Independence Village
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Pike Autism Support Services (PASS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide individuals with
autism and related intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with social, recreational, educational,
housing and employment opportunities.
We envision a day when individuals with autism and IDD enjoy fulfilling and independent lives,
embracing emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, social inclusion, personal growth,
self-determination, and individual rights.
Our vision embodies these Guiding Principles:
● Community – Individuals should enjoy a quality of life complete with physical, emotional, and
material well being, friendships, social inclusion, personal growth, self-determination, and
individual rights.
● Person-Centered- Respect the preferences of each individual by utilizing best practices and
maintaining high expectations, always assuming intelligence.
● Sustainable- Ensure that opportunities, supports, and residential settings that each individual
chooses are available throughout their lifespans.
● Enrichment- Support lifelong learning and personal growth to enable individuals every
opportunity to develop to their greatest potential.
● Security- Be a village that works together to provide a safe and supportive environment.
● Inclusion- Empower, support, and educate the world around us to fill the spaces between
individuals of all abilities.
Our Residential Model
We are developing our own safe, supportive, and affordable neurodiverse residential village for 50-60
adults with and without IDD in Pike County, Pennsylvania to be called Independence Village. This
innovative mixed-use community will serve adults with a range of abilities and disabilities.
PASS will set a goal for no less than 2/3s of the residents to be adults with IDD. As a private community,
PASS will determine who will reside at the Village. Residents will advise the community’s design and
management as members of the Village’s Resident Advisory Council.
Independence Village will be developed as a private, integrated housing community that provides: 1)
affordable home ownership opportunities for individuals and families who have the capacity and desire to
build long-term equity; plus, 2) rental units at multiple pricing levels for individuals with IDD who have
limited income and resources and would benefit from a supportive residential setting.
The Need is Great
There were 264,340 people who have IDD in the State of Pennsylvania as of June 30, 2019. Of that total,
80,340 were 18 years of age or older not living in congregate settings.1 More significantly, only 3.407
Pennsylvania adults who have IDD who received Medicaid HCBS waiver funded LTSS lived in a home of
their own. Pennsylvania is one of the worst states in the nation in the percentage of individuals with IDD
receiving LTSS who still live with a family member at more than 50 percent.
Even more concerning is that 28 percent of adults with IDD in Pennsylvania are being supported by
caregivers age 60 and older as of fiscal year 2019.2 This particular demographic can be considered at-risk
due to the fact the caregivers may soon need caregiving for themselves
Would you like more information about Independence Village?
Please click this link below to send us an email with your questions or comments. We will get back to you within 48 hours.
Thank you for your interest.”