Our newly designed DD waivers have shared living as a new service whereby a roommate’s rent is paid for if they are living in the individual with a disability’s owned or lease home. They provide some ancillary services, companionship, etc. but not direct services like personal care, etc.

Although the service has been available since July, providers have been unwilling to enter into it. In part, because there are not yet regulations or a manual regarding how to implement and they are afraid of being gigged on an audit but in larger part they don’t want the liability as they don’t control the roommate, the rent money goes directly to the individual with the disability who then pays the rent (and what if they don’t), the administrative to the providers is extremely low vs. the time that they have to spend in set up, recruitment of roommates (if the person doesn’t have someone they want to live with ) training, and follow –up.

Do any of you have shared living in your waivers. If so, did you encounter barriers such as those noted above. Were they resolved and if so how? Is the service utilized heavily or poorly? Thanks so much!

Heidi Lawyer

Executive Director

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)

1100 Bank Street, 7th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219

804-786-9369

800-846-4464