Cope to develop ‘smart’ housing for intellectually disabled

The Cope Foundation is to develop a €1.2m “smart” housing scheme in Cork to make independent living more accessible for people with intellectual disabilities.

The groundbreaking project will use ambient-assisted technologies, generally used in the care of older people, and adapt them to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

The details of the Summerstown Smart Housing scheme were announced yesterday as part of the launch of ‘Creating the Future: A strategic plan for Cope Foundation 2012 to 2015’ by Kathleen Lynch, the junior health minister.

“It is clear the needs and expectations of people with intellectual disabilities and autism and their families are changing,” said Colette Kelleher, chief executive of the Cope Foundation.

“Medical advances, fresh thinking, and new government structures are prompting change.

“As an organisation, Cope Foundation is planning for modernising and adapting to these changes so that we can best support people with an intellectual disability and/or autism to live their lives to the full, now, and into the future,” she said.

The housing scheme will cost €1.2m to build and fit out. It will consist of two three-bedroom apartments and two single-bedroom apartments.

It has full planning permission, with building expected to commence shortly, and is due to be ready for its first tenants in early 2013.

Ms Kelleher said the strategic plan looks to the future but was also about the now.

“There is no doubt that we are living in challenging times and Cope Foundation has risen to the challenge,” she said.

“This year, we have accommodated and facilitated all school leavers. We have catered for demographic pressures and met emergencies. There has been no withdrawal of services or closures, nor have there been any additional charges.

“With tremendous flexibility and co-operation Cope Foundation is balancing the books so far this year, proving that we are an efficient as well as an effective and responsive organisation.”

Cope Foundation receives about €1.3m from fundraising per annum. To deliver the strategic plan, it will need to use all its current resources, and find an additional €10m over three years.