Health care
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
Results of a May 7 study into housing and care needs of adults with autism and intellectual development disabilities, or A/I/DD, showed an estimated 53,110 Montgomery County residents are currently facing challenges in housing, transportation and quality of life. Project Beacon is a nonprot organization which opened a new facility on May 19 to provide day-to-day skills training for Montgomery County adults with A/I/DD. The organization commissioned the study in 2024 with Tri-County Behavioral Health Center. According to the study, barriers neurodivergent adults face in engaging with their communities include social overstimulation and lack of transportation, accessible activities and nancial support. Project Beacon expands services
Project Beacon students participate in activities to promote skills such as home management.
Students gain experience in activities like cooking classes which also enhance ne motor skills.
Project Beacon Access Center areas The Zen Zone: An indoor physical activity space Empowerment Haven: High-support needs classroom teaching autonomy and self-regulation Culinary Corner: Area for teaching meal planning and prepping Sensory and Chill Out Rooms: One-on-one spaces for de-escalation and calming
Connection Cove: Communications skill building space with virtual reality and online training Independence Lab: Household management lessons Skills Studio and Storefront: Pre-vocational training and marketplace area The Nexus: A gathering space for assignments and outings
Why it matters
Diving in deeper
The study said an estimated 10,091 adults with an intellectual disability in Montgom- ery County rely on a caregiver over the age of 60, leaving future long term care a key concern. The study also found the majority of A/I/DD adults requiring day-to-day care make less than $600 monthly, which limits the amount of aordable housing available to the population, the study said. “Housing options are vital for individuals with A/I/DD because they provide a founda- tion for independence, stability, and quality of life,” said Evan Roberson, executive direc- tor of Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare.
Future concerns for A/I/DD population The study asked respondents what the largest concerns of self advocates and caregivers were for their A/I/DD populations, with homelessness, loneliness and abusive situations being top concerns. Self advocates Caregivers
Question: What concerns do you have for future independent living situations?
67%
80% 60% 40% 20% 0
65%
51%
38% 41%
34%
32% 31%
32%
28%
Homelessness
Loss of funding for services
Loneliness
Abuse
Health decline
SOURCES: PROJECT BEACON, TRICOUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Monthly income of Montgomery County adults with A/I/DD
construction in 2028. Cary Mollinedo, director for Texas Autism Academy, a private school for autistic students, said the school sees ongoing needs emerging among young adults they teach.
Project Beacon Access Center
What’s next
SPECTRUM WAY
$0-$299 (20%) $300-$600 (39%) $601-$900 (2%) $901 and more (6%) Volunteer/unknown income (33%)
Project Beacon Executive Director Kelly Baughman said the next step for the center is to become a certied Texas Workforce Commission partner, which will allow the educational center to oer additional pre-vocational training and job search assistance. However, the work is being done in conjunction with clinical sta to ensure housing and job opportunities are available and suitable for their population. The long-term vision includes ultimately creating a housing center, which could see design and
COMMERCE OAKS DR.
OAK RIDGE PARK
N
ROBINSON RD.
“Some [children] just need a little bit of support, and some of them need support for the rest of their lives,” she said.
SOURCES: PROJECT BEACON, TRICOUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COMMUNITY IMPACT
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