Answers For Self-Advocates
(Adults with I/DD)

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few frequently asked questions about Villa de Vida, by adults with IDD.

Table of Contents

  1. Question 1: What is Villa de Vida, and how can it help me live independently?

  2. Question 2: Will I have my own apartment and freedom at Villa de Vida?

  3. Question 3: What kind of support or help can I get while living at Villa de Vida?

  4. Question 4: Will I be part of a community and have social activities and friends there?

  5. Question 5: Do I have to participate in every program or follow a set schedule, or can I do things my own way?

  6. What to do next.

Question 1: What is Villa de Vida, and how can it help me live independently?

Answer: Villa de Vida is a permanent, affordable housing community designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to live independently – but not in isolation. It consists of 54 apartments (mostly one-bedroom units) in Poway, CA, where all residents share similar experiences (100% of residents have disabilities, about 80% with IDD). This means you’ll be living among peers in a supportive environment that celebrates who you are – no more feeling different than everyone else or feeling like an outsider.

Our community provides on-site amenities like an exercise room, outdoor BBQ area, lounges, computer lab, and access to nearby parks and transit. Importantly, Villa de Vida offers optional support services and group activities on-site to help you succeed in independent living – from help accessing community resources to fun classes and social events – all aimed at giving you the tools and confidence to live life on your own terms.

NOTE: Villa de Vida, Poway is currently full, and we have a waiting list. But we have plans in the works to build a second community. You can find more information on our Becoming a Resident page.

Question 2: Will I have my own apartment and freedom at Villa de Vida?

Answer: Yes! At Villa de Vida Poway, residents have their own full apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, and living space – it’s your home. Most units are one-bedroom apartments, and there are a few two-bedroom units for those who choose to have a roommate or a live-in support person. You’ll have the privacy of your own apartment, where you can cook, decorate, and live independently. As a tenant, you have a standard lease and the rights that come with it – this is permanent housing, not a temporary program. Villa de Vida is not a group home or institution; it’s an independent apartment community. You make your own daily choices – what to eat, how to spend your time, etc. – with the freedom to come and go as you please. The philosophy is that this is your life and your home, so you can “simply be yourself” without trying to fit someone else’s mold. The on-site staff and optional programs are there to support you, not to control your schedule. In fact, Villa de Vida’s whole approach starts by asking each resident “What do you want?”, ensuring you have control over setting your own goals and routine.

Question 3: What kind of support or help can I get while living at Villa de Vida?

Answer: Villa de Vida provides a Resident Services Coordinator and an Activities Coordinator on-site as part of the support team. They are there to help connect you with any resources or services you might need and to organize educational classes, life-skills workshops, and social activities. For example, if you need help finding a job or managing your money, the staff can refer you to job development supports or host money management workshops. If you have goals like learning to cook healthier meals or exercise more, they offer on-site cooking classes and fitness activities (like yoga, dance, or Zumba) designed for people with disabilities. There’s something happening almost every day – from a weekly coffee hour and neighborhood walks to art classes and gardening – and you can choose to join whatever interests you.

Staff also help coordinate with outside service providers: for instance, if you receive independent living skills (ILS) training or personal support from an agency, the Villa de Vida team will work with those providers (and your San Diego Regional Center coordinator, if appropriate) to make sure all your support needs are met. This might include helping you set up automatic rent payments, connect to transportation or medical services, or access benefits like SSI – whatever helps you live in a stable and independent way.

And if you face a challenge (like difficulties with a task or a personal issue), the staff are there to advocate on your behalf and link you to the right resources (for example, referring you to a counselor or therapist if you need one). The key point: you can get personalized support when you need it, but it’s always optional and tailored to what you want help with.

Question 4: Will I be part of a community and have social activities and friends there?

Answer: Absolutely. Villa de Vida is all about community and friendship – you won’t be alone. Living at Villa de Vida means you’ll be surrounded by peers who share similar life experiences, which naturally creates a sense of understanding and friendship. Many residents form friendships with their neighbors, and there are plenty of opportunities to socialize.

The Activities Coordinator organizes group events like movie nights, game nights, holiday parties, art and music clubs, and gardening. For example, residents have enjoyed weekly coffee hours to chat with neighbors, group walks around the neighborhood, cooking classes in a special teaching kitchen (designed just like the apartments’ kitchens), and exercise sessions like Zumba in the courtyard. The idea is to have something fun or engaging happening every day, so everyone can participate and make friends.

Because all your neighbors are also adults with special needs, no one is made to feel “different” or left out – it’s a place where being yourself is the norm and friendships grow naturally. Many residents find that they finally feel a true sense of belonging and community at Villa de Vida, often for the first time. And it’s not just within the apartment community – Villa de Vida also links residents with the wider local community (Poway and San Diego) through volunteering and group outings, so you’ll get to know people beyond just your building if you want.

In short, at Villa de Vida you can build a full social life: making friends at home, joining clubs or classes, and being part of the broader community, all while having the support to do so.

Question 5: Do I have to participate in every program or follow a set schedule, or can I do things my own way?

Answer: You are not required to participate in anything you’re not interested in. All services, classes, and activities at Villa de Vida are completely optional – they’re offered as opportunities, not obligations. The goal is to give you the freedom to pursue your own interests and goals. Villa de Vida explicitly rejects any “one-size-fits-all” or cookie-cutter programming. Instead of telling you what you must do, the staff will ask what you want to achieve or enjoy, and then help make that happen.

For example, if you have a passion (like one resident, Jake, who loved art history), the team will support you in leading or organizing an activity for the community around that passion. If you prefer a quiet evening to yourself, that’s respected too. Success at Villa de Vida isn’t measured by how many activities you attend; it’s measured by how well the community adapts to support your individual journey and choices. So you can absolutely do things your own way.

You can set your daily routine – whether that’s going to work or school, cooking your favorite meals, or hanging out with friends – and you can decide which community events to join. The staff is there to facilitate and encourage, not to dictate. In short, your voice and choice are central at Villa de Vida. Residents are even encouraged to take on leadership roles in the community if they want (planning events, giving input on activities, etc.), but again, that’s up to you. The community philosophy is, “We’re here to help you live the life you want”, so participation is on your terms.

What to do next:

If you are interested in Villa de Vida, start by talking to your family or support coordinator about your housing goals. Villa de Vida, Poway is currently full, and we have a waiting list. But we have plans in the works to build a second community. You can find more information on our Becoming a Resident page. There is also a lot of great information on our website – https://villadevida.org.

In the meantime, consider joining Villa de Vida’s Social Club or community events, which are open to non-residents, to meet people and get a feel for the community. Even if you don’t live locally, we host some online events as well (see our Social Club calendar).

It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re connected with your local Regional Center or disability services, because they can help you build the independent living skills and supports you’ll need to thrive in your own apartment. In the meantime, practice skills like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting – every bit of independence you build will help you succeed when the opportunity comes!