to You

Imagine a community where differences aren’t just tolerated but celebrated. Where every individual, regardless of their neurological makeup, has the opportunity to thrive. As a parent, family member, or caregiver, consider the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is not just housed but truly at home.

Share your thoughts, insights, and personal stories in the comments below. Let’s spark a conversation!

Bringing the Future Home

This isn’t just the future of housing for I/DD adults – it’s the future of community living. A paradigm where every home is more than just four walls; it’s a sanctuary of understanding, growth, and acceptance. With neuro-inclusive housing, we're not just building homes but redefining the essence of community.

Your Invitation to Dive Deeper

To truly understand the transformative power of neuro-inclusive housing, words might not suffice. We invite you to witness the change, hear the stories, and envision the future.

Experience the Neuro-Inclusive Housing Webinar Replay Now

Together, we can craft a world where every individual finds their place, where neurodiversity isn’t just acknowledged but celebrated. Join us on this transformative journey.

September 26th Neuro-Inclusive Housing Launch Video

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:12:00 GMT

The People in the Arena

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Wow - my first blog for Front Porch – I’m excited and thrilled to be able to share some of my thoughts with you!

The Battle for Disability Staffing Funds

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMT

By Howard Kuritzky

The Importance of Inclusive Cohousing in Independent Living

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:59:00 GMT

As we celebrate the 4th of July and our freedoms in America, let’s not forget that there are still segments of our population who do not have the same opportunities for independence and living on their own. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities face a housing crisis, with limited affordable and attainable options for independent living. Front Porch Cohousing is proud to be leading the way in developing the first-of-its-kind inclusive cohousing communities, providing much-needed housing and independence to those who need it most.

Neuro-Inclusive Cohousing – what it is, and why it’s become popular

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:48:00 GMT

Neuro-inclusive cohousing consists of intentional communities that are designed to support and accommodate people with a wide range of neurological differences, such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities. These communities provide safe spaces for individuals who may have difficulty navigating traditional living environments due to their unique neurology and specific needs. By creating supportive structures within these communities, members can benefit from shared resources while still having access to the autonomy needed for personal growth. Neuro-inclusive cohousing has grown in popularity among those seeking a more inclusive lifestyle or looking for social opportunities tailored to their specific needs.

Barriers in Inclusive Housing - Front Porch Cohousing by NDL

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:44:00 GMT

Locked Out: The Barriers Facing Neurodivergent Adults in their Search for Housing in Pennsylvania

Chapter I: The Definition of Neurodivergence and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities

Neurodivergence refers to the idea that there is a wide range of brain types and that individuals who think or process information differently are valuable and should be celebrated. This term is often used to describe individuals with conditions classified as neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, Down syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Why Gratitude Makes All the Difference - Front Porch Cohousing

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 11:57:00 GMT

How many times have you gone through the motions of your day without really paying attention to what’s happening around you? We’ve all been there. We’re so wrapped up in our own thoughts and concerns that we don’t take the time to notice the numerous small blessings that fill our lives. However, what if we did take the time to notice and appreciate those simple things? Would it make a difference?

Finding Good Charities to Donate to in Pennsylvania

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 10:54:00 GMT

If you’re wondering “how to find charities near me,” you have plenty of options. Pennsylvania has more than 13,000 registered charities, many of them located in Southeastern PA. As you plan your charitable giving for 2023 and beyond, it’s important to choose organizations that match your giving goals. Here are a few reasons to give, along with a profile of Front Porch Cohousing, one of many good charities to donate to in the Keystone State.

Help Us Provide Housing for Autistic Adults - FPC

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 18:27:00 GMT

It’s only natural for parents to worry about their children’s future. However, for parents of children with disabilities, including those with autism, that concern can be acute. What will happen to them if and when their parents are no longer able to care for them. That’s a need that we are seeking to fill at Front Porch Cohousing.

Rising-Heights

Is Virtual-Only DSP Training Failing the People Who Need Care Most?

1. What Virtual Training Can — and Can't — Teach

2. The Connection to Turnover — and Why It Matters So Much

3. What Better Training Could Look Like

Building Toward Something Better

Guardianship at 18: What It Means and What You'll Need to Decide

1. What Actually Changes at 18

2. The Range of Legal Options Available

3. How to Start the Process Before It Becomes Urgent

A Decision Worth Making Thoughtfully, Not Hastily

What Makes Mixed-Use IDD Housing Work? Lessons from Colorado and Virginia

Mixed Use Housing Models - Lessons

1. Trailhead Community (CO): Independence Built Into the Architecture

2. Faison Residence (VA): Co-Housing as Genuine Community

3. What These Models Teach Us &What We're Building in Cleveland, OH

An Invitation, Not Just an Idea

The IDD Cliff Is Real: A Survival Guide for Ohio Families Approaching Age 22

The IDD Cliff - A Survival Guide

1. Why It's Called "The Cliff" — and What Actually Ends ﻿

2. What to Do in the Years Before 22

3. What to Do in the Year Of, and the Year After ﻿

Research consistently show that waiting until a child reaches legal "transition age" is often too late to build foundational life skills

You Are Not Alone - there is help right here right now.

Your Child's IEP Just Mentioned "Transition Goals" — Here's What That Actually Means

Your Child's IEP just mentioned "Transition Goals".. here is what that actually means.

1. What does "Transition Goals" in an IEP Actually Mean?

2. Why It Starts So Early — And Why That's Actually a Good Thing?

﻿

3. What You Can Do Right Now, At Any Age?

What This Means for Your Family's Bigger Picture

Celebrate Who They Are Right Now: A Parent's Guide to Milestones That Actually Matter for Teens With IDD

Why the Teen Years Matter More Than We Talk About

Milestones That Actually Matter — and How to Recognize Them

How to Celebrate in Ways That Build Toward the Future

A Word to Families Approaching the Transition Years

This Month, Celebrate What Is True Right Now

A parents reality about their IDD Child's Future

And the tears still come…

Unlocking Affordable Living in Cleveland's Glenville: A Closer Look at The Davis Community

Unlocking Affordable Living in Cleveland's Glenville: A Closer Look at The Davis Community

Celebrating Community Transformation: The New Dawn of Affordable Housing in Cleveland's Buckeye-Woodhill

Celebrating Community Transformation: The New Dawn of Affordable Housing in Cleveland's Buckeye-Woodhill

A New Dawn in Cleveland's Fairfax Neighborhood: Affordable Housing Takes Center Stage

A New Dawn in Cleveland's Fairfax Neighborhood: Affordable Housing Takes Center Stage

Neuro-Inclusive Housing: The New Paradigm Transforming Lives

The Awakening: Why Traditional Housing Fails I/DD Adults

The Neuro-Inclusive Housing Revolution

Why This Matters to You

Bringing the Future Home

Your Invitation to Dive Deeper

September 26th Neuro-Inclusive Housing Launch Video

The People in the Arena

The Battle for Disability Staffing Funds

The Importance of Inclusive Cohousing in Independent Living

Neuro-Inclusive Cohousing – what it is, and why it’s become popular

Barriers in Inclusive Housing - Front Porch Cohousing by NDL

Locked Out: The Barriers Facing Neurodivergent Adults in their Search for Housing in Pennsylvania

Chapter I: The Definition of Neurodivergence and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities

Why Gratitude Makes All the Difference - Front Porch Cohousing

Finding Good Charities to Donate to in Pennsylvania

Help Us Provide Housing for Autistic Adults - FPC

1. Why It's Called "The Cliff" — and What Actually Ends

3. What to Do in the Year Of, and the Year After