From One Voice: Spring 2024

By Kara Trettin | Development Communications Director, One Vision

Bedrock Cottage is the final Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ICF-ID) to close on the One Vision Clear Lake campus. The transition allows greater choice for all the residents of this facility to move into homes in the community of their choosing.

Back in 1971, the construction of these cottages represented innovation and community support. This historical connection is vital to remember because of what it meant and what it signified for both the community and the individuals served. As One Vision embraces the future, the organization continues to honor our roots while sustaining the mission through relentless disruption of the status quo through person-centered care.

Kelly Hinds, Chief Operating Officer, explained the transition from an ICF to a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) home is a step towards greater freedom, independence, and inclusion for individuals we serve. In HCBS homes, individuals enjoy the benefits of sharing a home with fewer roommates, fostering a more personalized environment.

“We’ve seen over the years, not just with One Vision, but with other places, in other states, that people are happier living in a smaller setting,” Hinds said. “I couldn’t imagine living with 9 (or 16) other people whom I didn’t choose to live with.”

Hinds stressed that One Vision maintains a high quality of service while people exhibit increased signs of independence because their opportunities have greatly expanded through the transition to HCBS homes.

“If someone decides they want to go out to eat, choose their schedule, stay up late to watch a movie they have been excited to see, wake up early to meet someone for coffee at a coffee shop, the possibilities are endless, and choice is empowering,” Hinds said.

Hinds said each person’s care plan is different; therefore, levels of independence vary from person to person. Yet, the common thread among those we serve is their enthusiasm for the newfound freedom and autonomy that HCBS homes offer.

One heartwarming example shared by Hinds illustrates the transformative effect of this transition from ICF to HCBS homes – a gentleman’s joy at visiting the library independently. Embracing a newfound sense of empowerment and choice, he can walk to the library, use their computer, get on the internet, and experience a new level of freedom.

Hinds said, “The world just opens up a little bit more, and they are able to implement their choices and have more say in their day.”