Housing Myth Busting Community Spotlight: William B

Families CCAN is proud to be a recipient of the PA Developmental Disabilities Council’s Housing Myth Busting grant.  The goal of our project is to break down some common myths, or falsehoods, about housing for adults with disabilities. 

Along with our partners from Self Advocates United as One (SAU1), we are sharing information about Independent Living for Adults with disabilities.  

As part of our project, we are sharing a series of Community Spotlight Interviews.  These interviews highlight the stories of individuals with disabilities who are living independently in the community.  

Our next Housing Myth Busting Community Spotlight Interviewee is William B.  William recently moved from his family home into his own apartment in Delaware County.  William splits his time between his two jobs: as an SAU1 power coach, and as a professional artist with his own business.  William’s art has been displayed throughout the Philadelphia region.  

William was interviewed on Zoom by Housing Myth Busting team members Jenny Champignon and David Champignon.  William used his communication device to share his answers during the interview.  This interview  has been lightly edited for clarity and length, but the words are all William’s own. 

Jenny: Can you tell us a little bit about where you live? 

I live in a suburban town very close to Philadelphia.  I live in an apartment on the first floor.

Jenny: And do you own your home or rent it?

I rent my apartment. 

David: How long have you been living on your own?

I have been living on my own for 2 months.

Jenny: Fairly new for you. I forget that sometimes. Do you have a housemate?

No, I do not have a roommate.

Jenny: How did you decide about having a housemate or not having a housemate?

I need space and time for my own routines.

David:  Did you get to choose where you live?

Yes, I looked at different apartments online and in-person with my support staff and family, and chose the first apartment that was a good fit, and the landlord took my housing voucher.

David: Cool. It's amazing what you can do online nowadays.

Jenny: What were some of the things you needed to consider when looking for a place to live?

[My] first concern was affording the apartment. I also needed to find a landlord to take my housing voucher.  Once I found a good apartment, I made sure I could fit my body through doorways and in the shower, and had enough space to cook with support at my side.

David:  What is one thing you know now that you wish you'd known before you started living on your own?

Living on my own is awesome.

Jenny: Who helped you plan your  move to your own place?

My family, like my mom and dad, my aunts, and family friends;  direct support staff, support coordinator, and support broker.

Jenny: I love that you had a whole supportive team, that's awesome.

David: What are some steps you took before you moved to your home?

For the first month of my move, I slept at my parents' house, but prepared my meals at the apartment.  I built my bed frame and closet frame, and then moved my mattress in. I filled my cabinet and fridge with food. I had virtual meetings and email threads with all my supporters together.

David: Cool, so you were able to communicate with your entire support team, and do what you needed to do using email.

Jenny: how are you paying for living in your own place?

I am paying [to live in] my own place with my earned income from two jobs, my SSI payments, food stamps. . . . and a housing voucher.

David: What supports do you use to live more independently?

I have direct support staff, and I use housing and tenancy support.  I also have natural support from my mom. She picks me up from church on Sundays and helps remind me when I have packages or people at my front door through my Ring camera.

David: Cool, so you use a combination of technology and the people around you. That's cool.

Jenny: Do you receive waiver services?

Yes, I receive waiver services like support broker, in-home and community support service, and HTTS [Housing Transition and Tenancy Support Service].

David: Can you share more about how housing transition and tenancy services helps you?

Yes, I use HTTS. My housing resource specialist helped me look at Zillow apartment listings and crunched numbers for what I could afford. My housing resource specialist also spoke to landlords and other [waiver]  providers like SafeinHome.  I have cameras and wake-up reminders in my apartment, and get check-in calls from SafeinHome.

David: Has the way that you use your supports changed over time?

Yes. I used to go to a day program. I told my family that I didn't want to go there anymore, and that I wanted to choose what I do every day. I now self-direct all my services, and I can do my art and go to places that I want to now.

David: It's very good, William, that you knew you didn't want to go to the day program, and that you wanted to make other changes, and advocated for yourself until you got them, no matter how long the process took. 

Jenny: How do you speak up and get the support that you need?

I speak up every day.

Jenny: What skill do you think has been most important to being on your own?

Cooking my own breakfast, and bathing and dressing in the morning before my staff comes is my routine. These skills help me be ready for the day. 

David: Did you have to make any adaptations to make your home accessible?

A Ring Camera.

Jenny: What kind of technology do you have in your house to help you with independence?

My air fryer and microwave are big tools for my independence.  I also communicate every day with my staff, co-workers, friends, and family on social media chats and text message. My mom can see who comes into my home and how I am doing with a Ring camera, and SafeinHome cameras.  I have tablets in my home I can use to ask SafeinHome for help.

David: Do you use a food delivery service?

I usually walk or drive to restaurants nearby, order pantry food on Amazon, and use Walmart online.

Jenny: What is one thing that is wonderful about living in your own place?

I have alone time, and I do what I want in my own place.

David: How do you get around in your community?

I get around by walking and driving with my support staff and family.  I plan to take the regional rail train into Philadelphia soon.

Jenny: Do you feel included in your neighborhood?

Yes, I walk and see neighbors.  I like to go to my church to make art on the weekdays, and for services on Sundays.  I love to go out to eat at pizza places and Mexican restaurants.  I go shopping most days at bargain and dollar stores or grocery stores, and sometimes art stores.

Jenny: Are there accommodations or adaptations that you use to live your everyday life?

I meal plan in Google Docs before I go food shopping. My support staff helps support my communication. 

David: What advice do you have for other people with disabilities who are thinking about getting their own place?

Keep speaking up.  Don't stop speaking up, no matter how long it takes. 

This project was funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.  To learn more about the project, please visit our Housing Myth Busting page.