The IDDeal Life at The IDDeal Place: Week 4
We’re In the Groove!
Four weeks in, and something pretty amazing is happening at The IDDeal Place…
We’re finding our groove!
Yes, we’re still hanging pictures, decorating apartments, figuring out where everything belongs and adding all those little touches that turn an apartment into a home; but even more importantly, we’re building routines, learning how to live together, supporting one another and getting ready to welcome our next group of residents!
And as we are quickly learning… independence looks a little different for everyone.
Monday Night Onboarding: Telling Our Stories
The highlight of the week was another fantastic Monday night onboarding session with Darius and Rod from Autism After 21.
This week, everyone brought something that helped tell the story of who they are — because what better way to get to know your new roommates and neighbors than by sharing the things that make you… YOU!
Residents also filled out their own personal “passports,” sharing their likes, interests and important things their new friends should know about them.
And the REALLY exciting part? Everyone found out who their roommates will be and got to see their rooms!
There were lots of smiles, excitement and probably a few decorating plans already underway!
Here is an update on our current residents!
Lexy: Meet Wally
Lexy taught everyone something very important about herself this week.
She showed the group her Dexcom G7, which helps monitor her Type 1 diabetes. And because everything is more fun when you give it a name, Lexy named her sensor Wally!
So now everyone at The IDDeal Place knows that if they hear Wally sounding an alert, it means Lexy may need some help.
This is exactly what community is all about — learning about each other, understanding each other’s needs and knowing how we can look out for one another.
And Lexy definitely proved this week that she understands what being a good roommate means…
Jessica: A Tough Week and a Great Roommate
Jessica had a pretty rough week battling a UTI that really knocked her down. After medication and an IV infusion to help with dehydration, we are VERY happy to report that she has turned the corner and is feeling so much better!
But one of the sweetest moments of the week happened during that IV. Lexy stayed right there with Jessica, helping take care of her and holding her hand.
There are some things you can teach during onboarding…And then there are things like friendship, compassion and love that simply happen when people become family.
Kim: Finding Her Routine
Kim had a few bumps this week, and that’s okay. Change can be especially difficult for people on the autism spectrum, and moving into a new home, learning new routines AND starting a new job is a whole lot of change at once!
We knew there would be moments like this, so we calmly worked together to give Kim a little more structure and predictability in her days. And we know exactly what she needs…
Routine, routine, routine!
With her new job at Publix beginning and her schedule starting to take shape, Kim is already on her way. One day at a time, one routine at a time.
Josh: Lego Master & Risk Champion
Josh had another GREAT week and brought even more of his incredible LEGO creations over to decorate his apartment.
His new home is definitely starting to tell the story of Josh! But apparently LEGO isn’t his only talent. Josh absolutely CRUSHED Bonnie at Star Wars RISK — Original Trilogy Edition. Bonnie would like it noted that she is requesting a rematch. Josh would probably like it noted that he won.
Keefer: Independence Looks Good on Him
Keefer continues to embrace his independence and keeps himself BUSY! He attends several Remarkable virtual classes throughout the day, manages his activities and is really settling into his new routine. But no matter how busy the schedule…
There is one appointment Keefer NEVER wants to miss: TACO TUESDAY! We can’t blame him. Some routines are simply more important than others.
Exciting News!
Congratulations, Paisley!
We have another future member of the IDDeal Place family making us proud!
Congratulations to Paisley on passing her American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test!
The IDDeal Place is so fortunate to have incredible supporters like Tommy and Audrey Ruttura, who not only generously named our campus, but are now preparing their beautiful dog, Paisley, for a very special role in our community.
To earn her certification, Paisley successfully completed 10 different skills, an important prerequisite for entering a therapy dog training program. And of course, being
an IDDeal dog means she is already pretty special!
Once Paisley completes her therapy dog training, we can’t wait to welcome her for visits to The IDDeal Place, where she’ll provide our residents with companionship, comfort,
lots of love—and we’re guessing plenty of belly rubs!
Way to go, Paisley! We can’t wait for your graduation!
This is The IDDeal Life
Week 4 reminded us that building an independent life isn’t about everything going perfectly.
✅ It’s about learning.
✅ Adjusting.
✅ Creating routines.
✅ Helping your friends
✅ Sharing
This is how a group of apartments becomes a community.
