A new Independent Living Centre will open this fall supporting Islanders living with intellectual and/or dual disabilities.
Inclusions East is finalizing the design plans for the complex that will host eight one-bedroom furnished apartments, one of which will be completely barrier-free, and one three-bedroom staffed unit for those with greater needs. There will also be laundry facilities and a common area for socializing, as well as the opportunity of a nutritious evening meal. It will address housing for 11 individuals throughout the complex.
“Within our communities there are many seniors caring for adults with disabilities,” sais Nancy Anderson, executive director of Inclusions East.
“This project will support some Islander’s living with disabilities to move into an independent living environment. This build is also exciting for some of our community members that have children with an intellectual or dual disability, as it empowers them to be able to have to “live a life of their own” in the future.
Support staff will be on-site to assist with life skills training to ensure success among the tenants.
Tenants will also have access, should they choose, for other services available under Inclusions East such as employment services and/or skills training.
Danny Bartlett, president of the Inclusions East board of directors, said there is a great need in P.E.I. communities to provide housing for those living with an intellectual and/or dual disability.
“Being an aging parent of a son with disabilities, I personally know this need is real. The board of directors is very pleased that we can move forward with this project and accommodate some of these needs in eastern P.E.I.”
The 9,000-square-foot facility will be located on a proposed site on Grace Lane in Montague and is expected to open in the fall of 2021.
As announced last January, the project will receive $590,000 through the Community Housing Fund administered by Canadian Mental Health Association and Department of Social Development and Housing.
Accessible housing requires a collective and collaborative approach from government and its community partners,” said Social Development and Housing Minister Ernie Hudson.
“We are pleased to partner with Inclusions East on this initiative that creates more housing options for Islanders with disabilities to live independently.
An approval process is now open for interested individuals to apply in order for Inclusions East to plan. It will be available from the AccessAbility Support Program or by contacting Inclusions East at [email protected].
