As you consider whether On My Own of Michigan is right for you, here's more information about how we approach our work and how to apply to begin receiving our services.
The OMO Way is our organizational philosophy for how we approach the work of making independent living possible for people with developmental disabilities.
Our work is:
- guided by our members,
- grounded in accepting our members as they are,
- collaborative (we do things with our members, not for them), and
- focused on increasing independence and decreasing dependency on others.
Our work is also guided by our beliefs about what independent living includes:
- the same freedom of choice and lifestyle that adults without disabilities experience, including the freedom to make mistakes and choices that others might not approve of,
- right-sized support from others as needed to maintain a high-quality of life, and
- freedom from intrusive monitoring and control by others.
As we help young adults achieve independence, we look to partner with families who:
- have been working alongside their young adult to develop independent living skills,
- are willing to support the independent living goals of their young adult,
- are ready to let go of some control over their young adult's life,
- are ready for their young adult to make mistakes and experience natural consequences, and
- are willing to remain present in the life of their young adult and provide appropriate support as needed.
If this sounds like what you're looking for, consider applying to our programs.
We're the one-stop independent living shop for people with developmental disabilities.
We provide the critical momentum, safe community, and right-sized support necessary for people with developmental disabilities to successfully live on their own.
Our goal is to leave you feeling like you've found your solution for long-term independence.
Our services are focused on supporting three primary outcomes:
- successful long-term independent living,
- stable competitive wage employment, and
- a high quality of life.
As of July 2025, 53 percent of adults who have been receiving our services for at least a year are successfully living independently. This includes 75% of Independence College graduates and 89% of Independent Living Program members living independently, comparing favorably to the less than 25% of adults with developmental disabilities living independently nationwide.
Each service we offer supports these long-term outcomes differently, so please read our services pages and logic model to see which service might be right for you.
Everyone who applies to receive our services goes through a multi-step eligibility process. This process includes:
- completing an online application
- submitting a non-refundable $100 application fee
- completing an in-person applicant interview
- completing an in-person family interview
- completing an in-person skills assessment
- attending a trial activity through one of our programs
- completing a background check + vaccination record verification (for Independence College students only)
During this process, we're looking for individuals who:
- meet our minimum age requirements (13+ for some Independence Prep services and 18+ for all other services)
- have a developmental disability
- want to participate in our programs
- can stay safe without 1:1 supervision
- do not have a recent history of self harm or mental health crisis
- do not have a history of physical violence or aggression toward others
- can manage their daily living activities independently
- can follow directions from staff accurately and without constant prompting or redirection
- can accurately communicate their needs without prompting
- achieve a minimum baseline score on our skills assessment
We're also looking for families who:
- want their family member to live independently one day
- support the goals of their family member
- allow their family member to make their own choices without restriction
- do not intrusively monitor their family member's activities
- do not take away independence as a punishment
- are willing to let their family member learn through failure and experience natural consequences without stepping in
- are working with their family member to build independent living skills
If it sounds like we might be a fit for you, apply today!
After you complete our application process, our staff will match you with the service that's right for you right now.
The services that may be recommended include:
- Independence Prep Extension
- Independence Prep Weekends
- Independence Prep Summer
- Independence Prep Residency
- Skill Building Program
- Independence College
- Independent Living Program
We'll match you with a service based on the goals you share with us during your interview, your skill assessment scores, and where we think you'll be most successful to start.
Where you start likely won't be where you end though, as we have services designed to grow with you and support you across your lifetime.
And while it doesn't happen often, if we're not yet a good fit for what you need, we'll provide you with recommendations for other services in the area that might help.
We're here to be a resource, and won't leave you to figure out the next steps alone.
'We don’t even know what to ask for—we just know we don’t want Elena to be stuck at home, lonely and unsure of what’s next.'
That’s what the Rivera family said when they first contacted us. They didn’t have a clear plan, they just knew their daughter, Elena, was finishing school soon, and the future felt overwhelming. They weren’t sure if she was ready to work, or live on her own, or even what to do next.
That’s more common than you’d think. And it’s exactly why we’re here.
We started by simply listening—getting to know Elena, her strengths, her challenges, and what made her light up. Together, we explored possibilities: life skills coaching, social groups, and even independent living.
There was no pressure, no one-size-fits-all plan—just steady support and a team that walked alongside them. Over time, Elena found her rhythm. She started volunteering at an animal shelter, learned to cook her favorite meals, and began talking about her future with excitement instead of fear.
Now, her parents say they feel hopeful again. Not because everything is figured out, but because they’re not doing it alone.
And you aren't alone.
If you aren't yet sure what to try next, we're here to help.
Give us a call and we'll figure it out together.
Please contact Emily Lourim, Director of Education, at emily@onmyownofmi.org or (248) 649-3739 x 221.