State of Vermont Agency of Human Services
Dept. of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
280 State Drive HC 2 South [phone] 802-241-2401
Waterbury, VT 05671-2020 [fax] 802-241-0386
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Rebecca Silbernagel, Principal Assistant
Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
rebecca.silbernagel@vermont.gov; 802-904-3749
***PRESS RELEASE***
DAIL awards grant to Upper Valley Services to develop housing options for people with developmental disabilities
Waterbury, Vermont. The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) is pleased to award Upper Valley Services (UVS) one of three Act 186 pilot planning grants to develop new and innovative housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities. Act 186 of 2022 appropriated $500,000 for housing and residential service pilot planning grants. DAIL has awarded Upper Valley Services a grant of up to $167,000 for this work.
The UVS project will outline a viable plan for successfully implementing 8 -12 housing units across Washington and Orange Counties. The aim of this model is to provide housing options that promote independence while offering access to transportation, social connections, and essential resources.
In addition, this grant will assist Upper Valley Services to create a comprehensive plan and include documentation covering location selection, cost analysis, compliance with zoning laws, and incorporating unique features to enhance independence through innovative or assistive technology. By documenting and sharing this valuable information with parents, individuals with disabilities, and housing groups, UVS hopes to better facilitate understanding and enable them to replicate and develop more housing options in Vermont.
Upper Valley Services has a strong plan and a skilled team comprised of Downstreet Housing, Ward Joyce Design, Duncan-Wisniewski Architecture, Eugene Skip Whitman, along with the community, and members of Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiatives Leadership Team and fellow group members, parents, and guardians. DAIL commends UVS for its collaborative efforts and dedication to creating inclusive housing options. The pilot planning projects created by Act 186 will notably impact individuals with disabilities. By working together with the State of Vermont, DAIL, stakeholders, advocates, and self-advocates, housing solutions can be created that will empower disabled individuals to live their best lives with independence and dignity.
About the Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL):
Our mission is to make Vermont the best state in which to grow old or to live with a disability - with dignity, respect, and independence.
https://www.facebook.com/DAILVT
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