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Specialized Housing promotes independence through home ownership, work, an active social life, and community connections. • CONTRIBUTION — to enable individuals with disabilities to find ways to contribute to society, through work, community activities, volunteer activities, helping others; • CONNECTION — to help and support individuals in making positive connections with others that are meaningful, mutually supportive, and life-enriching; • CELEBRATION — to participate in recognizing the accomplishments of the people we support, to celebrate traditional events, develop new traditions to celebrate, and to make fun a part of their lives; • COMMUNITY — to facilitate full participation in a community of peers and full participation in the larger community of the neighborhood, city, state, country, and the world. Specialized Housing consults with families, individuals, and groups everywhere to create the supportive housing of their choice. Since 1983, Specialized Housing, Inc. has created supportive housing opportunities for adults with disabilities in condominiums and apartments in the greater Boston area and other locations in New England and in the United States. The individual, family, or a trust owns the unit and the adult occupying the unit is supported in living as independently as he or she is able. A unit can be re-sold as any unit of real estate. If an individual wishes to move to an apartment or other living situation, Specialized Housing can assist in the process and can continue support services, if desired. Residents are involved in the planning of each
new household. When the household is operating, residents meet
regularly to discuss household policy, problems and needs, household
chores and maintenance, to plan celebrations, and to participate
in staff hiring. Specialized Housing residents have the opportunity to travel and learn from other special needs adults. Organizations and families in the Midwest, the West Coast, Canada, England, Scotland and the Netherlands have hosted Specialized Housing staff, families, and residents presenting at conferences and workshops. Specialized Housing provides advocacy and support to residents in the areas of vocational placement and training, counseling, and recreation. Professional staff are available around the clock to assist with time management, interpersonal skills, decision-making, housekeeping, and community integration. What Families Say “My daughter is having a life that's far richer than I ever imagined... It’s impossible to put into words the feeling of having our youngster in a tremendously supportive environment.” “The staff help the residents to develop their skills and function as a cohesive household. While the residents all have different interests and abilities, they have all ‘got a life’... we feel a sense of validation and relief. We have given our daughter roots and wings.” “Having M. move out on his own and into an independent living program has helped him grow into the person he is. Our family learned to accept M. for who he is and be proud of it.” “If I had been aware that supported housing
options existed when A. was 12 or 13, I would have done different
things with my finances. And I would have worked harder and started
earlier encouraging her to be self reliant.” “Before I didn't have many friends. Now, I have friends and I'm doing so many things I can't keep track of all of them!” “They should start houses like this all across the country. God forbid your parents die and you don't have a place of your own with your kind of people.” “My six housemates and I are renting a farmhouse on Cape Cod for a week in August. This is the second year in a row we've done this. We've been saving all year for it.” “The conference I attended in Cambridge, England was entitled ‘Turning the Red Lights Green’ which touched on various issues around people with disabilities and how they live their lives... I spoke about all my social activities over the years... my will and confidence to try new things and the pleasure I feel knowing I CAN do this.” “The thing I enjoy most is hanging out with all my friends at the movies, the mall and the sense of closeness and support we give each other. There is always someone to talk to through good times and bad and it can even get a little rowdy.” “Before I moved into the house, I was scared and excited at the same time. I was scared because I was leaving my mom’s house for the first time. I was excited because I was leaving my mom's house for the first time.” “I have lived in other programs before the house. But those programs did not have as much freedom as our house does. The freedom to go to the movies or out to lunch or maybe to a rock concert.” “This condo made it possible for me to be independent but not alone.” “My ten months have been for me the happiest ever. And my move out date is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER. I just love being here!” “I feel more useful when I’m helpful, which is why I have a thankful heart today…”
“As a staff member, I certainly felt I received much more than I gave.” “...great people living there - constantly warm, very interesting.” “Congratulations on running such a successful program; successful because it has consistently attracted such capable and caring employees, and because of the attitude of respect that allows people the opportunity to live their own lives in a structured, comfortable environment.” “I think my own life is richer and fuller due to this experience.” “The more I got to know the people there, the more similarities I found between them and myself, between them and other people. I saw their struggles to find a place for themselves, to understand themselves and their surroundings, and to confront the myriad problems, large and small, that every day presents.” “I was constantly impressed by their mutual acceptance and support.” ”Fourteen years ago when I started as a weekend staff person, I didn’t imagine that I would be standing here giving a speech as the House Manager. Over the years watching the residents grow is what has made me love my job. They are the reason that I love coming to work every day. They teach me things just as often as I teach them things.” “I also want to thank the parents and siblings of the residents for being so supportive to me. It makes my job easier…” "...living amongst them has enriched my life. I will miss seeing them each morning as I leave for work, or each evening when I come home from work... We truly embraced each other as if we were a family. Some days were more difficult than others, but overall, it was an incredibly rewarding experience that I won't be able to forget." “It is a very special group of people who live and work there, and I am fortunate to have known them.”
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