Residential Services

JCDS offers a variety of residential services and supports to adults with intellectual and  developmental disabilities that are designed around the specific needs of each person. Whether “home” means living in a house or an apartment, living alone or with others, JCDS is dedicated to providing supports in a manner that encourages and promotes greater independence.

Professionally trained staff support individuals in making good choices, be contributing members of their community and pursuing their passions. Services and supports range from 24-hour supports to drop-in services. Individuals receiving residential services and supports lease their own home or apartment in Johnson County. JCDS nursing staff are on call 24 hours a day to oversee the health and well-being of those we support. In addition, JCDS Residential Team Leaders are also on call 24 hours a day to provide program oversight and ongoing coaching and training of staff.  

Getting Started

To participate in any of the services or programs that are available at JCDS, one must first be determined eligible through the CDDO. Visit the CDDO to learn more about this process. Every service listed in the JCDS service pages, as well as every private provider for developmental services in the Johnson County area, require CDDO eligibility to participate. Visit the CDDO.

After determining eligibility, you will meet with the CDDO to select service providers. If you wish to receive residential services from JCDS, you will select JCDS as a residential service provider. Not all services listed may be currently accepting new referrals. JCDS residential services are but one of many options; there are many other providers in our area that provide residential services to people with IDD. 

Independent Living

Independent Living DSP helping a man review bills and paperwork at the kitchen table.

The Johnson County Developmental Supports Independent Living program is designed for people who can support themselves without 24/7 onsite staff. They should be able to provide for their general safety, health, and well-being without continual staff assistance. Staff provide individualized supports that promote independence, which can include assistance with shopping, budgeting, menu planning, cleaning, cooking, medication administration (filling/education) and coordination of appointments and activities.

More information is available in the Independent Living Program Guide.

Shared Living

A woman is locked arms with a man with disabilities in a park. They are both smiling at the camera.

Shared Living is a residential housing option for a person to be welcomed into a private family home. In this setting, they can become an extension of the family and receive the personalized supports needed to thrive. It often leads to positive changes in physical and mental health, personal growth, and overall happiness. Shared Living is an opportunity to enjoy greater independence and build lasting, impactful connections.

How does it work?

  • The person served must meet eligibility requirements.
  • A detailed matching process and relationship-building activities are used to determine compatibility.
  • Home visits conducted for licensing, safety and quality assurance.
  • The person served will receive individualized supports in their private family environment with oversight provided by JCDS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of Shared Living?

This program provides individualized supports in a private family environment, fostering social inclusion and encouraging independence and skill development. With a focus on long-term stability, dedicated JCDS staff offer continuous guidance to contractors and families throughout the journey. The ultimate reward comes when goals are achieved, quality of life is enhanced, and a strong sense of inclusiveness is cultivated—ensuring that everyone feels valued, connected, and supported.

How is the quality of care monitored and maintained?

The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) will conduct licensed home visits, while JCDS will perform bi-weekly and quarterly visits to ensure quality. Outcomes will be monitored daily, as well as during the yearly Basis and Person Center Support Plan meeting. Additionally, state home visits for quality assurance will be carried out by a KDADS surveyor. Surveys may also be utilized to assess service quality and overall satisfaction.

Do Shared Living participants still get the choice of day services?

Yes. This should be discussed during the matching process. Confirmation of eligibility and availability of services must still be determined.

If a person choses Shared Living, do they have to participate in a day service?

The person has a choice about whether to utilize day services or not. This preference should be a part of the matching process.

How are services paid?

Services are billed by JCDS through the Medicaid IDD waiver, much like traditional Residential Services are billed. A percentage of funds is paid to the contractor for supports and a percentage is paid to JCDS for oversite of the Shared Living Contractors and administrative supports.

Are there any other fees involved?

The Person(s) served will also pay a room and board fee that will be determined between them and the Shared Living Contractor before placement. Traditional residential supports have similar fees to help pay for transportation, food, and incidentals.

Can guardians be a paid respite provider?

No. However, they can be a part of the Backup Plan should the Shared Living Contractor need respite care, or if the Person needs emergency placement.

Can family members be Shared Living Contractors?

No. family members and extended/stepfamily members may not be Contractors for their own family member.

Single Family Homes

Residential services and supports are available 24 hours a day in the individual’s home or apartment. Between three and five individuals live together and each person (or their guardian) signs and maintains their own individual lease. Professionally trained staff collaborate with the individual, their Case Manager, and others to develop supports that are individualized and reflect the individual’s preferences and support needs. Support services focus on maximizing independence and vary. Based on the needs of the individual these could include:  

front elevation of craftsman home
  • Maintain their own home or apartment
  • Access activities
  • Ensure health and safety needs are met
  • Appointments
  • Transportation
  • Medication Administration
  • Menu planning and cooking
  • Maintain a budget or finances
  • Personal care
  • Independent Living

This service is available for individuals who do not require 24-hour support and are provided on a drop-in or as-needed basis. Supports are individualized and focused on helping people live independently, which could vary from helping with shopping, maintaining a budget, menu planning and cooking safely, and coordination of appointments and activities.  

Friends of JCDS

Friends of JCDS logo

Friends of JCDS is a nonprofit organization that partners with JCDS to assist individuals served by JCDS with living, working and engaging in the community. Friends addresses the special needs, specifically the affordable and accessible housing issues that individuals with IDD face.

Friends provides a Special Assistance Fund that fulfills critical needs and expenses of those individuals served by JCDS. This includes assistance with dental expenses, therapies, basic needs and other emergency funding.

Visit Friends of JCDS