Residential Supports

A number of options exist to help people with developmental disabilities who wish to live in the community.  The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities has a webpage with resources, including a Residential Options counseling pamphlet, that describes services available through Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and services available under Home and Community-Based Waivers. They have also created a presentation and other materials to help people with disabilities and their families understand what to expect if they choose a waiver or an ICF. Some basic information is available below:  

Intermediate Care Facilities

For some, an Intermediate Care Facility, or ICF, offers the type of support they need. These Medicaid-funded facilities offer live-in, 24-hour care for people who need a high level of support. They are licensed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and operated by provider agencies.

What is an ICF?: In ICF settings, provider representatives manage all aspects of a person's care. You can learn more about ICFs at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities website.

ICF Location Map: Want to know where Intermediate Care Facilities are located? Check out this map.

Living with Family

Many people with developmental disabilities live with family members who support them with their daily needs. MCBDDS's Family Support Services program is available to families of eligible children and adults who do not receive support through Medicaid waiver funds. To learn more about this program, click here.

Living Alone or With Others

People with disabilities who have the ability to live alone or with others in the community have an assessment to determine the kinds of services and supports they need. They work with a team that includes county board staff, provider staff, family members, or people they choose who are important to them to identify and access different types of assistance through available Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid Waiver funding. Options may include living in an apartment or in a home with other individuals.

Remote Supports and Assistive Technologies

When a person with a disability has the ability and wants to live in a home in the community, remote supports and assistive technologies can be used to support their desire for independence. These technologies offer two-way communication in real time, and may include combinations of home-based sensors, cameras and other devices, to support and respond to the needs of individuals. For a brief overview of remote supports, read this article.

There are many types of supportive technology that can improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Check out our Supportive Technology-Based Services webpage for details.

Questions about Remote Monitoring and Support?  Contact Mitch Snyder at 937-559-0899.

Ohio Shared Living

Ohio Shared Living is a service authorized by county boards of developmental disabilities for people who live with a paid caregiver that delivers at least 20 percent of their personal care and supportive services.  That can be in the caregiver’s home or in the home of a person that needs support.

Ohio Shared Living caregivers or providers coordinate the support needs outlined in a person’s service plan, and help to facilitate those services.

Being a caregiver is a full-time commitment; however, caregivers can still work outside the home full-time, and respite programs are available to support them.

For more information about Ohio Shared Living, please: