The market need that Integrated Community Solutions is addressing with Autumn Bridge Crossing is substantial and increasing. There are far more adult residents of Ohio who have DD than there are safe, supportive, and affordable residential settings designed to accommodate their needs and want through their lifespans.

There were 263,613 people who have DD in the State of Ohio as of June 30, 2017, according to the

In-Home and Residential Long-Term Supports and Services (LTSS) for Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Status and Trends Through 2017 report produced by the Residential Information Systems Project (RISP) of the University of Minnesota. Of that total, 71,474 were 18 years of age or older not living in congregate settings.

More significantly, only 15,899 Ohio adults who have DD who received Medicaid HCBS waiver funded LTSS lived in a home of their own. Ohio is the 4th worst state in the nation in the percentage of individuals who have DD receiving LTSS who still live with a family member at 74 percent, according to the In-Home and Residential Long-Term Supports and Services (LTSS) for Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Status and Trends Through 2017 report produced by the Residential Information Systems Project (RISP) of the University of Minnesota. Without more safe, affordable, and supportive residential settings in the next decade, even more Ohio adults with DD will have limited or no opportunities to live as independently as possible in the setting and manner of their choosing just as their chronological age peers who do not have DD have every opportunity to access.

Additionally, families of adults with DD increasingly are looking for residential solutions for their sons and daughters that can be forever homes, that is, sustainable homes that offer the greatest long-term support for them when their parents are no longer around to support and advocate for them.

Autumn Bridge Crossing addresses the need for safe, supportive, and affordable residences for adults who have DD in northeastern Ohio with a sustainable model that can be replicated across the state of Ohio. The model incorporates best practices for living environments for adults who have DD who have a range of abilities and disabilities that have been pioneered by other intentional communities for adults who have DD in Ohio and across the U.S.

The for-sale residence structure provides the permanence families and adults who have DD seek while enabling a capitalization approach that results in the setting getting built and becoming operational debt-free in less than three years from project start. The setting size for approximately 50 adults is large enough to generate revenues to support its operational funding needs, but small enough to be located in infill locations close to day habilitation, employment, retail, dining, services, medical, and recreational options.

The for-sale model is relatively new to the market for supportive housing for adults who have DD. It first appeared in April 2017 at Luna Azul in North Phoenix, Arizona, but several projects in development in Arizona, Indiana, Texas, and Wisconsin have adopted and are being developed with that model.

The population’s need for this supportive housing grows but the affordable, supportive housing that is available does not. The market need that Integrated Community Solutions is addressing is substantial and increasing. There are far more adult residents of Ohio who have DD than there are safe, supportive, and affordable residential settings designed to accommodate their needs and wants through the lifespan. Of the 263,613 people who have DD in the State of Ohio an estimated 15-50 percent live with caregivers aged 60 or older who themselves may need supportive settings in the next decade. Gone are the days when individuals who have DD had to live with family their whole lives. They want more out of life and to grow to be independent.

Autumn Bridge Crossing will be an innovative, replicable, self-sustainable model that can be deployed across the State of Ohio and nationally. Individuals, foundations, and corporations interested in our vision and model have an opportunity to help us bring a compelling solution to market in the next 3-5 years.

We believe that our residential model, scope of programming, and inclusion of all community members with DD sets apart Integrated Community Solutions and Autumn Bridge Crossing from other organizations in Ohio. We are the first community in Ohio to develop for-sale housing for adults with DD. Home ownership is the American Dream and our for-sale ranch-style homes will provide permanence for adults with DD and their families. It also creates a vehicle to build equity and financial security for adults with DD after their families are no longer around.

We also offer more programs and are open to a broader community of adults with DD than organizations that only provide limited programs and only to their members. This scope of inclusion will be reflected in the Community Center we build for our neighborhood.

Autumn is the favorite season of one of the co-founders, Lisa Morrison. It is the season that has the warm, inviting colors that she finds so soothing and beautiful; the colors she hopes to bring into different aspects of the community to remind residents that this is a beautiful, safe place to live, where they will be surrounded by the warmth of friends and other caring individuals. 'Bridge' represents the bridge that our residents, or any person with DD will cross as they leave adolescence and transition to adult life. 'Crossing' represents the direction our residents are headed as they cross their bridge to independence, and arrive at our community, designed to be the safe, supportive and joyful community that they will enjoy for years to come.

Autumn Bridge Crossing will be a setting where residents know they are safe and have the supports they need to live the inclusive and independent lives they desire on their own terms. They will enjoy a community of friends at home and fulfilling and meaningful lives in the community.

We know from research and best practices in communities around the U.S. that individuals who have DD thrive in settings that optimize their individual initiative, autonomy, and independence in making life choices. Our model will facilitate individual choice regarding services and supports. Residents will choose and self-direct the people who will provide their daily living supports paid through their waiver funding.

