The law must allow relatives to open group homes for the severely autistic

Public comment to the IACC: “This system breaks families apart.”

“Now that they are men with the intellect of young children, they need adequate housing and support, beyond our home.” But “there is a severe shortage of Res Hab homes for the profound population.”

By Sara Polito

Our boys were diagnosed with profound ASD at 18 months. They are now grown men. Our hopes of finding a 'cure' or adequate community supports are long gone. The agencies designed to 'help' have almost a decade waitlist. We waited 8 years for any type of help. Now that they are men with the intellect of young children, they need adequate housing and support, beyond our home. There is a severe shortage of Res Hab homes for the profound population. By mandating that only non-family individuals, Not-for- Profit organizations, and corporations, be allowed to start and operate a group home is wholly inadequate. Parents or blood relatives cannot form group homes. This leaves parents at the mercy of whoever wants to open a home - good or bad. Depending on the level of services needed, the only 'bed' open may be across the state (away from the family home). This makes staying close, and visiting, almost impossible. This system breaks families apart. Families or blood relatives need to be able to form their own group homes, so this won't happen. The ones who care the most about these kids/ adults are the families. Not corporations running a home to make a profit off their disability.

This statement was submitted to the IACC as a public comment.

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