A Resident's Perspective: What It Means To Be Independent

An Introduction by John Huber

This article was written by John Huber, a future resident of Osprey Village. In this weekly series, John shares real-life experiences and insights from his journey toward independence as an adult with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD).

As someone who has lived most of my life with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), I’ve had to navigate a variety of challenges and major life changes—from moving to new places, to attending school and college, to stepping into the uncertain world of adulthood. My goal has always been to challenge the stereotypes placed on people like me and to live as independently as possible. But no matter where you fall on the spectrum, that goal is never simple.

As a future resident of Osprey Village, I’m proud to say that I’m considered high-functioning—and while I don’t usually talk a lot about myself, I’ve had experiences that many others like me may not have had the chance to try. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing those stories—so I hope you’ll follow along.

I’ve traveled alone using public transportation, navigated crowded places, and explored big cities like New York and Paris on my own. I’ve made smart decisions in unfamiliar environments and stayed safe—something many people, even without disabilities, might find difficult. (One of those stories is especially memorable, and I can’t wait to tell you more.)

You’ll start to see a few recurring themes in these stories—like learning to trust your judgment, making decisions independently, and being adaptable when plans change. Sometimes it's something as small as choosing lunch at 30 Rock or deciding whether a $600 LEGO set is really worth it. Other times, it’s about handling unexpected changes, like a delayed flight or a canceled bus. And often, it’s about preparing ahead packing the right supplies for a full day at a convention, for instance, so I’m ready for anything.

These are real moments where independence is tested, practiced, and strengthened. My hope is that, by sharing my experiences, others might better understand what independence truly means—and maybe even feel more confident facing similar situations themselves.

Coming Next Week

Stay tuned for my first full article next week, where I’ll dive into my experiences with transportation—planes, buses, and everything in between.