Spectrum Arch, Inc.Residential homes: a long-term goal
Spectrum Arch was founded with the goal of opening Individual Residential Alternative (IRA) homes: community homes where adults with autism live together with trained staff support. That work is on hold for now while we focus on Support Brokerage. This page describes the model we hope to offer in the future.
Who it would serve
Adults 21 and older
People with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities who are eligible for OPWDD services.
5–8 residents per home
Small homes, so every resident gets personal attention and a real sense of home.
24/7, all year
Trained Direct Support Professionals on site at all times, including overnight.
The model we plan to offer
1. Residential support services
- Care and supervision 24 hours a day
- Help with daily living: cooking, household tasks, personal care, and money skills
- Positive behavioral support
2. Health and wellness support
- Coordination with doctors, specialists, and clinicians
- Medication management
- Preventive care and healthy routines
3. Community integration and employment
- Regular participation in community life
- Supported employment for residents who want to work
- Friendships, recreation, and local connections
4. Person-centered planning
- An individualized service plan for each resident
- Ongoing communication with families
- Quarterly reviews of goals and progress
Why it matters
When young adults with autism turn 21, school services end. In the Capital District, residential openings are scarce and waits for OPWDD residential services commonly run 18 to 36 months, so many adults stay at home with aging parents.
Residential homes: on hold
Opening community homes remains a long-term goal for Spectrum Arch, but that work is on hold for now. Our current focus is Support Brokerage. We will post updates here if that changes.