
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, CREATING FAMILIES
SHARED LIVING PROGRAM
ABOUT SHARED LIVING
The Shared Living Program is a unique opportunity for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live and thrive in a family environment. The individual is included in decisions about decorating their bedroom and the living space to ensure they are real members of the household. Individuals are also encouraged to participate in hobbies, spiritual/religious affiliations,
and develop friendships.
At VIABILITY, we understand the difference between a house and a home. While we ensure a potential match is safe and clean, we place a high priority on ensuring the home provider is caring, supportive, respectful, and eager to include the incoming individuals in all aspects of their home life. This is the cornerstone of the Shared Living Program.

WHO CAN BE A CAREGIVER
Caregivers are patrons in the community and are referred to VIABILITY by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

CONSIDERATION FACTORS WHEN PAIRING
VIABILITY believes that successful placement is based on finding the right match.
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Geographic location preferred by individual
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Availability of Home Provider in relation to needs of individual
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Mobility needs of individual
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Gender preferred by both individual and potential home provider
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Smoking vs. Non-smoking
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Drinking vs. Non-drinking
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Ethnic/cultural background and language
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Religion
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Diet needs and preferences
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Personality
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Presence of pets
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Presence of children
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Health status of individual, Home Provider
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Other needs and preferences determined by the individual and referral team

TO QUALIFY AS A PARTICIPANT
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Adults who are at least 18 years old and need the daily support of a caregiver due to developmental or physical disabilities
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Participants must be referred by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

"BETTER TOGETHER": MORE THAN A MOTTO
SIBLING MEMBERS FIND A FAMILY WITH THEIR NEW CAREGIVER
We are “BETTER TOGETHER.” Just ask Clarence, Alees, Fay, Lisha, and the Community Living team at 979 Dickinson St., Springfield. For the past two-and-a-half years, Clarence and Alees (pronounced Uh-lees) have been matched with Fay, their primary caregiver, who provides emotional support and companionship for members who live with intellectual or other disabilities. While Fay is the primary caretaker, she also relies on Lisha, an alternate caregiver, and John, a direct care worker who takes Clarence on weekly outings to the movies, retail stores, and on walks.
CONTACT US
34 DEPOT ST, SUITE 301
PITTSFIELD, MA 01201
Director: Victoria Fisher
vfisher@viability.org
VIABILITY PITTSFIELD
VIABILITY
SPRINGFIELD
979 DICKINSON ST, 2ND FLOOR
SPRINGFIELD, MA 01108
Director: Terry Cook
tcook@viability.org