| Popis: |
Limited housing choices constrain autonomy and the opportunity to reach social potential for persons with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD). This project implemented and evaluated “Friendly Housemates,” a complex social model where persons with IDD shared housing with students. The purpose was to enable persons with IDD to engage in independent living within a secure, supportive environment. A qualitative study using in-depth, longitudinal interviews was conducted with persons with IDD, their student housemates, families and community agency staff; the data were analyzed inductively. Although the households encountered challenges, the results were encouraging and suggest the model has potential as a transitional housing option for people with IDD. Numerous recommendations were generated for policy and practice. |
