Whenever possible, supports which are natural to the place, time, delivery, and person are sought. The designing of individual supports takes into consideration opportunities for individuals to learn to provide their own support, for it to be more natural, and to use technology which may give the person more control. Focusing on what people can do Traditional residential programs focused predominantly on what people could not do and tried to offer a treatment plan designed to teach people how to do what they could not do. Supportive living focuses on what people can do, provides support for things people cannot do, and provides opportunities for them to learn how to do the things they want to do. Using language that is natural to the setting.
Supportive living includes language that is natural and promotes inclusion.
Ownership and control Lastly and most importantly, the home is the person's and that person controls the support that is received. Home ownership does not mean that most individuals with disabilities who do not have many financial resources will hold the mortgage to a home. It does mean, however, that they sign the lease, things in the home belong to them, and the place is their home. In addition, roommates sub-let from the person, support people are hired by the person, and support people respond to the need for assistance when, where, and how it is needed. In summary, supportive living is not a model, the answer, or some new magic.