We traveled to Skokie in March for our informational tour of the Kolmar House, which was designed specifically for a young man named Eric who has autism and challenging behaviors. With input from both his family and local/national experts, the house was gutted and re-built to provide Eric with the optimal tools and supports needed to ensure successful integration and inclusion in his community. From extra-durable construction (unbreakable windows, hard wall construction, heavy-duty blinds, etc.), a calming fish tank, and web-based cameras throughout to a “super bathroom” with heated floors and drainage, the wheelchair-friendly home was truly created with a person-centered approach.
The Kolmar House opened in 2008 and is privately owned, licensed as a CILA, and operated as a Host Family Home. The Host Family model features someone who lives in the home full-time (it’s their home, too) with other support staff rotating in and out of the house as needed. The home is managed by a large provider agency, Anixter Center, and there are now two additional individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities living in the home.
Thank you to Larry Markin for allowing us to visit the Kolmar House, Ellen Bronfeld for making the initial connection, and house mom Rose Clay, who facilitated the tour and made us feel at home. We really appreciated having the chance to see this wonderful example of creative housing.
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