As a provider. I personally feel entirely unable to do anything to help my clients live safely in the community with their current level of resources. Due to their extremely low income levels, disabled individuals are currently left with a choice between abysmal living conditions, surrounded by appalling crime and violence in private apartments, or more institutional settings. These institutions may provide a safer environment for disabled individuals to live, but they are no more appropriate.

The results of placing disabled adults in Assisted Living Facilities or Independent Living Facilities is that they become further isolated from the community as a whole. It often means that they are the youngest person, living in an environment where the majority of the residents are atleast 40 or 50 years older than them. They feel further stigmatized by their disabilities as a result of the inappropriate housing options available to them.

In addition to the housing crisis, the Commonwealth lacks appropriate recreational opportunities for higher functioning individuals with disabilities. Roanoke in particular has a woeful shortage of safe, appropriate housing and suitable, positive activities for these individuals to participate in.