Communities all across the United States are beginning to address the severe shortage of housing options for those with developmental disabilities.

“Families increasingly are telling us they want the permanence and equity of home ownership,” said Mark L. Olson, president and CEO of LTO Ventures, which serves as consultant and project manager for the development and others like it. “It provides certainty in that a landlord cannot sell a home out from under tenants who may be leasing. It gives the family more control over accommodations or modifications that may need to be made. It builds equity that the adult with IDD can tap into later in their life after the parents are gone. It protects against rent increases or landlord discrimination.”

A suburb near Minneapolis recently opened a new development designed to met the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.  The property offers accessible homes, community activities, outdoor walking paths and is located in close proximity to shops, restaurants and other amenities.

To read more about other communities meeting the needs of those with developmental disabilities, check out the Disability Scoop story here.

*Photo Credit: Disability Scoop