Housing survey focuses on those with autism, intellectual disabilities

The Housing and Independent Living Task Force Austin has launched a local housing market analysis to assess the needs of adults with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities in Austin. The effort, supported by a new special project fund at the Austin Community Foundation, seeks to identify housing barriers and explore solutions across public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. The study will be facilitated by First Place, a national leader in housing analysis for neurodiverse communities. The survey is available at HAILTaskForceAustin.org and will stay open through March 14. A kickoff event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Speakers include Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard and Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson. With autism diagnoses rising significantly and a growing number of A/I/DD individuals living with aging caregivers, the task force aims to inform future policies and investments to expand housing options in the Austin area.