Housing Candidacy

Autism Communities works to provide affordable studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments to qualified candidates, in a Non-Certified setting. Qualified housing candidates have the option to live independently in a studio or one bedroom apartment, with a roommate in a 2 bedroom apartment, or with a live-in caregiver in a 2 bedroom apartment.

In an effort to identify appropriate candidates for our current model, Autism Communities has set up a person-centered candidate process. This is to help individuals and their circles establish the steps needed, as well as those recommended, to be approved for AC-sponsored independent living arrangements. This is very much an individualized process, and Autism Communities always endeavors to ensure that potential residents are set up for safety and success, to the best extent possible. The length of the candidate process varies dependent upon several individual factors. Autism Communities has established the following list of criteria that help identify viable housing candidates:

• 20-35 years old. Please note this age range is for the purpose of our candidate process. Residents can remain in their housing through Autism Communities beyond the age of 35. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis
• New York State Resident
• Are currently Self Directed through NY State OPWDD through the Long Island DDRO office (or are willing to switch DDRO’s)
• Currently have a Self Direction Broker, Care Manager, and Fiscal Intermediary*
• Are willing to consider supports for independent living. This includes but is not limited to: Direct Support Professionals, Paid Neighbors, and Apartment Technology.
• Must not be considered medically fragile or have significant behavioral and/or violent tendencies.
• Must be able to complete a background check at the individual’s cost of $250 per potential resident.
• Candidate must be established in Self Direction for 6 months prior to applying for housing candidacy, and must be established with their circle for 9 months prior to becoming a resident.

It is highly recommended to join Club AC throughout the candidate process in order to make connections with current AC residents as well as other housing candidates.

*Please note that SMILE does not perform broker services for Autism Communities; housing candidates are free to use any qualified broker.