More than 520,000 people in the Chicago area live with a disability — roughly one in 10 residents. Across the United States, an estimated 8.38 million individuals have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the rise. According to 2025 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 31 children is now diagnosed with ASD by age 8.
As more of these children transition into adulthood, they face a steep drop-off in services. From employment to housing to mental health care, many adults with IDD struggle to access the support that helped them thrive in childhood. And as the population ages, there’s growing urgency to plan for the future needs of adults with developmental disabilities — particularly those entering their 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Disability advocates and service providers are working to address this gap, but the need continues to outpace available resources.
Challenges at Every Stage of Life
Research shows that people with disabilities are significantly more likely to face poverty, housing insecurity, and unemployment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, just 22.7 percent of people with disabilities are employed, and individuals with disabilities make up a disproportionate percentage of the country’s unhoused population — about 50 percent, or 2.5 times the rate of the general population.
For those with IDD, daily life often requires navigating complex systems to access services that may be fragmented or underfunded. Families and caregivers frequently bear the brunt of coordinating care, especially when public funding falls short.
Meeting the Need: A Local Example
One example of how communities are responding to the lack of support and resources for people with disabilities can be found in Skokie, Illinois. There, the nonprofit Orchard Village supports nearly 300 people with IDD from across Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs.
Founded in 1972, the organization offers a model of integrated care that spans multiple life stages — from Orchard Academy, a state-approved high school for students ages 17–22, to 24-hour group homes and supported employment programs. They also provide recreational therapy, mental health services, and medical support.
As the number of older adults with developmental disabilities grows, Orchard Village is planning a dedicated senior center to meet age-specific needs — an effort that reflects a broader national challenge: how to help adults with IDD age with dignity, independence, and community.
Why Long-Term Investment Matters
Experts agree that early and sustained support can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with IDD. Programs that provide housing, job training, and therapeutic services don’t just enhance quality of life — they reduce long-term costs to public systems and foster greater community inclusion.
But government funding rarely covers the full cost of care. Many providers rely on a patchwork of grants, donations, and private support to keep programs running — making long-term sustainability an ongoing concern.
Real Stories of Impact
While the numbers point to a national crisis, the lived experiences of individuals with IDD — and the community-based support systems that help them thrive — tell a more personal story.
Lauren’s Story: After struggling in her traditional high school, Lauren enrolled in Orchard Academy, where she learned life skills like preparing meals, navigating public transportation, and managing money. She now works as an ambassador for United Airlines — a role she takes pride in.
Julia’s Transformation: When Julia arrived, she was mostly nonverbal and spent time alone in her room. Today, she lives in a group home, works part-time at a local restaurant as a baker, and has found a creative outlet through origami, discovered in Orchard Village’s art therapy program.
Brad’s Journey: Brad has lived at Orchard Village since 1980. As he aged and gave up more physically demanding activities like bike riding, he began participating in the organization’s farming and gardening program. This provides low-impact exercise and keeps him active and connected to the outdoors.
How to Help
Orchard Village relies on donations to provide quality programs. Government funding only covers part of the costs for housing, job support, community staffing, education, transportation, therapy, and recreation programs.
Every donation directly supports individuals with developmental disabilities in our community, helping them live fuller, more independent lives. For more information or to support the organization, visit orchardvillage.org.
Susan Kaufman serves as President and CEO of Orchard Village. Since joining the organization in February 2020, she has drawn on more than 30 years of experience in the field of IDD services, including leadership roles at Bethesda Lutheran Communities and Clearbrook. Kaufman holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary and Special Education from Roosevelt University and brings a person-centered approach to the organization’s mission.
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