Springboard Landings, a 501(c)3 organization, was formed in 2009 by a group of concerned parents for the future of their adult children with mild developmental disabilities. It started with the question: What happens when my parents are no longer available?

 

Adults with mild developmental disabilities live among us as neighbors, friends, relatives, and acquaintances. It is projected up to 40,000 Tennesseans have developmental disabilities, other than intellectual disability.* Too often neglected or underserved, many continue living with their parents well into adulthood for lack of suitable alternative housing and support. But, like their now-adult children, these parents are also aging and eventually come face-to-face with the frightening reality that one day they will die or may otherwise be unable to provide a home or guidance for their adult children.

 

Of those residential options that are available for adults with developmental disabilities, most are far too restrictive for adults with milder levels of disability. These are adults with developmental disabilities who are capable of self-care, can secure and retain employment, and independently use public transportation. They do not require around-the-clock supervision but need occasional guidance or a helping hand when they encounter situations they find too difficult to manage on their own.

 

In 2007 a group of parents began in earnest to secure the necessary resources to create appropriate adult living spaces for this population. Springboard Landings was their vision.

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*From the Report of the DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TASK FORCE "Fulfilling the Promise", June 20, 2007