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Independent Living

Housing Information

Mass Driver's License

Mass ID Information

There is a continuum of independent living supports and agencies upon graduation. As a student transitions to a postsecondary education experience, the option of independent living should be explored. If a student is interested in housing on campus, he or she should contact the housing office at that college as soon as possible because housing is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A student needing a personal care assistant should develop a list of needs and decide if their needs can be met through the school (assistance in the cafeteria) or if they should hire their own personal care assistant.

 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires colleges to provide equal access to individuals with disabilities, including accommodations in housing and education. Individual colleges can decide whether or not part-time students or students not formally enrolled (auditing or taking continuing education classes) can live in on-campus housing.

Considerations for Dormitory:

  • Application- How to apply, what to disclose regarding disability and need

  • Accommodations/Supports- What is the college's policy on providing supports?

  • Daily living activities

  • PCA-using a personal care assistant, Laundry, Meal times


Considerations for off Campus Housing:

  • Finding an apartment

  • Finding roommates

  • Daily living

  • Meals

  • Laundry

  • Paying bills

  • Emergencies

Housing Considerations for College Students

The Adult Supportive Living Program and Independent Living Centers

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This program provides case coordination services to individuals with a physical disability and an additional secondary disability to assist him or her in managing and organizing various aspects of day-to-day life. Multi-service agencies for persons with a multitude of disabilities and housing is one of the many services they provide.  Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) also provides housing resources for Individual who have a Mobility or Sensory Disability.  Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provides assistance and services to persons of all ages living with all types of mobility and sensory disabilities to live and work independently. Additional Resources are listed:​

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)

The Federation is a parent advocacy organization

113 5 Tremont Street (Suite 420)

Boston, MA 02120

Phone: 617-236-7210

www.fcsn.org

 

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MA Rehabilitation Commission

Phone: 617-204-3600

www.mass.gov/mrc

 

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Citizens' Housing and Planning Association

Phone: 617-742-0820 x 107

https://www.chapa.org/

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HomeStart, Inc

Phone: 617-542-0338 x230

https://homestart.org/

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Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership

Phone: 617-425-6694

http://mbhp.org/

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