Through Supported Living, you'll work with a trained case coordinator that will coach you as you manage your day to day needs of living independently.
- This page, Supported Living Program, is offered by
- MassAbility
What is the Supported Living (SL) Program?
Supported Living is part of our Home and Community Life programs. It’s designed to help people with physical disabilities live as independently as possible — in their own homes and communities.
We ground our approach is the independent living philosophy, which means you’re the expert on your own life. You make your own choices, set your own goals, and decide what independence looks like for you. We’re here to support you along the way which means taking risks or learning from challenges.
Working with You
Part of supported living is that we work with you. While you may have many support systems in your life, our services are designed to support you directly.
We value your experience, your voice, and your goals. You lead the way, and we partner with you to help make your vision for independence possible.
Voluntary & Ongoing Support
Supported Living services are voluntary and ongoing, for as long as you can take part and work productively toward your goals. You choose how involved you want to be and your level of support can change as your needs or circumstances evolve.
You’ll work closely with a case coordinator, who will help you navigate the systems, services, and opportunities that support your independence.
What we can Help With
Through Supported Living, your case coordinator can assist you with many parts of daily life, such as:
- Managing your Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program
- Coordinating your health care and appointments
- Obtaining or maintaining adaptive equipment
- Organizing household tasks or finances
- Accessing education, job, or recreation opportunities
- Building self-advocacy skills
- Accessing transportation for work, appointments, or social outings
- Navigating the housing system and completing applications for accessible and affordable housing
While we can help you fill out housing applications and navigate the system, we do not own housing units or provide residential services.
Who Can Participate?
If you live with a severe physical disability and have another type of disability or health condition, you may qualify for our program.
To participate, you’ll need to:
- Be your own guardian
- Be able to make your own choices
Be able to live safely in the community and manage the emotional ups and downs of independent living
Personalized Support
We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, so we personalize our support to fit your needs. For example, your case coordinator can help you:
- Hire and train PCAs
- Apply for benefits such as MassHealth, SNAP (food stamps), or Social Security
- Connect with affordable housing and transportation resources
- Explore community programs or social activities that interest you
While our program doesn’t cover living expenses, we can help you find and maintain the benefits and services that make independent living possible.
Frequency of Support
Some people only need our help for a short time, like when they’re adjusting to a new living situation. Others stay connected longer, especially while using the PCA program.
Support can range from one visit a month to weekly check-ins, depending on what works best for you. Case coordination is available for up to 20 hours each month, and you may also use other supports such as day programs or help from family and friends.
Getting Started
Once Connect reviews your information and determines that you are likely eligible, one of our partner providers will reach out to schedule an in-home visit.
During that visit, they will:
- Learn more about your needs and goals
- Talk with you about what kind of support would help most
- Work with you to create a Supported Living Service Plan that outlines your goals and next steps
Have questions about the Support Living Program?
Address
Phone
MassAbility Connect Help Desk
Call MassAbility Connect, MassAbility Connect Help Desk at 617-204-3665
Fax
Attention MassAbility Connect
617-727-1354
Apply for the Supported Living Program
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