3.1.2 Living On Your Own
Louisiana Statewide Transition Project and Louisiana: Healthy and Ready to Work Fact Sheet Series
	7/1/99

I. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Where to live is one of the most important life decisions a person makes. Many young adults share the dream to live on their own. Living on their own can give young adults increased pride, privacy, and freedom to do things their own way. While adult living arrangements may not be a topic that is frequently stressed, it is vital that this very important area be given due consideration for all young adults making the transition to adulthood.

II. KEY POINTS

Traditionally, discussions of living arrangement options have focused on a continuum of options describe in the Target Areas for Transition Planning form (or the "Transition Menu") which is used by Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Louisiana when developing the Transition Services page of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). For young adults wishing to live on their own, there are two options listed: Living on Own-no support and Living on Own-with support.

When a young adult wants to live on his/her own, the possibilities are endless. Wherever they want to live, young adults should let those supporting them know their dreams! These people can help young adults figure out how to make those dreams come true. Listed below are some questions to consider:

· Where does the young adult want to live? Big city? Small town?

· What kind of housing does he/she want? House? Condominium? Apartment?

· Does the young adult want to own or rent?

· Does the young adult want to live with anyone? Who?

· When would the young adult like to begin living on his/her own?

· What services or supports may be needed for the young adult to live on his/her own?

· What resources (including financial resources) are available to the young adult? (Home of My Own, 1998)

Funding for services is often a key consideration when deciding where to live. Adult living services that enable young adults to live on their own in Louisiana are offered through Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD), the Office of Mental Health (OMH), and Louisiana's Centers for Independent Living. Each agency has eligibility requirements that must be met before services are offered. See the fact sheet 3.1.0 Choosing the Right Living Arrangement Option for general information about adult living services offered by each agency. Contact each agency for specific information about services offered and eligibility (see the Resources/Contacts section of this fact sheet for contact information).

In order to make informed choices, it is important to know the terminology used by agencies that fund adult living services. Two concepts that are frequently used when discussing living options are Independent Living and Supported Living. Independent Living and Supported Living services can enable young adults to live on their own. Although very different, these concepts are often erroneously used interchangeably. It is important to get clarification from agencies as to their definitions when considering whether to access their services.

Independent Living: Independent living is defined as control over one's life based on the choice of acceptable options that minimize reliance on others in making decisions and in performing everyday activities (Nosek, 1992). LRS (1997) defines independent living services as those services that enable an individual with a significant disability to function independently in the family or in the community. Independent living services are provided in order to teach a person to live independently in the community. No provision for ongoing support is included.

Supported Living: This concept supports the belief that people, regardless of their disabilities, should live in the community where they want, with whom they want, for as long as they want, with whatever supports they need to make that happen (Ferguson, et.al., 1990). Services are provided in order to support a person living in the community. Individuals are not required to have certain skills before accessing a particular living option. Provisions for ongoing support are included. It is not necessary for independence to be a goal.

By utilizing Independent Living services, Supported Living services, or both, young adults can get the training and support they need to make their dream of living on their own a reality. Remember, young adults do not have to be totally independent in order to live on their own. Few people are truly independent!

III. ROLES/NEXT STEPS

Students/Young Adults: Young adults should be active members of their IEP teams. By being involved in all transition planning activities and IEP meetings, they can assure that their wishes are heard and acted upon. More specifically, young adults should think about where they would like to live. They must express these dreams to others and advocate for themselves to make them come true.

It is important to consider the financial implications of the various living options. Many young adults may find they need to get a job, or to work more hours, in order to afford their chosen living environment. Young adults must also learn money management or ask for assistance with this from those giving support.

By beginning early enough, young adults may be able to learn how to do various homemaking tasks such as laundry, meal preparation, etc. on their own. If they are unable to complete all or part of these tasks, however, supports can also be used. It is not necessary to be able to do these things independently!

Young adults should think about living in a dormitory, renting an apartment, and even owning their own home. They should also remember that most young adults move rather frequently, so by learning about all options, they can better prepare for their future.

Young adults should explore services and supports offered by various agencies. Determine which services to pursue given individual support needs.

Families: Family members should think about their role in their son or daughter's life after high school. They should consider what role they will need to take when supporting their son or daughter when preparing for adult living. Family members should discuss their dreams and fears.

By identifying the strengths and needs of their son or daughter, families can help determine how to address those needs in the IEP. Families can also help young adults advocate for themselves in IEP meetings, and in daily life.

Families should help young adults explore services and supports offered by various agencies. They can determine which services to pursue given individual support needs.

Agencies: LEAs should ensure that post-school living arrangements are discussed at IEP meetings. Action steps to help young adults attain their desired living arrangement outcome should be a part of all IEPs, not just those for young adults with significant disabilities.

By taking a person-centered approach, agencies can help young adults live where they want while still receiving needed supports. Beginning with the dreams of individual young adults, then finding services and supports to make those dreams happen is the best way to ensure that only those supports needed are provided.

Participation in meetings at which transition to adult living is discussed and/or on a local interagency transition team are excellent ways to ensure that young adults exiting LEAs and entering adult agencies come with the living skills needed.

IV. RESOURCES/CONTACTS

A Home of My Own Project

504-942-5902

National Accessible Apartment Clearinghouse

800-421-1221
Email: clearinghouse@naahq.com

Centers for Independent Living:

New Horizons, Inc. (Shreveport area)

318-865-1000

Resources for Independent Living, Inc. (New Orleans area)

504-522-1955

Southwest LA Independence Center, Inc. (Lake Charles area)

318-477-7194

(Each center has satellite offices in surrounding communities)

Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)

922-2003 in Baton Rouge, or 800-579-5611

Families Helping Families (FHF)*

888-9111 in New Orleans, or 800-766-7736

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS)*

925-4131 (in Baton Rouge) or 800-737-2958

(contact to get the number of the office nearest you.)

Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)*

225-342-0095

Office of Mental Health (OMH)*
225-342-2540

*Contact these state offices in order to get the number of the regional office nearest you.

V. REFEERENCES

Ferguson, P., Hibbard, M., Leinen, J., & Schaff, S. (1990). Supporting community life: Disability policy and the renewal of mediating structures. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 1(1), pp. 10-35.

Home of My Own (1998). Home of My Own Housing Action Plan. New Orleans, LA: A Home of My Own.

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) (1997). Your Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation (LRS Document). Baton Rouge, LA.

Nosek, M.A. (1992). Independent Living. In Parker, R.M. & Szymanski, E.M. (Eds.), Rehabilitation counseling: Basics and beyond (p. 103). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.