When school ends, the journey to independence is just beginning.
Foundation for Independence offers person-centered Supported Living and Employment Services that help transition-age young adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue building skills, confidence, and meaningful adult lives — across Arizona.
- Person-centered
- Strengths-based supports
- DDD-authorized
- HCBS-aligned services
- Across Arizona
- Pinal • Maricopa • Navajo • Apache
Reliable supports that families can count on, every day.
Goals shaped by each individual's strengths and preferences.
Real progress in daily living, work readiness, and self-direction.
Helping young adults build the skills, confidence, and routines for a meaningful adult life.
Foundation for Independence (FFI) provides Supported Living and Employment Services that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build practical life skills, increase independence, and engage meaningfully in their communities.
Our work focuses on the transition into adulthood and beyond — daily living skills, community integration, employment readiness, and self-direction — while offering families and guardians peace of mind through structured, person-centered supports.
The transition out of school is a critical moment — and one that's often unsupported.
Many families describe the end of high school as “falling off the cliff.” When school-based services end between ages 18 and 22, the coordinated supports that shaped a young adult's entire childhood suddenly disappear.
In Arizona — particularly in rural and underserved communities — there are limited providers offering structured, community-based Supported Living and Employment Services for transition-age young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Without consistent support during this window, individuals can experience regression, isolation, and long-term reliance on higher-cost services.
Foundation for Independence exists to fill that gap. By providing consistent, individualized supports during early adulthood, we help individuals continue building skills, stability, and meaningful adult roles in their communities.
- 1 in 36
- U.S. children diagnosed with autism— CDC
- 18–22
- Transition-age window when school-based supports end
- Limited
- Adult providers serving transition-age young adults in Arizona
Two services. One mission: lasting independence.
DDD-authorized Supported Living and a continuum of Employment Services — tailored to each individual's strengths, goals, and Individual Support Plan (ISP).
Supported LivingHASL
Skills for everyday independence — at home and in the community.
- Daily living & self-care
- Health & safety awareness
- Budgeting & money management
Employment
Job readiness, on-the-job coaching, and long-term workplace success.
- Job readiness & workplace skills
- Employment goal planning
- On-the-job coaching
Person-centered. Strengths-based. Built to last.
Independence looks different for every individual — and we shape services around the people we serve.
Person-centered
Every plan begins with the individual — their strengths, preferences, and goals. Independence looks different for everyone.
Safe & respectful
Reliable supports, clear communication, and a culture of dignity that families and guardians can trust.
Skill-building
Not just supervision — practical, lasting skills that increase confidence and independence over time.
DDD & HCBS aligned
Services aligned with the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities, AHCCCS, and Home and Community-Based Services principles.
Serving communities across Arizona.
Supported Living and Employment Services across Pinal, Maricopa, Navajo, and Apache Counties — with a focus on rural and underserved regions.
Pinal County
Casa Grande · Florence · Apache Junction
Maricopa County
Mesa · Phoenix · Chandler
Navajo County
Snowflake · Taylor · Show Low
Apache County
St. Johns · Concho · Eagar
Tools we built for your family.
Plain-language tools to help you plan, decide, and learn — whether or not you ever become an FFI client.
Transition Readiness Self-Assessment
A 12-question check-in for families approaching the school-to-adult transition.
Which FFI Service Fits?
Eight questions that help you see which FFI service — HASL, STEP, ISE, or GSE — most fits today.
DDD Acronym Decoder
A plain-language glossary of the acronyms and terms you'll hear from DDD, AHCCCS, and providers.
Real progress, in everyday moments.
Independence isn't a single milestone — it's a series of small, meaningful wins. A few stories from our community.
“For the first time, our son is cooking his own breakfast, managing his own schedule, and asking for what he needs. The growth has been remarkable.”
“FFI's coach helped me prepare for my first interview. I got the job and I've been there six months. I feel proud of what I do.”
“What I appreciate most is how individualized everything is. The team listens, adapts, and follows through. We finally feel like we have partners in this.”
Building a future of greater independence.
Whether you're an individual, a family member, a guardian, or a DDD Support Coordinator — we'd love to start a conversation.