What is the Value of Community Inclusion?

April 29, 2019

Everyone deserves the right to be fully included and immersed in their community and enjoy opportunities to live, learn, grow, work and socialize with others side by side. This includes older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, who need varying levels of support with things like transportation, shopping for groceries and clothes, and finding community employment.

All people, with and without disabilities, should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose. But older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities often face barriers to finding the right housing for their needs and becoming fully immersed in their communities. However, through residential living services like those offered by Graceworks Enhanced Living, older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities are able to live in homes, apartments, and communities of their choice with access to the care and supports they may need on a daily basis.

According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, there are numerous benefits to living in smaller community settings. People with disabilities who live in these environments lead safer, more independent, and more satisfying lives. Living in a community setting allows residents to enjoy a rich social life in a welcoming, family-like setting made up of their peers, something that they might not have been able to experience if they lived with family or on their own.

Community living gives older adults with disabilities a chance to live as independently as possible, enabling them to become more active and contributing members within their communities while still ensuring their needs for care and safety are met.

At Graceworks Enhanced Living, we believe in the value of community inclusion for everyone, and we understand how important it is to find supportive residential services for loved ones with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We strive to break down barriers to community inclusion by providing residential living, support and daily care in a safe and loving environment. We also provide day programs and non-medical transportation for those living with intellectual disabilities.

Find out more about our supportive residential services and day programs. We’d be happy to speak with you and answer your questions.

More News

Deb Lyle named 2026 Woman to Watch

Graceworks is honored to congratulate Deb Lyle, Administrator of Graceworks Enhanced Living, on being named a 2026 Woman to Watch! Presented by Women in Business Networking (WiBN), this recognition honors women who make waves—often quietly, yet powerfully—through their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to improving lives. WiBN’s 2026 Women to Watch bring a force of change in their communities and professions, and Deb exemplifies that in every way. For 35 years, Deb has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—27 of those years with Graceworks Enhanced Living. Under her leadership, our programming has expanded from 16...

December 1, 2025

By the Grace of God — and Graceworks Enhanced Living

As a teenager, the course of life changed unexpectedly for Pegi’s brother, Tom. Tom was once on track to play baseball for the Reds, but life’s twists resulted in him suddenly needing constant care and supervision. The options just weren’t there, and Tom ended up in buildings that Pegi said felt more like institutions. “Certainly not like home,” she said. If you ask Pegi, the experience drained the life out of him. When Pegi and her family were frustrated and hitting roadblock after roadblock with care for Tom, the Graceworks Enhanced Living program gave Tom the opportunity to thrive. “The...

November 13, 2025

In Quiet Tribute, We Remember

  Thanks to the kindness of donor support, a memorial patio now welcomes visitors at the entrance to Bethany Village. Built in honor of employees who passed away while still part of our work family, the patio offers a lasting tribute to lives of service. This memorial patio would not be possible without the generosity of donors who believe in celebrating the dedicated employees who have shaped the Bethany Village community. This space is more than bricks and stone; it is a place for comfort, reflection, and gratitude. In the center, an American flag flies with dignity. Nearby, two benches...

November 10, 2025