developmental disabilities Archives

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Community Vision, a leader in advancing self-advocacy and person-focused housing for people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, received a $100,000 grant from the Kuni Foundation to enhance housing access efforts.

"Housing access is the basis of leading a self-determined life. When the individuals we work with have housing that meets their needs, the impacts reverberate to other aspects of their lives, and often the growth is nothing short of transformative. I am excited to see the advances we will make in equitable access to housing thanks to our partnership with the Kuni Foundation," says Allen Hines, Community Vision's Housing Access Director.

The region's lack of affordable housing impacts people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) especially hard, as this community is often left out of affordable housing policy discussions and planning. Yet the majority of individuals who experience I/DD are low income and increasingly face housing insecurity.

In addition to financial challenges, individuals who experience I/DD are continually isolated, due to decades of systemic barriers that prevent inclusion. Thirty years after the adoption of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), people are still grouped together outside the classroom, in specialized housing, and in certain areas of the community. Individuals often face multiple barriers to accessing safe, stable, and affordable housing such as communication challenges, lack of understanding and outright discrimination. These factors, combined with a lack of navigation conspire to limit independent and person-focused housing options for individuals who experience I/DD.

"Our goal is to transform a lack of understanding and awareness regarding the housing needs of individuals who experience I/DD into enthusiasm and action for increased options and opportunities," said Greg Goodwin, Board Chair of the Kuni Foundation. "We're excited about this initiative and proud to support the inclusive efforts of Community Vision, who work to bring the words and intentions of the ADA to life."

In response to the housing crisis faced by people who experience I/DD, the Housing Access Program will focus on three main areas: the development of new units; housing support and navigation services; and advocacy efforts.

To advance the creation of affordable, accessible units, Community Vision will partner with local housing developers and Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to set aside units in new housing projects for people who experience I/DD and think creatively about other housing options, such as ADUs. The organization will also help families and individuals navigate the complexities of accessing affordable housing, in addition to providing the support and resources people need to be successful in maintaining housing. In collaboration with activists, providers and other stakeholders, Community Vision will advocate for system change at the local and state level, including state rental assistance funding, integrated and inclusive housing models, and the development of an accessible rental registry.

About Community Vision:

Since 1989, Community Vision has worked to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work and thrive in the communities of their choice. The organization provides supported living, employment services, housing resources, financial education, advocacy, and assistive technology. To learn more, visit https://cvision.org/

About the Kuni Foundation:

Based in Vancouver, Washington, the Kuni Foundation funds cancer research and supports programs and initiatives that enhance the lives of adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more at https://www.kunifoundation.org/ or via Twitter at @KuniFoundation.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0806s2p-kuni-fdn-colleen-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Colleen found housing that fits her needs and preferences thanks to the work of Community Vision. Thirty years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, housing remains a critical need for people who experience disability as affordable housing policies and projects often exclude this community.

Media Contact:
Angela Hult
Angela.hult@kunifoundation.org

Community Vision, a leader in advancing self-advocacy and person-focused housing for people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, received a $100,000 grant from the Kuni Foundation to enhance housing access efforts.

Related link: https://www.kunifoundation.org/

MONTPELIER, Vt. /ScoopCloud/ -- This morning, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) announced that Nicole Dufour and Marian Mulba-Poquee, both Direct Support Professionals at The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc., have been named the recipient of the 2019 DSP of the Year award.

Dufour and Mulba-Poquee join more than four dozen other recipients of ANCOR's 2019 Direct Support Professional of the Year awards, chosen from a field of nearly 350 outstanding nominees.

"IPPI is overwhelmingly proud of Nicole Dufour and Marian Mulba-Poquee for their award recognition of course, but more importantly for their dedication and commitment to true community inclusion for the individuals we support," said Lou Giramma, IPPI CEO. "We cannot think of two people who more clearly demonstrate the power of person-centered supports, and we're so grateful that ANCOR has recognized both Nicole and Marian with this high-profile honor."

Awarded annually since 2007, ANCOR's Direct Support Professional of the Year awards recognize outstanding professionals who provide long-term supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The awards and the accompanying presentation at ANCOR's Annual Conference were created to celebrate the important role Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play in ensuring individuals with I/DD can be included and empowered in their communities, and to raise awareness about a direct support workforce in crisis. Nationally, turnover rates near 50 percent amount to a significant shortage of DSPs.

"I started my career in the field of disability supports as a DSP, and so I know just how critical DSPs are to supporting individuals in their quest to live their best and most fulfilling lives," said Robert Budd, President of ANCOR and Chief Executive Officer at FREE, Inc, in Old Bethpage, New York. "DSPs rarely receive the recognition they deserve, and for that reason I'm proud of our association for recognizing Nicole Dufour and Marian Mulba-Poquee and all of their significant contributions to the lives of the individuals supported by The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc."

Barbara Merrill, ANCOR's Chief Executive Officer, added: "I often describe DSPs as 'community navigators.' Far more than just caregivers, DSPs do it all. From navigating civic life to supporting individuals to create a sense of community around them, DSPs make magic in their communities every single day. These awards represent just a fraction of the recognition that individuals like Nicole Dufour and Marian Mulba-Poquee deserve."

The 2019 Direct Support Professional of the Year awards will be presented in a ceremony in Portland, Oregon, on May 8, 2019, at ANCOR's Annual Conference, Bridges to Better Outcomes. Members of the press interested in attending the awards presentation should contact Sean Luechtefeld, ANCOR's Director of Communications, at sluechtefeld@ancor.org or 703.535.7850, ext. 100.

About ANCOR:

For nearly 50 years, the American Network of Community Options and Resources has been a leading advocate for the critical role service providers play in enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As a national nonprofit trade association, ANCOR represents 1,600+ organizations employing more than a half-million professionals who together serve more than a million individuals with I/DD. Our mission is to advance the ability of our members to support people with I/DD to fully participate in their communities. Learn more: https://ancor.org/.

About The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc. (IPPI):

The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals of all ages who experience developmental disabilities. Founded nearly 40 years ago, IPPI's mission to build strong communities by empowering individuals permeates the work of the agency, providing highly individuated care to everyone who turns to IPPI for support. IPPI's service footprint spans throughout New England and in Maryland. Learn more about the transformational work happening in a community near you at https://www.ippi.org/.

This morning, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) announced that Nicole Dufour and Marian Mulba-Poquee, both Direct Support Professionals at The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc., have been named the recipient of the 2019 DSP of the Year award.

Related link: https://www.ippi.org/

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Tag Archives: developmental disabilities

National Disability Provider Association Names Nicole Dufour and Marian Mulba-Poquee Recipient of 2019 DSP of the Year Award