They will be supported to have opportunities to seek employment, engage in community life, control personal resources, and choose their daily schedules. Autumn Bridge Crossing’s staff will enhance that by encouraging friendships and socialization, helping to organize activities, and ensuring a safe and well-maintained setting.

No, Autumn Bridge Crossing will be a neurodiverse setting for approximately 50 adults. Integrated Community Solutions will set a goal for no less than 2/3s of the residents to be adults with DD.

Our opening date will depend on a variety of factors, including finding the right land, obtaining the necessary zoning approvals, fundraising, and availability of construction materials and labor. We hope to be moving adults who have DD in sometime in the second half of 2025.

Our plan is to build on 12-20 acres somewhere in Medina County. We do not have land yet.

We do not have that information available at this time. We will disclose it at a later date.

Autumn Bridge Crossing will be built with a combination of for-sale home proceeds, donations, grants, and in-kind contributions.

Almost all of our units will be for-sale homes. We may reserve a couple to be leased for various durations for adults to occupy on a transitional basis to determine if Autumn Bridge Crossing is a setting where they can be successful.

We do not have that information available at this time. We will disclose it at a later date.

Residences cannot be sold on the open market. It is a closed resale market. We would buy it back from you at a predetermined price stated in the original sales contract. It is our desire for families to get their original purchase amount and not be penalized for trying an option for their sons or daughters like our community.

Adults ages 18 and older who have an intellectual or developmental disability and who meet the requirements of our evidence-based admissions process administered by a qualified third party. We will use this to determine who we believe can be successful in our residences. We expect there to be a range of abilities, support needs, and mobilities. Just because an adult who has DD may not be able to live independently doesn’t mean they couldn’t be a fit with our residential setting.

Residents will need to be able to communicate their wants and needs whether verbal, nonverbal, or through assistive or augmentative communications (AAC) devices. Residents and their families will be required to demonstrate that they have a sustained ability to pay for housing, programs and community fees (as applicable), and utilities, and have in place the necessary supports.

We will not be a skilled nursing or long-term care facility. Individuals who have developmental disabilities and are medically fragile or require periodic skilled nursing may be able to live successfully in our community as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Because our first priority is safety, we do not believe that adults with developmental disabilities whose behaviors make them a risk to the safety and security of themselves, other residents, staff, and guests, or to property will be able to live successfully in our community.

We will use an evidence-based admissions process administered by a qualified third party. We will use this to determine who we believe can be successful in our community.

Yes, very much so. We presently serve adults who have DD with several social and recreational programs. We will be forming a Resident Advisory Council and conducting focus groups and feasibility sessions with families. We are planning to add 1-2 self-advocates to full voting members spots on our board of directors. We have conducted 5 feasibility testing sessions to get feedback from self-advocates and their families.

Yes, that is our plan.

We don’t have that information available at this time. Our goal is to make it affordable to a wide range of adults and their families.

We expect families to purchase the units for their sons and daughters. Adult residents who have DD will utilize Ohio waiver funding to pay for their daily supports and services. They will utilize SSI or SSDI to pay for their daily living expenses such as utilities, entertainment, clothing, and sundries, and we expect many also will utilize SNAP (food stamps) to pay for some of their food costs.

Residents will be transported in the vehicles of their direct support professionals. This is how most residents will travel to and from the surrounding community. Residents who can safely utilize Uber or Lyft may utilize that option. Integrated Community Solutions may provide some additional transportation, but that has not yet been determined.

Autumn Bridge Crossing will produce a social impact locally and nationally in several measurable and meaningful ways. Autumn Bridge Crossing will directly address one of the most significant barriers facing adults who have DD becoming full members of society and that is permanent, safe, and supportive housing that is affordable for adults whose primary sources of income are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.

Our innovative for-sale model enables families to lock in housing for their son or daughter which eliminates the risk of institutionalization or homelessness. It enables families to build equity for their adult child that can be available after the parents have passed on. It frees the income for the adult who has DD to be used to support themselves to lead independent lives. Autumn Bridge Crossing becomes a supply of stable housing stock for the neighborhood in which it is built, and it is a model that can be replicated anywhere in the U.S.

solation and loneliness, lack of friendships outside of paid caregivers, food and housing insecurity, and lack of access to appropriate health and mental health resources are prevalent among adults who have DD and often are acute and difficult to solve. Autumn Bridge Crossing will be an intentional community designed to be permanent, safe, supportive, and affordable, but more than that, it will be a community in which approximately 50 adults who have DD will socialize, build friendships, share experiences, and support each other. Residents can begin their days together over breakfast and enjoy recapping their days over dinner. Knowing that a friend is just a few doors away in the Community Center will encourage many to leave their residences to spend time with others. Our Community Manager will help facilitate friendships, provide opportunities out in the community, and organize community activities for residents and their guests as well as families and volunteers.

