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The Cedar Foundation unveils state of the art accommodation for disabled people at the official launch of Ardkeen.
The Cedar Foundation showcased its state of the art accommodation for disabled people at the official launch of Ardkeen. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey were in attendance to officially open the South Belfast apartments along with Peter Gay, Chairman of Cedar and George Harkness, Chairman of Habinteg Housing Association.
Cedar, in partnership with Habinteg Housing Association developed the apartments to give people with disabilities, who had previously lived in residential facilities, the chance to have their very own homes, many of them for the first time. It was all possible due to SMART Technology, tailored to each person’s individual needs; this includes remote controls that operate the doors, windows, blinds and lights as well as low level counters, wide door ways and en-suite bathrooms. There’s also a call bell if anyone needs assistance from the on site staff.
Cedar’s vision is a society in which disabled adults and children are fully included citizens. The ultra modern accommodation that the foundation commissions shows that this ethos is working.
MLA Margaret Ritchie was impressed with what she saw, she commented:
“This is a ground breaking, state of the art development. Not only do we have first class accommodation, built to the very highest standards of modern construction, but associated with that, we have incorporated innovative assistive technology that will improve the independence and quality of life for all who live here”.
“I want to do all I can in the context of the New Housing Agenda, and to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society have the same opportunities as the rest of the community. This latest addition to the supported housing sector is a real, practical and tangible example of this aspiration in action. This is not just about bricks and mortar, but about the positive, transforming effect that housing can bring to peoples lives.”
As Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey also realised the importance of such accommodation being available:
“I firmly believe that everyone in our society deserves the right to live as independently as possible, and Ardkeen provides an environment which supports its residents in achieving this aim. This modern, well-constructed facility, which embraces and utilises assistive technologies, can improve residents’ quality of life and independence. It is another good example of the community, voluntary and statutory sectors all working together.”
Eileen Fegan, who lives at Ardkeen concluded:
“The New Ardkeen has changed my life. I have my own place, my own front door and my own “space”. It’s great to invite the family around, especially my young Granddaughter. It really has changed my life. The coffee area is also great as you can go and chat with the other people who live here. The design is comfortable and spacious and I even have my own rooftop patio area. I am really happy with what Cedar has offered me and it’s good that the Ministers visited to experience what Ardkeen is all about.”
Cedar works in partnership with disabled people across Northern Ireland providing quality support, care, accommodation and training services to enable disabled adults and children to participate in all aspects of community life.
For more information about Cedar log on to www.cedar-foundation.org
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