Group Home of Erie Homes for Children and Adults Gets ‘Extreme Makeover’
(ERIE, PA—November 19, 2009)—Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA) celebrated a recent renovation to one of its sixteen group homes for people with disabilities with a special ‘Move that Van’ ceremony (inspired by the ABC show, Extreme Makeover, Home Edition) at 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 19. The home, located at 2401 Cumberland Road in Erie, recently remodeled the major living areas of the group home and created a new sensory room.
This new room was developed with the specific needs of the residents in mind and promotes visual and auditory stimulation. Examples of sensory features include: a projector that displays visual patterns of the universe on the ceiling, a light table that through touch allows someone with developmental disabilities to use the little movement they have to create an image, adaptive switches which enables a user to operate musical instruments or have computer access. There is also a relaxation area, where residents can lounge on crash cushions to enjoy the sounds, sights, aromas of the room, and there are swings that promote vestibular stimulation, which is often lacking in people with developmental disabilities.
“We often create environments for people with disabilities that fit our needs, and this room is designed to truly meet theirs,” says Patty Czulewicz, staff development coordinator at EHCA. “I’m very excited to give our residents these experiences, and it is our hope to find additional funds to create these spaces in all our group homes.”
Eight (8) residents live at the Cumberland Group Home. Many are sports fans, and a new large screen TV will also allow the home to host football parties. The ‘extreme makeover’ grants these residents many new opportunities to gain independence and appreciate life.
The mission of EHCA is to assist people with disabilities to live rich and fulfilling lives by providing quality, comprehensive and accessible residential and community-based services for children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Potter counties. Since 1912, EHCA has been caring for local individuals and striving to help everyone served reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.ehca.org.