Saturday, March 6, 2010

Wisconsin opens first group home for deaf, intellectually disabled women

From the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

GREENFIELD, Wis. - An assisted-living home described as the first in Wisconsin for women who are deaf and have cognitive disabilities such as mental retardation has opened at 4324 S. 50th St.

The facility, a converted single-family home for four women, is being run by Options for Community Growth Inc. of Hales Corners.

The for-profit company operates 14 residential facilities and a day program for adults with disabilities in Milwaukee County, President John Rathmann said.

Rathmann said there are no other homes of its type in Wisconsin. Adaptations include video phones and beds that vibrate to alert residents to emergencies, he said.