The Cottage Foundation

Smart Solutions for a Critical Need: How Tech Firms Can Support Housing for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Across the U.S., people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a persistent and often overlooked housing crisis. While national conversations about affordability continue, they rarely address the specific, lifelong challenges that individuals with IDD—and their families—must navigate just to secure safe, stable, and supportive housing. This

Finding Each Other Again: The Gift of Independence for Our Special Needs Daughter and Ourselves

For years my wife and I dedicated our lives to raising both our daughters, but our older one has special needs. We love her deeply, and ensuring her safety, happiness, and well-being was always a top priority. But, as any caregiver knows, the daily responsibilities, the constant vigilance, and the

Maximizing Independence: A New Approach to Inclusive Living for People with Disabilities

For people with disabilities, independence isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how you live. Too often, residential communities that serve people with disabilities take a "one-size-fits-all" approach to care. Services are typically structured to accommodate those with the most significant needs, which, while well-intended,

The Benefits of Purchasing a Home in an Inclusive Community for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Raising a child with special needs is a journey that often extends well into adulthood. As children with special needs transition into adulthood, the responsibilities of their parents evolve, especially when it comes to ensuring their continued independence, well-being, and access to necessary services. For many parents, this shift can

The Importance of Permanence in Housing for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

When it comes to selecting housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the word “permanence” is more than just a buzzword. It’s an essential pillar of stability, security, and independence. For families and nonprofit organizations working with individuals with disabilities, the importance of permanent housing cannot

Navigating Preferential Treatment for your Child with Disabilities

My daughter Emma has some special needs. So, when she tried out for her middle-school track team I was wary. Would they all adjust for my fragile daughter? Here are some things I learned: 1. Give her a real chance At her first meet, after all the other heats were

Creating Inclusive Housing for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Why It Matters

When it comes to housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), we often focus on the basics: affordability, accessibility, and safety. While these are crucial elements, there's another factor that deserves just as much attention: inclusivity. It's not enough to simply provide a

Special Needs Housing and the Benefits of Owning a Home in a Supportive Neighborhood

A friend recently asked me how our Phoenix project, Luna Azul, compares to existing housing options for adults with special needs. I told her that, although many housing solutions exist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, none offer the same advantages as our project. This is why I was