Supported Community Living

Living More Independently With Support That Fits
Person in wheelchair smiling outdoors in grassy field
Three smiling young women posing in a wooden gazebo frame

Living more independently can mean different things depending on your goals, your routines, and what feels right in your everyday life. Supported Community Living is designed to meet you where you are—providing support in your home while helping you build the skills and confidence to live as independently as possible.

Through waiver-based, in-home support, you receive assistance that is tailored to your needs, your preferences, and your goals—whether that means help with daily routines, building new skills, or staying connected to your community. Support is flexible and evolves with you, giving you the opportunity to grow, try new things, and continue moving toward greater independence over time.

At its core, this service is about creating a balance—providing the right level of support while honoring your choices, your voice, and the life you want to build. Our team works alongside you to help you navigate what’s available, understand your options, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.

What Support Can Look Like

Support is flexible and built around your day-to-day life—not the other way around.

Through Supported Community Living, you receive in-home and/or remote support tailored to your needs—whether that means help with daily routines, building independence, or staying connected to your community.

Depending on what you’re working toward, support may include help with activities of daily living, working toward personal goals, exploring your interests, building meaningful relationships, and engaging more fully in your community.

Support is guided by a person-centered plan, meaning it reflects what matters most to you—your goals, your preferences, and how you want to live your everyday life. Led by you, our team works together to provide consistent, thoughtful support that helps you move toward greater independence over time.

This support extends beyond your home—helping you stay connected to the people, places, and activities that matter most to you, whether that’s work or volunteer opportunities, spending time with family and friends, attending community events, or pursuing your interests.

Behind the scenes, a team of trained professionals works together to support you—coordinating care, helping you navigate daily life, and ensuring your needs are being met—so you can focus on building the life you want.

Two women smile while posing with a large bear statue outdoors.
Two women smile while posing with a large bear statue outdoors.

What Support Can Look Like

Support is flexible and built around your day-to-day life—not the other way around.

Through Supported Community Living, you receive in-home and/or remote support tailored to your needs—whether that means help with daily routines, building independence, or staying connected to your community.

Depending on what you’re working toward, support may include help with activities of daily living, working toward personal goals, exploring your interests, building meaningful relationships, and engaging more fully in your community.

Support is guided by a person-centered plan, meaning it reflects what matters most to you—your goals, your preferences, and how you want to live your everyday life. Led by you, our team works together to provide consistent, thoughtful support that helps you move toward greater independence over time.

This support extends beyond your home—helping you stay connected to the people, places, and activities that matter most to you, whether that’s work or volunteer opportunities, spending time with family and friends, attending community events, or pursuing your interests.

Behind the scenes, a team of trained professionals works together to support you—coordinating care, helping you navigate daily life, and ensuring your needs are being met—so you can focus on building the life you want.

Group of diverse individuals, some in wheelchairs, pose outside a grand building.

A Path Toward Greater Independence

Supported Community Living is about more than support—it’s about helping you build a life that feels meaningful, connected, and your own.

We encourage self-advocacy and independence whenever possible, while also providing additional support when it’s needed. Our team is here to help you navigate challenges, build confidence, and make decisions that align with your goals.

Along the way, you’ll have access to supports that help you grow in different areas of your life.

This may include advocacy and social support, helping you stay connected to your community, access resources, and ensure your voice is heard. You may also receive financial guidance, including support with budgeting, managing expenses, and building confidence in handling your finances.

Support also includes consistent scheduling and staffing, ensuring you have reliable support when you need it—while giving you a voice in who provides your care.

You’ll also have opportunities to be part of advocacy efforts, social gatherings, and community-based activities, including participation in our Advocacy Committee and other opportunities that support connection, engagement, and self-expression.

Together, these supports are designed to help you build independence, strengthen relationships, and move toward the life you want to live.

Not sure where to start?

We're here to help you explore your options and take the next step.

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Residential Options

Everyone deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home. Whether you’re exploring a move into one of our licensed homes or are happy where you are and looking for additional support, we’re here to help you understand what options may be available.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can connect with our Supported Community Living Team or work with your county service coordinator to explore next steps.

You can also view virtual tours of our licensed homes below to get a better sense of the spaces and what they offer.

Success Stories

2026 DSP Appreciation Post: We See You. We Thank You. We Celebrate You.

National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week is approaching, and we’re honored to celebrate the remarkable people who make Open Door stronger every day—our DSPs.This year, we’re gathering at Mirolo Sensory Park for a special celebration filled with live...

The Power of Showing Up

Behind every success story is a team that refuses to give up. Some careers begin as a job. Others become a calling. For Sharon Grinstead, House Lead, what started as a necessity, quickly became something much deeper — a passion shaped by relationships, trust, and the...

It Takes a Village: Matt’s Story of Growth and Gratitude

The Power of Listening and Letting Others In Matt shares how his mom, his Open Door team, and his friends have shaped his journey—helping him grow, learn, and live life to the fullest, with a little help from the people who care most.  Hello, my name is Matt. I...

From Barriers to Leadership

Lee George’s Journey to Empowering Voices Across Ohio’s IDD Community Leadership often begins with lived experience. For Lee George, years of navigating barriers, challenging assumptions, and refusing to be underestimated became the foundation of her powerful voice....

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This Fall, Open Door had an exciting lineup of events that brought our community together, celebrated the season, and created lasting memories. From cozy festivals to spooky Halloween fun, we couldn’t have asked for a more delightful way to spend the season! Here’s a...

Celebrating Self-Advocacy: My Life My Story – A Storytelling Workshop Series in Morrow County

In August, Matt Beaver and Susann Rhodes from Open Door Supported Community Living (SCL) and Advocacy Committee took part in the My Life My Story – A Storytelling Workshop Series hosted by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) in Morrow County....

A Memorable Day at the 2024 OADSP Recognition Event

On September 11, 2024, Open Door staff had the privilege of attending the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (OADSP) 2024 DSP Recognition Event, where we joined over 400 dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for a day of celebration and inspiration....

2024 DSP Appreciation Post: Honoring Our Incredible Team

National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Week is approaching fast, and we’re thrilled to take this moment to extend our deepest thanks to each of our DSPs. Your ongoing commitment and dedication to our organization are truly invaluable.To celebrate our DSPs, we’re...

Open Door Advocacy Group: Empowering Change and Promoting Inclusivity

At Open Door Columbus, the Advocacy Group plays a vital role in steering our organization toward meaningful growth and development. Comprised of individuals from across all divisions, this dynamic team meets with Executive Director Becky Porter every last Wednesday of...
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