Hello- 

I am writing because I am concerned about the changes to the definition of group home for adults with disabilities. I live at L'Arche in Arlington- a home that is for both people with and without disabilities. 

"Group home means a congregate service providing 24- hour supervision in a community-based home having eight or fewer residents that provides 24- hour supervision by persons in direct care positions who do not live in the home. Services include supervision, supports, counseling, and training skills acquisition in activities of daily living for individuals whose individualized services plan identifies the need for the specific types of services available in this setting."

The phrase "who do not live in the home" should be removed from the definition. Living in the home with others with disability has created a space to form authentic relationships, to learn and grow from each other, and support each other fully. It's a choice to be able to live in the home and we all choose to be in community with each other. We have grown as friends and an extended family.  Please remove this so that we can continue sharing life together and living out our mission. There are L'Arche communities around the world that follow this same model and mission. We would like to continue living this way!