Two-minute impact
The study, released May 7, was commissioned in July as a partnership with Tri-County Behavioral Health and Project Beacon, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at improving the quality of life for children and adults with neurodiversities such as autism according to the organization. One of the largest areas of concern identified by the study was an estimated 10,091 adults with an intellectual disability in Montgomery County rely on a caregiver over the age of 60.
“Montgomery County residents with A/I/DD are experiencing an ‘invisible’ housing crisis,” said Kelly Baughman, executive director and cofounder of Project Beacon. “In Montgomery County, adults with cognitive disabilities face significant risks of involuntary displacement, institutionalization, or homelessness when their aging caregivers are no longer able to provide support. Compounding these issues is a scarcity of long-term services and supports, and employment opportunities.”
According to the study, the top five barriers to neurodivergent adults engaging with their communities are:
- Social overstimulation/overwhelmed
- Lack of personal transportation
- Lack of accessible activities
- Limited public transportation
- Lack of financial support
In their words
“Housing options are vital for individuals with A/I/DD because they provide a foundation for independence, stability, and quality of life,” said Evan Roberson, executive director of Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare. “Safe, accessible and supportive housing enables individuals to live in their communities, pursue personal goals and build meaningful relationships. Investing in diverse housing solutions empowers individuals with A/I/DD and strengthens families and communities.”
“Without housing options, this population lives with family members until a crisis forces rushed placements or even homelessness. These consequences are both traumatic for the individual and their family—and costly for our state and communities,” said Denise D. Resnik, founder, president and CEO of First Place AZ and mother of an adult son with autism. “Lack of housing options too often prevents the neurodiverse population from moving beyond their family home as integrated, contributing members of society with the support of those who know them best.”
What's next?
According to the study, the goal is to "review and promote options to expand the availability of affordable, accessible and integrated housing opportunities" within Montgomery County.
"To me, a key next step is to identify and bring together the various stakeholders to agree on a path forward. We don't want to waste all of the good ideas in this report, they must be put into action," Baughman said.
According to prior Community Impact reporting, Project Beacon is set to unveil its new facility at 27316 Spectrum Way in Oak Ridge North in May and will provide a space for adults with autism to explore social enrichment and skills training. Baughman said the goal is to begin vocational training programs in 2025 to further expand the nonprofit’s programs.
