Community Waiver Services are designed to empower adults with disabilities to learn skills needed to be as independent as possible in both day-to-day activities and residence. Individuals can receive assistance with 24/7 supervised residential living services, assistance in their own home, or in their family residence. Two to four individuals may share a home with 24/7 supervision where they are taught to maintain their home, manage their finances, plan, purchase and cook their meals, and maintain their independence. Others may elect to live on their own or continue to reside with their family.

In other situations, a family may need respite care services that allow them to have time to complete errands, enjoy time with their spouse or spend a few quiet hours alone. These services are also available through the Community Waiver Services. In all forms of Supported Living Waiver Services, individuals are provided with many opportunities to achieve their highest potential.

Funding
Services in this program area are funded through the Residential Habilitation and Respite Services of the Medicaid Developmental Disability, Autism, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Respite Services of the Support Service Waiver.

Success story: Over the past several years, a non-interactive young man with autism has learned to become more engaged with others. When he first came to JRDS for services, he could not zip his own pants or coat or put on his seatbelt. He preferred not to interact with other people and didn't care to be outside. With time and patience, he has learned to dress himself appropriately, ride a bike, swim and go for walks. He now initiates conversations, goes out in the community, and has learned to maintain his living area. He has joined a social group of his peers and is working on learning to email his new friends. Through the Supported Living Waiver Services he has received from his JRDS staff, he has made significant progress and is interested in doing more!

How to apply for services