Smart technology makes adapted accommodation better

摘要

Alice Saddy Association helps people with developmental and physical disabilities to live independently in the community of London, Ontario. They support close to two hundred people for whom they supply service workers to help them live as independently as possible. Recently Nelms Group of London, with the assistance of federal and provincial governments and the City of London Affordable Housing Program, built two apartment buildings with six units in each that will house up to 18 developmentally and physically disabled tenants. The apartments back onto park land and the property is a perfect example of what affordable housing should look like in a city environment. The main floor apartments were designed to accommodate people with physical disabilities and have concrete ramps to the door. Wheelchair height counters were installed in the bathrooms and kitchen and Medichair of London installed a ceiling lift system in every room of the main floor apartments. In these apartments, Alice Saddy staff are present 24/7. David Nelms of Nelms Group says "there is no doubt that the ceiling lifts will greatly reduce back strain helping to prevent injuries to Alice Saddy staff. They will pay for themselves in the long run." The apartments also have large decks built to accommodate wheel-chairs for tenants to easily get outside and enjoy the view.