A Vision for Inclusive Living at The Village with Dr. Michael Held

<p>We see many clients in the transitional time of life after finishing high school and wondering what comes next. Today’s show focuses on a wonderful program that meets specific needs in multiple ways, alleviating the worries of many parents of neurodiverse young adults. Join us to learn more!</p><p>Dr. Michael Held is the Executive Director of The Village, which offers a multitude of programs that serve about 700 youth and adults with developmental differences each month. As a trained clinical psychologist, Dr. Held founded an organization called ETTA in 1993, originally serving the Jewish community. Since then, he has seen the fulfillment of his dream to create a world where individuals with developmental differences live fully enriched, inclusive, and independent lives through the work of The Village. The goal is to provide services that enrich a neurodiverse person’s life, including housing, job support, employment, activities, and a sense of inclusion and community. Dr. Held has led ETTA from a startup to its current position as the largest agency of its type in the Los Angeles community.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Show Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li>Why The Village has a targeted focus on providing housing for neurodiverse young adults in the form of neighborhood group homes</li><li>How The Village came to be as a way to meet the needs of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities</li><li>How the plans are progressing for the new building in Los Angeles–hoping to be open and functional in 2025!</li><li>How The Village will have 64 apartments, community meeting spaces, and retail spaces that will employ those with disabilities&nbsp;</li><li>Why The Village is called a “supported independent apartment model” and is for those who don’t need overnight support in their home</li><li>Why The Village will help residents with social development challenges by supporting, facilitating, and teaching them</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Links/Resources:</strong></p><p>Connect with Dr. Michael Held, ETTA, and The