What Is IDD? Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Living fully means being seen fully. At Amivie, we honor the strengths, preferences, and dignity of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) through support that feels personal, not clinical.
Understanding Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
IDD describes a diverse group of lifelong conditions that affect an individual’s learning, reasoning, and everyday functioning. These disabilities begin before the age of 22 and can include conditions like autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
While “intellectual disability” refers to challenges with learning and cognitive functioning, “developmental disability” is a broader term encompassing physical, behavioral, and emotional conditions that impact daily life. Many individuals live with both types.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. have a developmental disability, and an estimated 7 million adults live with IDD today. Their challenges range from communication and mobility limitations to accessing inclusive education, employment, and independent housing.
But a diagnosis is just the beginning of someone’s story, not the whole of it.
Importance of Support Services for IDD
People with IDD can (and do) thrive with the proper supports in place. Daily living skills like cooking, managing money, communicating needs, and navigating social spaces don't come naturally to all people, and support services provide a helping hand to assist individuals in achieving self-advocacy, confidence, and connection.
Support services create the foundation for personal growth, social connection, and emotional well-being. Individuals can learn vital daily living skills with tailored support, build routines that foster independence, and gain confidence in navigating their communities. Equally important, consistent caregiver relationships offer the trust and stability many individuals need to thrive. Ensuring that support is available where and when it’s needed is critical to equity, inclusion, and long-term quality of life.
Amivie's Approach to In-Home Care for IDD
At Amivie, we take a community-first, person-centered approach. Our services are designed to integrate people with IDD into the places and routines that bring them joy and fulfillment.We offer:
- Home and Community-Based Services: Offering individualized supports that promote independence and community involvement in a person’s own home or familiar setting
- Day Supports: Creating structured opportunities for socialization, skill-building, and personal enrichment outside the home
- Host Homes: Connecting individuals with welcoming families who provide care in a personalized, home-based environment
- Group Home Residential Services: Delivering 24/7 support in safe, shared living environments that encourage autonomy and peer connection
Why Choose Amivie for I/DD Support Services
Choosing Amivie means choosing uninterrupted, relationship-driven care from professionals who are passionate about this work. Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and supervisors don’t just meet basic needs—they advocate, empower, and celebrate every step forward.
Here's what sets us apart:
- CARF-accredited I/DD services that reflect clinical excellence and person-centered values
- Low caregiver turnover, leading to long-lasting, stable relationships
- Flexible, individualized care plans that evolve with each person’s growth
- Community Concepts Foundation, our nonprofit arm supporting inclusion and employment for people with I/DD
Unlike national chains, Amivie is deeply rooted in local communities and offers a human connection that goes beyond the basics.
Contact Amivie for Comprehensive I/DD Support Services
If you’re looking for dependable, deeply personalized care for yourself or a loved one with IDD, Amivie is the place for you. We serve families and individuals across the East Coast with heart, skill, and an unwavering commitment to dignity. Schedule a consultation today to find the proper support for your needs.
