by Donald Moore, October 2018
Overview
This is a shorter version of of a posting I did for the Illinois Association of the Deaf's website, which focuses mainly on the human and technology needs for deaf consumers in apartments and retirement centers. If you want to read the full version, read “Apartments and Retirement Centers for the Deaf” article on IAD’s website.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to visit “Martha’s Vineyard Place”, which is a Deaf Apartment complex, in Dallas, Texas during a side excursion while on a combined business/personal trip. The complex is entirely new and is open for residents. See below flyer and contact the apartment management directly for any residency questions.
Current and Future Living Arrangements
While many deaf are currently living in apartments, condos/town-homes and single family homes - have not yet considered what type of living arrangements may be desired or needed in the future. This can be challenging considering the social and communication needs of deaf residents when approaching retirement or requiring senior and assistive care.
Some places only offer housing for those requiring low-income assistance. Oftentimes, availability is limited and there can be long waiting lists. It is a possible that with the large number of “baby boomers” (1946-1964), and the “Rubella Bulge” (1960’s) entering their senior years - that availability will become limited.
Always check on availability in advance and do not assume there is space immediately ready.
Very few places offer full accommodations for deaf residents. Some accommodations may be non-existent or minimal. While everyone’s accommodative needs may be different, the need for social interaction with others is equally important. The need for on-going human and social interaction is one of the basic needs as identified within Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Thus this is where the value of deaf designed centers is important. Especially within the Physiological needs as shown in Maslow's Hierarchy of needs chart (see below). Again there is a very small subset of communities that offer full inclusion for deaf residents.
What is Full Inclusion for Deaf?
Staff that can sign and communicate well with residents, the availability of hearing assistive devices for entry gates/doors, fire and security alert systems. As well as communication systems such as the availability of video phones/conferencing, and the wide-availability of high-speed Internet and WI-FI access for two-way video (i.e. FaceTime, Skype and VRS/VRI), and email. Not only that, the residency of other residents with similar communication needs (signing in ASL) allows others to fully participate in conversations, social and gaming activities.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Conduct the appropriate research and follow up will help you determine availability and the match for your needs.
Donald Moore can be reached at mooredlm@gmail.com for any questions, feedback or comments.
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