A NEW NAME FOR AN ESTABLISHED IDEA, AN INCLUSION MICRO COMMUNITY IS:

• a disability forward, supported, permanent residence that is developing in response to a devastating lack of safe, accessible housing in NYC.

• a community designed and built for people with moderate to high support needs, specifically people with I/DD and/or a requirement for ADA accessible housing.

• a place where residents will thrive among community minded neighbors both with and without support needs.

• a community where an Inclusion Manager will connect residents with services and opportunities to work and socialize both within and outside of the IMC.

• an independent path that affords residents to claim ownership of their decision making, promoting the evolution of who they are, whether or not to have a roommate, and what their own daily individual schedule looks like based upon their self-determined choices.

• a community that benefits from shared amenities and caregiving that would otherwise be too expensive to afford as individuals.

• a housing option that celebrates autonomy.

• the LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT for people with I/DD and functional disabilities who have moderate to high support needs and rely on others to help negotiate daily activities and routines.

• an environment developed in response to the isolation that many individuals with disabilities currently experience without access to true friendships, meaningful work opportunities, and with feelings of being unsupported and under-valued by their community.

• an inherently disability forward, pedestrian-oriented community that provides easier access to developing relationships, freedom to join or retreat from activities, and more choices in work or volunteer opportunities without being dependent upon others for transportation or planned outings.

• a space where inclusion is baked in and expressed through shared amenities, activities and social enterprises that are needed by both residents of the IMC, and in the surrounding neighborhood.

• a voluntary, non-institutional, affordable housing option.

• a home and community for many individuals both with and without a disability. 

• not just inclusive. An IMC embodies full inclusion.

• not a congregate care facility.

• not certified housing

• not isolating individuals with I/DD and other adults with disabilities.

• not increasing segregation of individuals with I/DD and other adults with disabilities.

• not in violation of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision, which expressly supports choice and access to necessary services.

sources: adapted content autismhousingnetwork.org describing intentional communities, and CHInyc.org, original content describing IMCs.

ENCOMPASSING CROSS DISABILITY DESIGN PRINCIPLES

• Disability forward, cross disability design, ADA+++++

• Inclusion Manager to connect residents with services and community, fostering culture of respect for residents and caregivers.

• 24/7 Doorperson

• Private event space with full kitchen

• Commercial space on ground floor that provides work opportunities for residents

• Flexible 1 bedroom apartments with option to adjoin neighboring apartments.

• Choice to live with a partner or roommate

• Safe community

• Close to transportation, no driving

• Cleaning service 1-2 x per week for apartments

• Easy access to outdoor space/nature

• Active social life

• Close to hospital

• Smart technology

• Fitness room

• Garden or rooftop terrace

• Visiting class instructors open to community (chefs, exercise classes, artists)