Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. provides residential living arrangements for people with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities. The purpose of these living arrangements is to enable clients to meet their needs appropriately, to improve the quality of their lives, to acquire maximum skill development, and to live as independently as possible.

At each living arrangement, emphasis is made on assisting the individual to become a part of the community. Attendance at many community programs and events is facilitated for each resident. Likewise, families are encouraged to participate in each phase of residents’ integration into site activities.

Intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled are available for the developmentally disabled. These living units are primarily for those individuals who need more structured activities and settings. Communal dining and recreational areas allow staff to work with residents in a common and supported setting. As residents acquire basic skills and confidence, they are progressively able to achieve greater independence.

Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) facilities provide housing for persons with developmental disabilities in apartments and newly constructed houses throughout Chicago’s South and West Sides. These arrangements are designed to allow residents maximal independence and the opportunity to practice and/or improve their living skills in less structured settings. At present, more than 35 persons with developmental disabilities occupy seven CILAs.