Lifesharing in Pennsylvania
Earlier this month, our Resource Specialist Chris Perdziola, attended Pennsylvania Lifesharing Coalition's 7th Annual Lifesharing Conference. We are excited that she attended and can share what she learned here.
Lifesharing officially began in
Pennsylvania in 1982 with a family
in Berks County who wanted to
support a friend in their own home.
Today, more than two thousand
people with developmental
disabilities including autism (DD/A)
call these households home.
Lifesharing is a residential choice
for people who prefer living in a
private home with a primary person
to support their everyday life.
Children and adults with a wide variety of needs and challenges are supported in Lifesharing homes. Anyone interested in Lifesharing must be registered with the Office of Developmental Programs, have a residential need in their Individual Support Plan (ISP) and one of the following: a Community Living, Adult Autism, or Consolidated waiver.
“Relationships make life worth living” is the main philosophy of this model. Caring households open their homes and hearts, offering a continuous, family-oriented style of care known for its high satisfaction rates. Like group homes, Lifesharing homes are supported by qualified provider agencies.