Autumn Bridge Crossing will be a safe, supportive, and affordable residential community in Medina County, Ohio for approximately 50 adults with and without developmental disabilities (DD). Integrated Community Solutions will set a goal for no less than 2/3s of the residents to be adults with DD. Adults who have DD and residents who live there by their own choice will advise the community’s design and management and may serve on our Resident Advisory Council to help guide our operations.

Autumn Bridge Crossing will be developed as: a neighborhood comprised of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom for-sale ranch-style homes built as standalone, duplex, and triplex configurations; an Enrichment Center for programs, socializing, and communal dining; activity areas; greenspaces for horticulture; and, a variety of amenities that facilitate friendships and wellbeing.

No.

No. We do not plan to be a provider of services that utilize funding through DODD.

Yes.

We expect that we will have some form of communal dining and food service, but we are still evaluating options and plans with self-advocates and their families. We will disclose more as we gather information.

Yes, we plan to make fully adaptable kitchens a part of every residence based on the abilities of the residents. Some may be very capable with range tops, ovens, and microwaves. For those who aren’t capable or are still developing the skills to operate them safely, we will substitute modular counter/cabinet units in place of the range/oven.

Our vision is to promote independent living as much as possible so we would encourage families to plan for their sons and daughters to live separately from them. Because we are a neurodiverse community, we are open to families purchasing a home for their adult child and another for themselves in our community. We also are open to families purchasing a home that they will live in with their son or daughter. However, we will counsel families to understand that the sooner they begin preparing their adult children to live without the supports of their parents, the better prepared they will be when the inevitable day comes that the parents are no longer around.

Generally speaking, we would discourage pets like dogs or cats unless they are certified support animals, but we will evaluate each Applicant on a case-by-case basis. We prefer to minimize the presence of pets because of noise, biting, scratching, and toileting concerns that could affect the quality of life in our community. Also, we respect that some residents may be afraid of certain animals or allergic to them.

One person per bedroom. Couples in a romantic relationship are able to share a bedroom.

Generally speaking the families would need to each contribute to the purchase with cash. No lender will offer a split or fractional mortgage. We would strongly encourage families considering such an option to structure the deal with the benefit of legal and tax guidance counsel.

Yes, a condo community typically includes a monthly or annual fee for common area expenses. Families that purchase units from ICS are purchasing the interiors of their units. ICS will retain ownership of the exteriors and common areas. The Community Fee will be billed monthly and will pay for our Community Manager, maintenance, utilities, property taxes on the common areas, insurance, etc.

Each unit will have a stackable washer/dryer, full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, water heater, and HVAC system. Residents may bring a toaster, toaster/oven, coffee maker, blender, and other similar countertop appliances.

We are investigating this option, but it would be the responsibility of each family to work with the Housing Choice Voucher authority.

Each bedroom will have its own private bathroom.

ICS will have a list of names of Applicants who have expressed a desire to rent and have been approved through our Admissions process, but it will be the responsibility of the Resident and Resident’s family to choose the renter. The State of Ohio will not be able to “place” anyone in your home.

The Resident, Resident’s family, and Resident’s DSP staff will be responsible for ensuring their home is properly maintained.

Stackable washer/dryer in each home.

Homeowners are responsible for handling repairs inside their homes. ICS will provide Residents with lists of companies in the area that do a range of repairs. ICS also will counsel families and Residents to plan for how to pay for repairs including home warranties and insurance.

Minor modifications will be permitted without ICS review. Major modifications will require at least review in advance by ICS. We will prepare a list of types of modifications that fall into each category with the understanding that ICS will be the final authority on major modifications.

Completely unfurnished.

A Resident will be able to live his or her entire life there assuming that they remain financially, physically, and cognitively able to do so with appropriate supports.

We expect the indoor common spaces will be open during normal business hours daily.

We plan for the Enrichment Center to be a 10,000sf multipurpose building with: a teaching and event kitchen; communal dining area; exercise and dance studio; main room for sports, activities, gatherings, movie nights, and games; art room; music room; technology lab; conference room and flex office space.

We will have a Community Manager onsite during business hours. Originally we were not planning to have staff onsite overnight, but if enough families express a desire or requirement for it then we will consider it.

Autumn Bridge Crossing is designed for adults with DD and, in some cases, also their families. The goal of our community is to offer inclusion, independence, security and choice for our residents with DD.

Yes if the adult with DD is accepted through our admissions process and has the supports and services in place to be able to live there successfully. If the supports and services are to be paid for with waiver funding, the family and Resident would secure the waiver and local funding from Medina County prior to moving in.

No. Our place is to consider Applicants and their families on a first-come basis. Medina County residents may be better prepared if they already have waiver funding from the county.

There will be a Resident Code of Conduct. This will speak to appropriate conduct around other residents, staff, and visitors. If a Resident demonstrates behavior that presents an unmanageable risk to other residents, staff, and visitors, or to property that cannot be resolved, ICS will initiate a process for moving the Resident out of our community. We hope that our very thorough Admissions process can make sure that all Residents are able to live successfully in our community.