IS a disability forward, supported, permanent residence that is developing in response to a devastating lack of safe, accessible housing in NYC.

IS a community designed and built for people with moderate to high support needs, specifically people with I/DD and/or a requirement for ADA accessible housing.

IS a place where residents will thrive among community minded neighbors both with and without support needs.

IS a community where an Inclusion Manager will connect residents with services and opportunities to work and socialize both within and outside of the IMC.

IS an independent path that affords residents to claim ownership of their decision making, promoting the evolution of who they are, whether or not to have a roommate, and what their own daily individual schedule looks like based upon their self-determined choices.

IS a community that benefits from shared amenities and caregiving that would otherwise be too expensive to afford as individuals.

IS a housing option that celebrates autonomy.

IS the LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT for people with I/DD and functional disabilities who have moderate to high support needs and rely on others to help negotiate daily activities and routines.

IS an environment developed in response to the isolation that many individuals with disabilities currently experience without access to true friendships, meaningful work opportunities, and with feelings of being unsupported and under-valued by their community.

IS an inherently disability forward, pedestrian-oriented community that provides easier access to developing relationships, freedom to join or retreat from activities, and more choices in work or volunteer opportunities without being dependent upon others for transportation or planned outings.

IS a space where inclusion is baked in and expressed through shared amenities, activities and social enterprises that are needed by both residents of the IMC, and in the surrounding neighborhood.

IS a voluntary, non-institutional, affordable housing option.

IS a home and community for many individuals both with and without a disability. 

IS NOT just inclusive. An IMC embodies full inclusion.

IS NOT a congregate care facility.

IS NOT certified housing

IS NOT isolating individuals with I/DD and other adults with disabilities.

IS NOT increasing segregation of individuals with I/DD and other adults with disabilities.

IS NOT in violation of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision, which expressly supports choice and access to necessary services.

sources: adapted content autismhousingnetwork.org describing intentional communities, and CHInyc.org, original content describing IMCs.

One of our advisors developed a design bible for building disability forward housing. It includes 300 design elements that were determined by a council of people with a variety of disabilities and needs, community partners, architects, designers, and researchers. It was published by The Kelsey and you can read the comprehensive resource here. Below, we have outlined the key areas that the resource recognizes and directly reference The Kelsey’s resource. CHInyc takes no credit for the development of this resource, we only revere its existence.

• Cross Disability • Support access and inclusion for the broad and diverse needs of people with disabilities

• Multidimensional • Address the many elements of housing development, design, and operations that impact accessibility and inclusion.

• Implementable and Expandable • Provide standards that can be clearly and swiftly adopted into projects and policies while evolving and expanding over time.

• Value Creation Disability-forward design supports better, more efficient, equitable, building development

GOALS

• MOBILITY AND HEIGHT

• HEARING AND ACOUSTICS

• VISION

• HEALTH AND WELLNESS

• COGNITIVE ACCESS

• SUPPORT NEEDS

• AFFORDABILITY

• RACIAL EQUITY

• ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

• SAFETY

• BEAUTY AND BETTER DESIGN

OUR VISION:

In response to the dire need for supportive living environments, we propose the development of an Inclusion Micro Community that draws inspiration from successful models such as The Kelsey in San Jose and San Francisco, Cornerstone Village in Los Angeles, COHOME in New Jersey, Hogeweyk Dementia Village in the Netherlands, First Place in Phoenix, Arizona, and 80th Street Residences in New York City. This proposed community aims to create a holistic living experience that caters to individuals with varying needs, promoting health, community, independence, and dignity.

WE AIM:

• To foster, through corporate and agency partnerships, grant writing, activism, and fundraising, the creation of a safe and permanent Inclusion Micro Community

• Advance a disability forward, inclusion housing model that is accessible and tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of its residents, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, employing universal design principles for individual units, community, and recreational spaces.

• To promote independence: facilitate coordination of programs, activities within and outside of the housing development, and job opportunities that will enhance daily living skills, encouraging autonomy and participation.

• To provide pathways to comprehensive support services: facilitating scheduling of on-site support services and social activities, to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of residents. 

• To promote affordable housing options: neurotypical residents who provide services for the community will receive a reduced rent.

OPERATIONAL PLAN: 

• Fundraising: raise capital through government programs, private donors, and grants to advance the development of the community.

• Site Development: form a partnership with a mission driven developer(s) and/or existing housing community like The Kelsey in SF to identify land or an existing structure and facilitate the construction or renovation purpose-disability forward housing units with accessibility. 

• Partnerships: Establish collaborations with local healthcare providers, educational institutions, and businesses to enrich the residents' experiences. 

BUDGET:

More detail to follow as we receive our 501c3 status. We will be operating in 5 phases as resources permit.

IMPACT:

By supporting CHInyc, funders will contribute to the creation of a New York City based disability forward, Inclusion Micro Community that fosters autonomy, social connections, and improves quality of life for adults with intellectual and other disabilities.

Cities that effectively foster inclusion not only offer greater opportunities for their residents but often also reap widespread economic benefits. CHInyc is committed to inclusion and compassion, making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and their surrounding communities.

• Disability forward, cross disability design, ADA+++++

• Inclusion Manager to connect residents with services and community, fostering culture of respect for residents and caregivers.

• 24/7 Doorperson

• Private event space with full kitchen

• Commercial space on ground floor that provides work opportunities for residents

• Flexible 1 bedroom apartments with option to adjoin neighboring apartments.

• Choice to live with a partner or roommate

• Safe community

• Close to transportation, no driving

• Cleaning service 1-2 x per week for apartments

• Easy access to outdoor space/nature

• Active social life

• Close to hospital

• Smart technology

• Fitness room

• Garden or rooftop terrace

• Visiting class instructors open to community (chefs, exercise classes, artists)