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9/11/26  10:42 pm
Commenter: Jennifer Andrew

We need places like Vanguard Landing
 

I strongly support places like Vanguard Landing for adults like my son who have significant developmental/intellectual disability.  These kinds of communities are a safe option where people like my son can thrive.  Data shows that while independent daily living skills increase, “outcomes for individuals with the most profound or severe disabilities sometimes deteriorate or fail to improve when shifted to smaller, under-resourced group homes. “ as opposed to larger institutions or developed, purposeful communities.  They have higher rates of health issues and higher rates of victimization.  Physical inclusion in the community does not automatically equal social inclusion.  
Just a few miles from me is a community exclusively for retired military veterans.  No one is protesting that community as segregation-same is true for the many 55+ neighborhoods all over Virginia.  My son goes to a special high school just for students with profound needs  it is the least restrictive environment for him.  There are no students there without a disability-that’s not segregation-it’s needs based -it’s what lets him thrive -the environment is tailored for him.  There are very practical reasons for communities like Vanguard Landing, I find it distressing that there’s wide-spread awareness of a large spectrum of needs when it comes to developmental disabilities but we don’t want to ensure a spectrum of housing options.  

CommentID: 241204