There’s No Place Like Home: A National Housing Study

National Online Survey

The first part of this study included a national online survey of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family members of people with IDD. The survey included both quantitative and qualitative items.

Group Activities

The second part of this study included in-person nominal group technique (NGT) sessions across Illinois. NGT includes structured brainstorming like a focus group, except it is more inclusive, accessible, and collaborative.

After The Study

Following the completion of the study, CQL and The Arc produced a full technical report, fact sheets, and a short video which not only describe the study, but, more importantly, describe key takeaways to improve outcomes in housing decision-making and identify solutions for strengthening community inclusion.

Key Findings

• Most people with IDD and family members of people with IDD said that they had very little choice in where they lived
• Family members of people with IDD often decided where the person with IDD would live; sometimes the person with IDD was consulted, but often they were not.
• People with IDD cherished the time they had in, and with, their communities, and wanted more opportunities to integrate into their communities.
• People with IDD wanted to contribute to the choices that impact their lives, such as where they live, who they live with, and how they spend their time.
• People with IDD wanted opportunities to learn new skills, participate in tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and medication administration, and interact with friends and romantic partners.
• People with IDD wanted independence and opportunities, a setting that is physically accessible, to see their friends whenever they want, to be treated with respect, and to have well paid and qualified support staff.
• The majority of people with IDD and family members of people with IDD dreamt of people with IDD living in their own homes or apartments, as opposed to congregate care settings.