What is Supported Living?
The Adult Supported Living (ASL) Program provides ongoing services for adults to live independently in the community. The program is designed to support people living with severe physical disabilities in combination with a secondary disability. MRC contracts with agencies statewide to provide case coordination.
Consumers choose the agency they want to work with based on availability in their area. The case coordinator meets with the consumer at their home, centered on their jointly developed supported living service plan. Services vary according to the consumer’s need. The consumer will have access to a 24 hour on-call number for emergencies and unforeseen problems.
Additional Resources
Services
Services include:
- finding accessible housing
- managing:
- PCA program
- medication
- health
- finances
- household
- transportation
- requesting adaptive equipment
- accessing educational, vocational, social & recreational opportunities
- self-advocacy
The program is rooted in the independent living philosophy which empowers consumers to make their own decisions about their lives, based on informed choice. This includes the right to take risks and perhaps even fail at times.
Additional Resources
Who is eligible?
An adult living with:
- A severe physical disability
- A secondary (sensory, cognitive, or emotional) disability which significantly impede on the individual’s ability to manage their day-to-day life.
Potential applicants need to have a) Massachusetts residency, b) the ability to handle the emotional stresses of community living with reasonable supports and c) be their own guardian. Consumers receiving comparable services through another state agency or MRC Community Based Services (Waiver or SHIP) are not eligible.
Please note:
-
There is no financial need criterion
-
The program does not include the provision of companionship or supervision. Consumers must possess the cognitive and psychological abilities to make safe decisions on a moment-to-moment basis.
Additional Resources
How does the Turning 22 (T22) program work?
MRC works with special education departments to coordinate services for students who will be graduating and needing supported living services to meet their independent living goals. Students begin meeting with a case coordinator during their last year in school. MRC funds agencies statewide to provide on-going case coordination services to transition and maintain into school, work and living in the community.
Eligibility For T22: Consumers need to be eligible for Chapter 688 transition planning with an independent living goal.
Contacts
If you need assistance while filling out this application, please call MRC Connect at 617-204-3665.
MRC Connect includes an online referral application that collects needed information across several MRC programs. This application helps you and MRC match needs to the available programs you may be eligible for.