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The Arc of Philadelphia invests $1.6 million to enable independent living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

The Arc of Philadelphia invests $1.6 million to enable independent living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

The Arc of Philadelphia is continuing its work to ensure inclusion for all individuals by partnering with property developers to provide access to housing, enabling independent living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). With The Arc of Philadelphia’s legacy of advocating for inclusive housing, this investment is pushing toward independent community living for people with I/DD rather than segregated campus living, which has been the norm.

Over the last two years, The Arc of Philadelphia has been working with four property development organizations to make sure that each of the developers set aside a percentage of apartments for people with I/DD in their newly constructed buildings. These ground-breaking partnerships will fundamentally change the lives of not only the individuals with disabilities living in these apartments, but will enrich the diverse and inclusive communities in which they live. To date, seven people have successfully transitioned into their new spaces, with five more apartments being leased now and another five slated for next year. 

Careful planning with the developers ensured that the transition to community living would be as seamless as possible, with access to grocery stores, urgent care facilities, recreational centers, and public transportation nearby. The four buildings are located in diverse areas of the city and are in a variety of neighborhoods. Without this opportunity, individuals with disabilities would not be likely to have access to this type of life-changing freedom and independence. “We are grateful to be able to take this giant step forward toward inclusive housing, to be able to help individuals with disabilities live life the way that they want, to help them reach personal goals, and to afford them the opportunity to lead more fulfilled lives,” said Shane Janick, Executive Director of The Arc of Philadelphia. 

The Arc of Philadelphia has plans to invest another $600,000 in the next year to partner with another developer in a fifth location. All monies used for this initiative are from a family bequest earmarked for independent living for individuals with disabilities. To learn more or to make a donation to this initiative, please contact The Arc of Philadelphia. 

 

The Arc of Philadelphia
2350 W Westmoreland Street
Philadelphia, PA 19141
215-229-4550

www.arcphiladelphia.org

Neurodiversity in the Workplace Partner Organizations