THE BRIGHT IDEAS BOOK<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”A few more things about this book” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Mission” module_class=”truncate-multi” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_center” custom_margin=”0vw||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Row” module_id=”anchor-1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto|-3px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px||0px||false|false” border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Housing journeys can be difficult” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
We\u2019ve shared a lot of strategies and ideas in this book that can make housing more neuroinclusive, supportive, and stable. But to be clear, housing journeys can also be incredibly hard for many Neurodivergent people.<\/p>\n
Moving isn\u2019t always an exciting time, nor is it always a transition into a great new home. Unfortunately, moving can sometimes mean leaving a good home behind. It can happen because of a loss, crisis, or major life change. Other times, safe or suitable housing just isn\u2019t available.<\/p>\n
There are still many barriers to housing for Neurodivergent people. These barriers can stack up and deeply affect people, especially if they already experience discrimination based on race, disability, income, or gender.<\/p>\n
It can be scary to move into a home or community that doesn\u2019t meet needs or feels unsafe, isolating, and unwelcoming. That\u2019s why we need to talk about these realities too. Not to discourage action, but to ground our ideas and solutions in lived experience.<\/p>\n
While the strategies in this book can support better outcomes, we know real change takes more than good ideas. It takes listening, collective effort, and a commitment to doing better.<\/p>\n
<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Autistic people<\/p>\n
Other Neurodivergent people<\/p>\n
Caregivers<\/p>\n
Friends<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Family members<\/p>\n
Developers<\/p>\n
Landlords<\/p>\n
Realtors<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Community connectors<\/p>\n
Elected officials<\/p>\n
Support workers<\/p>\n
Designers<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Housing planners<\/p>\n
Researchers<\/p>\n
Policymakers<\/p>\n
Advocates<\/p>\n
<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” module_id=”anchor-2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto|41px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
This was a collaboration between Carleton University\u2019s Accessibility Institute and The Sinneave Family Foundation. Both teams care deeply about accessibility and inclusion, and we believe the best way to move forward is by listening, learning, and working together.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The members of the working group brought a wealth of insight from their roles as housing providers, community connectors, architects, and municipal staff. They grounded our work in real-life experience, sharing where things are going well and where there were opportunities for change. They also connected us to other great people and projects working towards more inclusive housing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We are especially grateful to members of our Neurodivergent Advisory Committee. Their lived experience, thoughtfulness, and guidance shaped this initiative and reminded us of what neuroinclusion looks like. We\u2019ve tried to honour the principle of nothing about us without us every step of the way, and their direction made that possible.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We want to thank everyone who took part in our research or connected with us during meetings, at events, or over coffee chats. This book reflects what we\u2019ve learned from them, and we were delighted to have so many enthusiastic people from across the housing ecosystem support our initiative.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” module_id=”anchor-2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto|41px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Thanks for being here” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Thanks for engaging with this book. We hope it sparked a few new ideas or offered encouragement to think about and make housing more neuroinclusive.<\/p>\n
Throughout this project, we connected with people across the housing world. Neurodivergent people, families, support workers, landlords, developers, architects, and policymakers all brought different perspectives. What stood out most was their openness to share what they knew, being energized by new ideas, and learning from one another.<\/p>\n
This book was shaped by that same spirit. The strategies and ideas inside can be adapted and used in different contexts. Some might be useful right away. Others might shape future plans or spark new conversations.<\/p>\n
Change is already happening<\/strong><\/p>\n Local action makes a difference. The choices being made, the relationships being built, and the ideas being shared can have a real impact. At the same time, we know that many of the housing challenges people face are connected to systems that weren\u2019t designed with neurodiversity in mind. That\u2019s why broader changes are also needed, such as more inclusive policies, flexible funding, better housing options, and stronger supports.<\/p>\n And while these bigger shifts can take time, we\u2019re seeing real momentum. People across the country are testing new approaches, building diverse and stronger networks, and sharing their success stories. We hope this book adds to that momentum and helps more people feel ready to take the next step.<\/p>\n Thanks for showing up, for caring about this work, and for helping to build housing that works better for everyone.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” module_id=”anchor-3″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto|41px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Index of role-specific ideas” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] This book\u2019s content was designed to be flexible, with most ideas written in a way that can be adapted across different roles and contexts. We invite you to consider how each idea might apply to your work, even if it wasn\u2019t written explicitly for your role.