InFocus has adapted a new kitchen for students with vision impairment and complex needs, thanks to a generous donation from the Northbrook Community Trust.
A gift of £30,000 has meant that young people at the Exeter charity are now able to access height adjustable worktops, cooker-tops and kitchen sinks in their shared accommodation. The new facilities mean that more of the young residents – who all attend the charity’s specialist College – can now develop essential independent living skills that will stand them in good stead for later life. It’s also a practical space used for socialising and preparing and eating food in a busy home from home.
The talking microwave and induction hob with traditional hand-turned dials (as opposed to the modern touch panels) are impressive additions to assist blind or partially-sighted users, whilst the removal of white goods to a dedicated laundry room have created more space under the worktops to improve access for students in wheelchairs.
Even the lighting, flooring and decoration of the kitchen have been planned to reduce visual clutter and create suitable levels of contrast to help the young people who have some functional vision to navigate the space.
Jane Bell, Chief Executive Officer at InFocus said:
“The ongoing and generous support of the Northbrook Community Trust has enabled us to complete this important upgrade as part of an ambitious redevelopment of our residential accommodation.
“It is essential for our young people to be given every opportunity to live fulfilling adult lives when they leave InFocus, and this donation means that have the best environment to develop their independence”.
The next stage of the refurbishment will seek to develop a multi-zoned lounge space, further enlarge and adapt a bathroom for wheelchair users, and improve the bedrooms used by the students.