About our Housing

---

In our commitment  to identifying candidates for housing, Autism Communities has  implemented a structured process. This process helps individuals and  their circles of support navigate the necessary steps, as well as  provide recommendations to qualify for housing through our program.  Emphasizing individualized support, we prioritize the safety and success  of potential residents. The duration of the candidate evaluation  process varies depending on the individual. To guide this process  effectively, we have established criteria aimed to identifying viable  housing candidates.     

• Must be  between the age of 20-35 to apply. Our residents have the opportunity to  maintain their housing through Autism Communities beyond the age of 35.  Exceptions to the age requirement may be considered on a case-by-case  basis
• Autism and/or other Intellectual Development Disability diagnosis
• New York State Resident
• Applying  candidates must be self-directed through New York State OPWDD through  the Developmental Disabilities Regional 5 Office (DDRO). Candidates  outside of DDRO 5 interested in housing with Autism Communities must be  willing to switch regional office
• Candidate must be established in self-direction for 6 months prior to applying
• Must have in place a Fiscal Intermediary, Self-Direction Broker and Care Manager
• ​Willing  to consider support recommendations for independent living - such as:  Direct Support Staff; Paid Neighbor; and Apartment Technology
• Candidates must not be considered medically frail or have significant behavioral and/or violent tendencies
• Candidates  must undergo a background check at their own expense, approximately  $250. This is the final step of the process before being approved for  housing