On February 1, 1982, a group of seven families met at the home of Brad and Connie Aust to discuss the future for their loved ones dealing with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. The options for housing looked grim, but instead of accepting defeat these seven families created a program that would provide adequate care and a “forever home” for their loved ones – today we call that program Reaching Maximum Independence, Inc.(RMI).
Forty-one years have passed since the living room summit in Brad and Connie Aust’s home, and RMI still remains a sanctuary for people and families that are faced daily with the challenges and joys of IDD. In those forty-one years, RMI has become a reputable 501(c)(3) that is known for always putting the needs of participants first. As a team, RMI has guaranteed that its participants are integrated into the San Antonio community, no different than anyone else.
Since its founding, RMI has grown from serving seven families to serving 202 in a variety of different ways. Some live with their families and receive assistance in their own homes. Some live in HCS (Medicaid funded) homes shared by 3 or 4 people. Others live in traditional ICF (Medicaid funded) 6-bed group homes that are immersed throughout San Antonio.
In addition to the housing program, RMI operates a day program – Life Enrichment Program (LEP) – that further guarantees individuals are integrated into the San Antonio community and a Supported Employment program that the objective of RMI’s day program is to teach and implement the