Shedding some light
Finding appropriate housing for a loved one with an intellectual disability can mean lots of questions along the way. At LIGHTS, we want the process to be as simple as possible. Here are the answers to some questions you may have. Please contact us at LIGHTS@cltoronto.ca for more information.
Who is eligible to be involved?
LIGHTS applicants and their families must:
have an intellectual disability and be eligible for supports in the developmental services sector as assessed through Developmental Services Ontario -Toronto Region (DSOTR). Visit www.dsontario.ca for more information.
be at least 18 years of age.
live within and be seeking residential opportunities within the city of Toronto.
want to connect with other families and individuals.
want to explore future living arrangements, options and partnerships.
be willing to develop a comprehensive plan and budget.
be prepared to self-manage a living situation.
What supports are available through LIGHTS?
Individuals and families can access support around person-directed planning, budgeting, networking and partnership development. LIGHTS funding is also available, up to a maximum of $25,000 annually for up to 5 years per family, for those eligible or who require interim funding to get a living arrangement off the ground. LIGHTS will support and guide individuals and families through the many options and decisions they will face as they take this journey. Our Facilitators will continue to support individuals and families after a new living arrangement has been created and can be accessed whenever necessary for questions or guidance.
What is Person-Directed Planning?
Person-directed planning is where a person tells us about their hopes and dreams. Through a facilitated process, it looks at the supports necessary for success and the actions required so that a person has every opportunity to achieve their goals. While the individual directs and owns the plan, it is often helpful that they have people who know them well, and are involved in the plan, to support the process.
This approach highlights the importance of the person taking the lead on the plan, deciding what is most important to them, and what their future could look like.
Why does a family member need to have a Person-Directed plan to be involved in LIGHTS?
LIGHTS is grounded in the core values of Community Living Toronto and person-directed planning; hence our approaches are rooted in those values. Planning provides the individual with a voice and is a tool to bring the important people in that person’s life together to create positive change. It builds on current relationships and develops an action plan to bring the person closer to his or her dream.
Planning takes a holistic approach initially looking at the various aspects of the person – what they like to do, whom they like to spend time with, what’s important to them and what their dreams and aspirations are for the future. Further planning digs a little deeper and creates a more detailed plan for where they would like to live, with whom and what it will take to make it happen. Planning is key to know what the goal is and what steps are necessary to get everyone there.
How long will it take to create a living arrangement for an individual?
There is no definitive answer for this. It will be different for everyone! Many things will affect the time it takes to create a living arrangement outside the family home; for example, an individual’s and/or family’s readiness to make this move; finding the right housemate; or developing a partnership with other families that is agreeable to all.
What do you mean by families must be willing to “self-manage” the living arrangement?
LIGHTS will support families in creating living arrangements and arrange the support provided to the individuals living together in partnership with the families. The intention is that individuals and families go into partnership with each other and share the responsibility of making sure that their family member’s needs, and household needs are taken care of on a daily basis.
This is what “self-manage” ultimately means. LIGHTS, as a supportive partner, will encourage individuals and families to discuss and collectively decide what they want and need, and how they will work together to make it happen.
Who would hire the caregiver or support?
During planning and while developing the budget, this question is explored. Families have options. They can self manage or hire from an agency of their choosing. A LIGHTS Facilitator will walk them through the options as well as how much support is needed.
There are families who recruit from their networks, interview, hire, train and supervise. This is done in partnership with other families who find it rewarding and can do so within their budget. LIGHTS is available for consultation if the families would like that type of support
Can Community Living Toronto staff be hired?
Yes, Community Living Toronto staff can be hired by LIGHTS families to provide individualized supports. Families can discuss this option with their LIGHTS Facilitator.
Is LIGHTS funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services?
Community Living Toronto receives funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services that covers two LIGHTS Facilitator positions.
Can LIGHTS help families find financial resources?
LIGHTS Facilitators help families develop a budget, examining the resources that the individual currently has and what future expenses would be in a new living arrangement. Through the budgeting process, the Facilitators determine what the funding gap is and will discuss with the family how they could contribute to narrowing that gap.
How can families access LIGHTS funding?
LIGHTS funding of up to $25,000/year for up to 5 years is available to families who need additional support in setting up a home for their loved one. As part of the budgeting process Lights Facilitators can discuss eligibility and help with the application process.
Where does the money for LIGHTS funding come from?
LIGHTS funding is possible through the support of our generous community of donors. The LIGHTS Advisory Board has a fundraising goal of $500,000 per year and reaches out to foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Do the families have to contribute financially to LIGHTS and if so, how much?
If there is a need to request funding from LIGHTS, families are asked to contribute a minimum of 20% of the funding gap.
Do families have to report funding from LIGHTS as income on their income tax?
We understand from a variety of sources that there is not a simple, straight forward answer to this question and much like other aspects of LIGHTS, it’s all very individualized. We suggest discussing your particular situation with the Facilitator and/or an accountant.
How do you match people with potential roommates?
Individuals and families are matched with other individuals and families based upon a variety of factors such as common interests, hobbies, the desire to live in a specific neighbourhood, etc. When possible, this is done with the assistance of a facilitator, however families can also self-manage this process. Access to our e-mail network, networking events, and sharing other networking strategies are all part of working with LIGHTS.
How many roommates will an individual have?
Individuals and families will have to examine what they would like and how many would make sense for the individual, as well as the financial implications. Living with others does enable individuals to share common living expenses and can make living on one’s own much more manageable.
When a living arrangement is up and running, is that the end of LIGHTS support?
Not at all! LIGHTS will continue to be a supportive partner and will be available to help individuals and families brainstorm, plan, and problem solve situations as they arise. Also, if a family is receiving any LIGHTS funding, there will be regular communication in regards to the funding.
What if the living arrangement doesn’t work out and an individual wants to move out?
In the event that a living arrangement does not work out, and all efforts have been exhausted to resolve the reason for the breakdown, LIGHTS will facilitate the planning process and support the families involved with next steps.
If LIGHTS funding is involved, the LIGHTS Facilitator will meet with each family to discuss if the move will affect the level of LIGHTS funding they currently receive. In some cases, it could be that funding may need to be put on hold or adjusted until a new living arrangement or roommate is found. Whatever the case, the LIGHTS Facilitators will guide the individual and family through the options available to them.
Does LIGHTS do presentations to parent groups or organizations?
Yes! Please contact us at LIGHTS@cltoronto.ca to discuss the possibilities.
What is the future for LIGHTS?
LIGHTS will continue to grow and provide needed support to many more individuals with intellectual disabilities who have a dream to live independently in their community. LIGHTS will also continue to share its model with organizations across Canada who want to set up a similar program in their own community. It is also our hope to share the blueprint of LIGHTS with other organizations across Canada. There have already been many inquires from other organizations in both rural and urban centers throughout Ontario who want to set up a LIGHTS in their own community. We will continue to work with MCCSS to ensure that, ultimately, they provide individualized funding for all families who have a son or daughter with an intellectual disability.