In early June, Executive Director Lisa Tesler joined fellow state disability advocates in meetings with state legislators to discuss expanding a successful state project: the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) Supportive Housing Pilot.
The original pilot supported 153 people across 10 counties in finding and keeping homes and apartments. Its success is documented including through Council’s publication, “Two Years of Stories and Outcomes: Office of Developmental Programs Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) Supportive Housing Pilot“. Participants not only secured stable housing, but also built skills, increased their independence, and reported being happier.
Council’s role has been to document changes in quality of life, personal perspectives and satisfaction from the participants and families. It is also creating a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help people in the pilot and professionals learn what works best to build strong, effective practices.
Back Left to right: Lisa Tesler, Rachel Buskirk, Ely Yoder, Sarah Cassin from Senator Jay Costa’s Office, Brianna Brennan, Karen Gutierrez
Front seated left-right: Lisa Sportelli, Alyssa Gribbens, Cheryl Chappell and David Chappell
On July 1, 2026 The Housing Pilot Program will expand to six more counties, and will continue to:
- Promote everyone’s right to choose where they live
- Maximize freedom, choice, and self-determination
- Help people find and keep housing in the community with the services they need
- Save critical funding — helping address the ODP waiting list for services
While meeting with legislators, Tesler and other advocates urged them to further expand the pilot project statewide as well as to designate a permanent funding source with the Home and Community-Based Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Augmentation Account. This account captures savings from State Center closures each year. To make this happen, legislators need to:
- Pass HB 700 in the House
- Co-sponsor Senator Robinson’s companion bill for HB 700
- Pass legislation with this year’s State Budget
What You Can Do
Advocates can help by contacting and informing their State representative and senator about the successful Supportive Housing Pilot Project. Let legislators know they would like to see the program in their county. Finally, ask them to support HB 700, the companion Senate legislation, and the Augmentation Account to ensure funding is directed to make supportive housing permanent and available statewide.
Learn More About the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) Supportive Housing Pilot
Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) Supportive Housing Pilot Model, Purpose, Structure
One Page Pilot Project Results Overview
Two Years of Stories and Outcomes Report
Focus Group Insight Report Intellectual Disabilities/Autism (ID/A) Housing Pilot Spring 2026