Housing

1
Housing

• Denisse Buenrostro
• Pamela Melcher
• Lorraine Vail

2
Housing

• Perhaps no other element of our lives is more
  important to our feelings of security, happiness,
  and well-being than our home (McDonnell,
  Hardman, McDonnell,, 2003).
• When large institutions began to reduce their
  populations, residential programs became a
  critical component of the community service
  system for individuals with disabilities
  (McDonnell, Hardman, McDonnell,, 2003).

3
The Law

• The Fair Housing Act - prohibits discrimination
  in the sale, rental, and financing of housing
  based on race, color, religion or national
  origin. 1988 amendments added discrimination
  based on family status or handicaps or
  disabilities of the tenants.

4
Continuum of Residential Services

• Nursing Home Programs- 24 hour medical care,
  little emphasis placed on training that would
  lead to independent living.
• Intermediate care facilities for the mentally
  retarded- 24 hour care, provide active treatment
  based on individual's habilitative needs.
• Group homes- provide habilitative programming to
  lead to independent living.

5
Continuum of Residential Services

• Foster care - in individuals own home or in the
  home of another family providing room and board
  but may have some habilitative programming.
• Supervised apartment - individuals live in their
  own residences with training provided by nearby
  staff.

6
Housing Options in Brazos County

• The Bryan-College Station Area offers a variety
  of living options and support for individuals
  with disabilities. These options include nursing
  homes, long term care facilities, apartments and
  low income housing.

7
Housing Options in Brazos County

• Brazos Oaks Personal Care Center- assisted
  living for elderly and disabled including
  bathing, dressing, medications, meals, snacks,
  housekeeping, and laundry.
• The Arbor on the Brazos - provides assisted
  living in one to two bedroom apartments.
• Texas Department of Human Services- Community
  Care for the Aged and the Disabled- provides
  in-home and community based services including
  occupational therapy, foster care, minor home
  modifications, medical supplies, speech
  pathology, respite care, physical therapy,
  nursing services, and emergency response.
• Southwood Village Apartments - priority low-rent
  housing for individuals with disabilities and the
  elderly.

8
Project Findings and Attitudes

• Generally positive response from community.
• Minor changes made in directory.
• Possible directory additions?

9
Possible Barriers for Those Seeking Housing

• Those eligible can not access services.
• No mandate that states have to provide these
  services.
• Lack of funding - significant portion of funding
  still going to public institutions (McDonnell,
  Hardman, McDonnell,, 2003).

10
Conclusion

• Individuals with disabilities face a significant
  number of challenges to achieving full acceptance
  and participation in community life with the
  availability of housing being a key component.
  Brazos valley provides many options, but will
  continue to work to open its doors.

11
References

• McDonnell, J. J. , Hardmen, M. L. , Mc
  Donnell, A. P. (2003). An introduction to
  persons with severe disabilities. Boston Allyn
  and Becon.