Accommodating adults with intellectual disabilities and high support needs in Individual Supported Living arrangements. AHURI Final Report no. 380

This research investigated Individual Supported Living (ISL) arrangements, which have been developed to provide appropriate and preferred homes for persons with intellectual disabilities and high support needs.

ISL may take different forms. It is not focussed solely on the physical housing setting, as the nature of supports available to the individual is central to the model. It may include a mix of formal and informal supports, as well as opportunities for individual growth and development across a range of social and community roles tailored to the needs, preferences, strengths, vulnerabilities and ambitions of the individual.

The ISL Framework is built around three fundamental assumptions:

• all adults with disabilities can live in an ISL arrangement if they are provided with the appropriate supports
• persons with disabilities do not have to live together
• persons with disabilities in an ISL arrangement do not have to live alone or independently.

Study participants highlighted the benefits of quality ISL arrangements and the challenges in developing and maintaining them. Coordination of disability and housing policies and practices will enhance the sustainability of these arrangements. This includes the need to recognise and coordinate access to affordable and suitable housing, as well as in-home support.

Three interrelated areas for further policy development were identified in addition to the need for a national framework and guidance to support the establishment and continuation of ISL arrangements.