“The nexus between Community and Quality of Life for people with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual or developmental disabilities”
ABOUT THE BOOK
For folks who have cognitive differences, life can be too hard. For caregivers, life is too hard. The worst of their struggles, however, are unnecessary. This book is an inspiring exploration of Sólheimar Ecovillage in Iceland, a pioneering community that embodies sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity. Durrett delves into the unique aspects of this ecovillage, where 45 neurodivergent individuals, including those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, live and thrive alongside neighbors in a safe and enriching environment.
Through rich storytelling and detailed accounts, the book highlights the importance of creating communities that celebrate and support neurodiversity. Durrett presents Sólheimar as a model for how we can build neuro-inclusive spaces that respect and uplift every individual's potential, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
The book offers practical insights into the principles and practices that make Sólheimar a beacon of hope for sustainable and inclusive living. It challenges readers to rethink conventional approaches, advocating for environments where all people, regardless of their cognitive differences, can live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
With its focus on real-world solutions and its call to action, One Life, Live It! is both a guide and an inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of sustainability, community living, and neuro-inclusivity.
From Isolation and Institutions to thriving in Connection, meaning, and Purpose
This is the future – and this is the time to make it happen
This book was catalyzed by the fact that there are, unfortunately, too few places where people with neurological or developmental disabilities can live life to their fullest potential, and too few places where parents and primary caregivers feel supported and surrounded by loving and understanding neighbors. Without community, too much humanity is left on the table. So, we set out to tackle that exact issue by illustrating how to design more of these thriving neuro-inclusive environments. This book is about the nexus of community and quality-of-life for those with neurological challenges: a consequential guide to understanding and designing a better life for all.
PRAISE FOR ONE LIFE, LIVE IT!
“Bullseye.”
-Dr. Bill Thomas
“It is a remarkable and clearly described tale about the power of cohousing.”
-Dr. Søren E. Skovlund
“In this book, Chuck unveils the secrets to cultivating a dynamic, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to creatively, intellectually, and emotionally flourish. From the shared pleasures of communal dining to the profound impact of meaningful labor, Sólheimar embraces the essence of purpose-driven existence.”
-Laura Juvik, Architect and Board member of Bofællesskab.dk
I recently purchased a copy of One Life, Live It! at the National Cohousing Conference. It is a beautifully written and illustrated story of a Neuro-Inclusive Community in Iceland. It touched me deeply. It demonstrates how important it is to help neuro-diverse folks reach their potential.
-Marty Maskall, Editor, The Attitude Treasury & The Athena Treasury, collections of inspiring quotations. Founding Resident, FairOaksEcoHousing.org