These choices have included independent living arrangements within the community, steady work for a reasonable wage and a variety of recreational activities. Community Options has the goals of increasing the awareness of its organization within the community, doubling the number of those they assist, and expanding a supported employment program to find productive work for people with severe disabilities. Housing Community Options offices are established in response to local need for residential services. People with disabilities who leave an institution, or are old enough to move away from their parents and families, need assistance in finding a new home. Community Options staff assist the individual with a disabilitiy to find a roommate, hire staff and locate, renovate, purchase and furnish their new home.
Staff meet with the families and the individual to develop a plan that is person directed.
The plan incorporates the preferences of the person who is moving into a new home and neighborhood. Staff complete personal interviews and set up transitional visits to enable people to gradually become familiar with new surroundings. Community Options homes belong to the people who live in them and staff is responsible for creating an atmosphere of comfort and safety. Employment Community Options believes that everyone who wants to work can work. This supported employment model has been effective in launching careers for thousands of persons with disabilities.