Why we do it ?

 

Why does Constellations build homes for people with intellectual disabilities ?

Many people think that individuals with intellectual disabilities can simply continue living with their parents.

 

In reality, this solution is neither sustainable nor adapted to the specific needs of young adults.

A critical situation for young adults

Although the lack of places affects all age groups, the situation is especially dramatic for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

 

At 21 years old, they are excluded from the school system, after years of support designed to develop their learning abilities, independence, and social skills.

As a result, most of them end up fully dependent on their parents, without prospects of inclusion or an adapted living environment.

 

👉 Direct consequences include:

  • regression in autonomy,

  • loss of acquired skills due to lack of professional stimulation,

  • social isolation and withdrawal.


A heavy burden on families

Parents often face:

 

  • job loss and financial insecurity,

  • social isolation,

  • psychological and physical exhaustion.

 

Over time, the situation worsens:

 

  • parents grow older and can no longer cope alone,

  • adults with disabilities risk ending up alone,

  • they lose their ability to integrate into a collective living space.

 

 

👉 In many cases, this leads to increased psychiatric hospitalizations, resulting in a high social and financial cost for society.

The need for adapted living environments

At Constellations, we fully support the idea that people with intellectual disabilities should be able to live independently in society whenever possible.

We also applaud supervised housing initiatives, which meet the needs of those who are close to autonomy.

 

However, our mission focuses on a different group: people with little or no autonomy.

Not out of ideology, but because this is where the need is greatest and the costs are highest.

 

👉 We believe that even those who are most severely disabled have the right to dignity, happiness, and inclusion.

 

This is exactly what the care homes supported by Constellations provide: warm, adapted, and supportive places where life can flourish.

The right to independence and fulfillment

Like all young adults, people with intellectual disabilities aspire to leave their parents’ home and live independently.

 

Independence is an essential condition for well-being:

 

  • every resident must be able to consider their house as “their own home”,

  • have their own room, friends, and life,

  • and be respected in their dignity and identity.

 

 

👉 In an inclusive and respectful environment, adults with intellectual disabilities can be truly happy — even if society sometimes struggles to recognize this reality.

Our values

All our homes are designed according to the Constellations Charter, which places at the center:

 

 

  • respect for fundamental rights,

  • inclusion in society,

  • dignity,

  • and the recognition and empowerment of every person, regardless of their disability.