Vinay D’Souza’s Success Story:  Sharing the Whole Life Model

Vinay and his brother Vijay researched apartment developments in the DC area and put Vinay’s name in a lottery to try to get an affordable housing unit. His Christmas present was finding out he won the lottery and an apartment of his own.

Vinay’s brother Vijay is one of ILO’s Bike to the Beach riders. Support Vinay and Vijay and other ILO self-advocates by sponsoring Vijay’s ride at: https://my.biketothebeach.org/vijay
He loves his apartment complex which includes a community room, outside deck, gymnasium, and a concierge who is very helpful to Vinay.

Vinay has hosted other ILO self-advocates at his apartment and is a great tour guide through his neighborhood which is surrounded by restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and boats, fish and the Potomac River. He is also adept at using the shuttle bus and METRO for getting around town.

One of Vinay’s guests said, “Vinay is a confident host and seems like a great neighbor!”

Here are some of Vinay’s life skills tips:

• Always have a smile and warm greeting for your neighbors and the people who work in your community.
• When ordering pizza from Dominoes, it’s important to give good directions and include a tip for the delivery person.
• Lock your apartment whenever you’re not there and make sure you carry your keys with you.