Intentional Communities of Washtenaw (ICW) is a group of parents that want to provide housing and community options for adults with disabilities, based on their individual strengths and gifts, as well as their needs and personal preferences. To help address the lack of services available after high school, these parents united to spearhead a new model that would transition individuals with disabilities to a more independent, higher quality life.

For ICW, community means attachment to other people, having a sense of place and belonging as part of a group of people who care for, and about, each other. Intentional Communities of Washtenaw intends to foster, support, build and sustain - in partnerships with agencies, businesses and others - this sense of attachment and belonging for our loved ones in all conceivable living settings. ICW housing options will take many forms and will integrate into the larger community. Further, ICW thinks a community - not only among our children, but among the families of people with disabilities too – supplies the foundational support, resources and commitment that offers security, and the hope of endurance. 

Most people with disabilities have a desire to live independently, work, contribute to society and enjoy the company of others. Successful implementation of the Intentional Communities concept will allow individuals the choice to live as they wish and experience a far better quality of life.