Many North Carolinians with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) have not had access to one of the most person-centered service options available: receiving supports needed in one’s own home. Services provided to people with IDD are increasingly shifting to smaller scale settings, including group homes, host families or private homes, but still do not provide person-centered, individualized supports. While smaller, congregate settings offer physical integration into the communities, they rarely provide the opportunity for true, inclusive community integration.
In November 2016, an amendment to North Carolina’s Innovations Waiver expanded the scope of available services to include Supported Living, literally opening doors for individuals with IDD. Through the service, individuals may live in their own homes with only the supports that they choose, allowing them as much or as little help as they want and need.