Housing Initiatives

Housing for people with developmental disabilities in New York State (NYS) has changed over the years. There were once large institutional settings such as the Willowbrook State School which was one of the largest facilities of its kind.

Inhumane conditions at Willowbrook prompted a class-action lawsuit filed in 1972, alleging the facility violated the constitutional rights of the residents. The advocacy of parents and people with developmental disabilities resulted in a period of deinstitutionalization during which institutional facilities began to close.

In 1975, Governor Hugh L. Carey signed the Willowbrook Consent Decree, which obligated New York State to provide appropriate housing and services for more than 6,000 individuals at Willowbrook State School.

Today, there are no longer institutional facilities for the developmentally disabled in New York State. The State now offers a variety of housing options and other services to support people to live as independently in the community as possible . 

Housing Navigation

Housing Navigation is a service that helps people with developmental disabilities find housing in the community.

Individualized Residential Alternatives (Group Homes)

An Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA), or group home, is a residence of 14 or fewer people either operated or licensed by the Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). There are two types: supervised and supportive residences.

A Supervised residence provides around-the clock staff, while a Supportive residence allows more independent living under periodic supervision.

Intermediate Care Facility

Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) provide 24-hour on-site residential treatment options for persons with specified medical and/or behavioral needs. ICFs are designed for individuals whose disability severely limits their ability to be independent. 

Master Housing Navigator

With CDD funding, the NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation established five Master Housing Navigators, one for each OPWDD region. Master Housing Navigators work with people seeking to find their own person-driven, housing solution.   

Paid Neighbor

A Paid Neighbor can help a person with a developmental disability when they need assistance or with a particular task. They are someone who is "on-call"  and should be available to respond when needed.

Regional Housing Collaboratives 

Regional Housing Collaboratives bring together housing-related professionals interested in helping people with developmental disabilities by creating housing solutions. 

In alignment with the CDD's mission and the goals outlined in the 2022-2026 State Plan, the CDD has funded a number of projects aimed to support people with developmental disabilities and their families in accessing inclusive housing opportunities. 

Statewide and Regional Housing Collaboratives

Regional Housing Collaboratives are groups of diverse housing-related professionals interested in helping people with developmental disabilities and their families to identify and create housing solutions. This project aims to facilitate learning on a statewide basis by developing, creating, and implementing individualized housing plans for people with developmental disabilities that builds upon community resources.

Innovative Technology in Housing Initiative

The Westchester Institute for Human Development is pilot testing a project that, though partnership with local Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities sites, assesses individual needs, identifies and supplies appropriate enabling and/or assistive technology, and continually evaluates and provides support for people with developmental disabilities  who are living in non-certified housing options.

Housing Resources for Independent Living

This project aims to identify statewide and regionally-based resources on the various non-certified housing options available, including supportive apartments, paid neighbors, and live-in caregivers. These resources will be hosted on a newly developed website which can be accessed regionally or statewide.

Quick Guides: Tools for Independence

The goal of this project is to empower young adults with developmental disabilities to make decisions about the topics of housing, employment and volunteering, relationships, and the transition after high school. Information is presented in “Quick Guides,” which are short publications written in plain language.

The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook

2022 marked the 50th anniversary of Geraldo Rivera’s exposé of Willowbrook State School, which at that time was the largest institution in the world for people with disabilities. The report shocked the nation and forever changed the treatment of people with disabilities. In recognition of this milestone, the CDD produced a series of videos, including a half-hour documentary highlighting the importance of lessons learned, positive change that resulted, and the legacy of Willowbrook.

Housing Solutions for People with Developmental Disabilities: A Success Story 

This video looks at a Long Island development named Riverview Lofts, which integrated ten units of affordable housing set aside for people with disabilities. This video represents one of the success stories resulting from the Statewide and Regional Housing Collaboratives Initiative.

Housing Solutions for People with Developmental Disabilities: The Role of the Housing Navigator 

This video explores the journeys of Dan and Dave, two people with disabilities from Rochester, New York who found their own apartments with the help of a Housing Navigator.

Housing Opportunities for Independent Living 

This video explores non-certified housing options for people with developmental disabilities and the impact of Regional Housing Collaboratives.