Cuyahoga DD and North Coast Community Homes Announce TryTech Smart Apartments
People with developmental disabilities who are ready to live more independently have an innovative new option from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) and North Coast Community Homes (NCCH).
TryTech at the Cranford Apartments in the heart of Lakewood offers a unique opportunity for people with developmental disabilities (DD) to live in a smart apartment in an integrated building for the duration of a short-term lease, allowing them to try tools and technology they might want to use in their future daily home life – for mealtimes, entertainment, security, wellbeing and self-care, and more. This trial housing option gives people a temporary, immersive independent living experience to help them gain confidence and determine what technology works best for them as they move toward living as independently as they want.
Renters can live in a TryTech apartment for up to several weeks, during and after which their Cuyahoga DD Support Administrators and Assistive Technology staff will assess their needs and determine next steps for achieving the goal of independent living.
“We are extremely proud to launch the TryTech apartments,” said Cuyahoga DD Superintendent and CEO Kelly Petty. “It is a unique opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to experience independent living in an integrated building. TryTech is another step toward our goal of community inclusion for people with DD.”
To adapt the four units into safe and comfortable apartments for people with DD – including one accessible unit – Cuyahoga DD turned to North Coast Community Homes, an organization with decades of experience in fulfilling the housing needs of people with disabilities.
“This project aligned with our organizational goal: to serve people with developmental and other disabilities who want to live independently,” said Chris West, Chief Executive Officer of North Coast Community Homes. “We are pleased to have shared our experience developing safe and comfortable housing options for people with disabilities, and we hope that TryTech residents lead lives of even greater dignity, self-expression and connection as a result.”
About North Coast Community Homes
North Coast Community Homes (NCCH) is a NE Ohio non-profit organization providing quality, community-based homes throughout Cuyahoga, Summit, Lake, Stark, and Erie Counties for people with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. NCCH properties are designed to empower persons with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives.
Working with County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and local Mental Health agencies, North Coast Community Homes serves the housing needs of men and women with intellectual, developmental, physical, and/or severe mental health disabilities in more than 60 cities across Northeast Ohio. Learn more at www.ncch.org.