Smart Living makes independent living possible for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. With the right mix of assistive tech and remote support, individuals can live in their own homes, manage their own routines, and still have a safety net in place.
This guide walks through the application process, from your first apartment tour to moving in. This is what to expect at each step, how long things usually take, and how we at Elevate Spectrum support each participant along the way.
Step 1: Take a tour of our demo home
Everything starts with a visit. Potential participants often bring their family or case manager to see our model apartment in Towson, Maryland. You’ll be able to get a good look at how Smart Living works and decide whether it feels like a good fit.
During the tour, visitors can:
- See the assistive tech in action, from communication tablets to kitchen safety devices
- Learn how the remote support works for check-ins and coaching
- Ask questions about living arrangements, roommates, and next steps
- Meet members of our team and get a feel for our approach
There’s no pressure to commit; the tour is just a chance to explore options and imagine what more autonomy could look like.
→ Book a tour of a Smart Living apartment here
Step 2: Try Smart Living with a short stay
Not everyone wants to jump in right away. That’s why we offer a trial stay for those who want to test the waters first.
During a 2–3 day stay in one of the apartments, individuals:
- Use the same technology systems and supports as long-term participants
- Experience what daily life in Smart Living feels like
- Start identifying the kinds of support that work best for them
We also conduct a tech assessment to better understand specific needs and preferences. After the trial, the participant returns home while we help prepare the next steps: the lease application, roommate search, and move-in timeline.
Some participants skip the trial and move forward directly, and that’s fine too. But for those who are unsure, the trial stay offers clarity and confidence before making a decision.
→ Get in touch to apply for a trial stay
Step 3: Apply for a lease and find a roommate
Whether or not someone does the trial stay, Elevate Spectrum helps with the practical steps of setting up housing.
This step is popular with those applying for a Smart Living apartment in one of our pre-selected, inclusive communities like the one in Towson, Maryland. But we can also help if you choose to live and receive Smart Living supports elsewhere.
Our team can help with:
- Guiding participants through the lease application and paperwork
- Helping gather and submit any required documentation
- Matching participants with a compatible roommate, based on preferences, routines, and lifestyle
Not everyone chooses to share their home though. Having a roommate means sharing common areas like kitchen and living room; each participant has their own private bedroom and bathroom. Sharing the apartment is great if you’re looking to lower expenses, and participants always have a say in who their roommate will be. It’s their home, and it needs to feel right.
At this point, people often ask how funding works. You can learn more about it in this article. Our Housing Supports Specialists are happy to help you figure out what housing assistance or benefits you might be eligible for.
Step 4: Review the PCP and finalize tech setup
Next, we conduct a full tech assessment: we take a closer look at routines, goals, and needs to identify the right assistive technologies. We also explore how those tools will work alongside any other supports already in place.
Once we’re clear on how we can best apply tech and remote support in the new home, we’ll coordinate with the participant and their support circle to update their person-centered plan accordingly.
This step ensures Smart Living is tailored to the participant’s life and goals, without overcomplicating things.
Step 5: Move into the new home
Once the lease is approved and the tech plan is finalized, it’s time to move in.
We take care of the setup by:
- Installing and testing all assistive technology
- Programming instructions, prompts, and alerts based on daily routines
- Providing training to the participant and their support circle as needed
After move-in, our team stays available for regular check-ins and assistance. They monitor systems to keep everything running smoothly, and can adjust support plans as needs evolve.
Participants also have opportunities to connect with others through community activities and Spectrum Day Out events, making it easier to build both independence and social connections.
Moving in is just the beginning. Smart Living adapts to what each person needs, when they need it, so the right support is always in place.
How long does it take?
Here’s a rough timeline for the whole process:
- Take a tour of our model apartment
- Try a short stay (scheduled based on availability)
- Lease application and roommate matching: about 2 weeks
- Tech assessment and plan review: about 5 weeks
- Installation and move-in prep: about 2 weeks
In total, that’s about 9 weeks from the end of the trial stay to fully moved in.
The timeline may vary depending on apartment availability, support needs, and how quickly documents and approvals are completed.
Ready to explore Smart Living?
If you’re curious about living in a Smart Living apartment, the first step is simple: come visit. We’ll show you how everything works and help you decide whether this could be a good fit.
There’s no pressure — just a chance to learn more and ask questions.
Have questions in the meantime? Visit our contact page to get in touch or book your tour.
