WHITESTOWN, INDIANA (Nov. 18, 2020) – ILADD, Inc., an Indiana nonprofit, announced today its comprehensive mission to provide housing, enrichment programs, and social options that enable adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) to live independently in homes of their own and enjoy fulfilling and meaningful lives in our community.

“There are more than 155,000 individuals with IDD in Indiana and most are still living in their family home often due to a lack of safe, affordable and supportive residential options,” said Tom Easterday, ILADD president and father of Matt, a young adult self-advocate. “ILADD is committed to addressing this housing gap with a replicable community model as well as providing more and varied enrichment programs and social options for adults with IDD in central Indiana.”

ILADD’s initial housing project will be Crossbridge Point, an affordable, walkable, mixed-use “pocket neighborhood” style community of beautifully designed houses in Whitestown that embody home, choice, and security for 40-60 adults with and without IDD. It will feature 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom residences with private bathrooms and each unit will be equipped with the latest smart home technology. The community will be located on approximately 15 acres and is expected to cost around $12 million.

The project plans include a 12,000 square foot Community Center intended to serve Crossbridge Point residents as well as to be an asset to the surrounding community as a venue for specialized and general recreation, events, meetings, health and wellness activities, and cultural and educational programs. ILADD hopes to open Crossbridge Point, including the Community Center, in 2023.

“ILADD is important to me because it represents the freedom to live independently and to grow and live life to the fullest,” said Katie Shaw, self-advocate and ILADD board member.

ILADD’s mission encompasses serving the needs of adults with IDD as whole persons continuously growing, learning, and expanding their interests. Our educational programming will be designed to teach individuals with IDD the skills needed for independent living such as accessing transportation, enhancing their social skills, and integrating safely with the community. Classes also will explore vocational opportunities, cultural events, and academic interests. ILADD’s programming is planned to be a robust mix of community-based experiences and classroom exercises.

Another major aspect of ILADD will be its outreach to bring the broader community into our mission. Community integration is a two-way street. We expect our residents with and without IDD to be active in their surrounding communities, at school, exploring or working jobs, volunteering, engaging in day programs, spending time socializing, or engaging in recreational activities with friends. ILADD’s social and informational offerings will serve not only adults with IDD, but their families, guardians, friends, and interested community members. ILADD already hosts a book club for adults with IDD and a hiking club is starting soon. More programming and resources will be announced in 2021.

“ILADD is important to me because we are creating many of the same opportunities and options for adults with disabilities to live independently, with appropriate supports, that already are enjoyed by adults without disabilities,” said Alec Hurtubise, self-advocate and ILADD board member. “I am excited about Crossbridge Point because I know it will be a healthy and fun environment for interacting with other people and the houses will be brand new and a clean environment for people to live in.”

About ILADD, Inc. and Crossbridge Point

ILADD, Inc. (Independent Living for Adults with Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities) is an Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 2019 to provide housing, enrichment, and social options that enable adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities (IDD) to live in homes of their own and enjoy fulfilling and meaningful lives in their communities. ILADD’s initial project, Crossbridge Point, will be a safe, affordable, neurodiverse community that embodies home, choice, and security for adults with and without IDD. For more information, visit www.iladdinc.org and www.crossbridgepoint.org, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ILADDInc and facebook.com/CrossbridgePoint.

Source: ILADD, Inc./Architect: Charles M. Brown Architect, Inc.

ILADD, Inc. Announces Crossbridge Point, Housing for Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, Plus Enrichment and Social Programming Initiatives