We’re sharing more posts for Independence Month. Today, we are talking about community living. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should live as they choose. Community living is a big part of that. It’s not just better for self-advocates. It’s better for everyone!
Community Living Helps Self-Advocates
Community living gives people with IDD control over their lives. They get to say where they live and who they live with. They get to choose what their days look like. When people live in the community, they have more chances to work, go to school, build friendships, and try new things.
Self-advocates tell us that having more choice makes them feel more confident and proud. They can plan for the future, solve problems, and build the life they want. That’s what independence really means. In this video, James shares feelings about community living.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Community Living Helps Everyone
Community living isn’t just better for people with IDD. It’s better for everyone. Support costs in institutions are much higher than in community living. In fact, Medicaid costs for people in institutions are three times higher! Community living also leads to:
- Better health. That means lower healthcare costs.
- More employment. That means more people earning and spending money.
- Stronger communities. That means happier, safer places for everyone.
Why Are We Still Fighting for This?
With all these benefits, it’s hard to understand why community living is still under threat. But some lawmakers have cut Medicaid. They want to get rid of community living programs. These cuts would hurt people with IDD. And they would end up costing the government more!
We must remind decision-makers that community living is a right. And it works. It saves money, improves lives, and builds stronger communities.
Learn More and Speak Up
Want to take action?
- Contact your lawmakers! Tell them to protect the rights to community living.
- Watch our Independent Living Playlist on YouTube.
- Read our blog post about Olmstead and the right to community living.
- Build your skills with our free self-advocacy courses.
- Connect with other self-advocates. Join our LinkedIn group.
Community living is better for everyone. We must fight for the supports that make it possible.