SUPPORTED LIVING

Among Stepping Stone's variety of services, "Supported Living" represents an approach to services where the individual with the disability has control over his or her living arrangement. The individual decides if they want to live with a roommate and, if so, who that person should be.

In the "Supported Living" program, the individual receives support from trained staff or a personal attendant of the individual's choice. In group homes or supervised apartments operated by Stepping Stone, the resident moves into a complete package of services that often includes a pre-arranged roommate. The facilities are owned by Stepping Stone, staffed by Stepping Stone employees, and the living arrangements often include rules to which the individual must adhere.

In a "Supported Living" arrangement, the resident has much more power and control over the environment and the services. As managed care comes to developmental disability services nationwide, the need to develop flexible, customer defined and customer driven services is essential.

Stepping Stone is actively engaged in planning for this new era in services. "Supported Living" staff empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live on their own, maintain a home and realize dreams and desires unattainable several years ago.