<\/p>\n That said, we know it\u2019s helpful to quickly spot what\u2019s most relevant. So, we\u2019ve pulled together a shortlist of ideas that connect closely to specific roles.<\/p>\n This index is just a starting point. You might see your role show up in a few different places or come across something listed under another role that sparks a new idea. That\u2019s the goal. These ideas aren\u2019t fixed. They\u2019re meant to be shared, adapted, and used in ways that work best for you.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” closed_toggle_background_color=”#e7f6ff” toggle_icon=”C||divi||400″ icon_color=”#426c8e” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” toggle_line_height=”2em” closed_toggle_line_height=”2em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”40px||80px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_free_form=”display: none;” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#426c8e” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Landlords” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] Encourage clear communication about housing agreements and contracts<\/a><\/p>\n Create task lists to organize household responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n Post clear and visible guidelines for common areas<\/a><\/p>\n Check-in before doing renovations or repairs<\/span><\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Builders” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″] Go beyond accessibility building codes and look for neuroinclusive design choices<\/a><\/p>\n Talk about neuroinclusion early and keep it on the agenda<\/a><\/p>\n Provide opportunities for physical activity<\/a><\/p>\n Capture your work in neuroinclusive housing and share it with other organizations<\/span><\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Developers” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Connect early with the people who will live there to get their input<\/a><\/p>\n Offer tours for people to experience the physical space<\/a><\/p>\n Talk about neuroinclusion early and keep it on the agenda<\/a><\/p>\n Include community members in building management or advisory boards<\/a><\/p>\n Capture your work in neuroinclusive housing and share it with other organizations<\/span><\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Designers” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″] Offer different levels of engagement and sensory input<\/a><\/p>\n Make thoughtful material choices<\/a><\/p>\n Create ways for people to control their own lighting<\/a><\/p>\n Design with sound and acoustics in mind<\/a><\/p>\n Be aware of sensory zones in the home<\/a><\/p>\n Check-in before doing renovations or repairs<\/a><\/p>\n Capture your work in neuroinclusive housing and share it with other organizations<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Architects” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Connect early with the people who will live there to get their input<\/a><\/p>\n Go beyond accessibility building codes and look for neuroinclusive design choices<\/a><\/p>\n Make it easy to get around<\/a><\/p>\n Make thoughtful material choices<\/a><\/p>\n Capture your work in neuroinclusive housing and share it with other organizations<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Housing Providers” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Encourage clear communication about housing agreements and contracts<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>Support home maintenance with clear guides and helpful tools<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n Be aware of sensory zones in the home<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>Post clear and visible guidelines for common areas<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n Plan ahead for physical safety in emergencies<\/a><\/p>\n Provide opportunities for physical activity<\/span><\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Friends” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″] Practice skills like cooking, cleaning, or laundry before the move<\/a><\/p>\n Talk through what daily activities might look like in the new space<\/a><\/p>\n Connect with the local community before the move<\/a><\/p>\n Get things done together by coworking or body doubling<\/a><\/p>\n Support wellbeing by making it easier to keep pets<\/a><\/p>\n Share info about options for hobby groups and community events<\/a><\/p>\n Set up regular visits with a trusted friend, neighbour, or support person<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Social Worker” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Put together a list of housing-related funding<\/a><\/p>\n Make a list of current and future supports<\/a><\/p>\n Compare features of different housing styles<\/a><\/p>\n Create a plan for rent and bill payments<\/a><\/p>\n Talk through what daily activities might look like in the new space<\/a><\/p>\n Make a checklist of support services to transition to the new home<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Roommates” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″] Create a plan for rent and bill payments<\/a><\/p>\n Talk openly about housemates\u2019 needs and preferences<\/a><\/p>\n Set guidelines on having guests or visitors to support everyone\u2019s comfort<\/a><\/p>\n Review household agreements on a regular basis<\/a><\/p>\n Lean into strengths to do household tasks<\/a><\/p>\n Post clear and visible guidelines for common areas<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Family” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″] Put together a list of housing-related funding<\/a><\/p>\n Know what services are available in the new location<\/a><\/p>\n Compare features of different housing styles<\/a><\/p>\n Think about co-living options<\/a><\/p>\n Create a plan for rent and bill payments<\/a><\/p>\n Talk about how life changes can affect budgets<\/a><\/p>\n Make a checklist of support services to transition to the new home<\/span><\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Caregivers” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″] Talk through what daily activities might look like in the new space<\/a><\/p>\n Connect with the local community before the move<\/a><\/p>\n Talk openly about housemates\u2019 needs and preferences<\/a><\/p>\n Create task lists to organize household responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n Plan ahead for physical safety in emergencies<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n