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Columbus Colony Housing, Inc. (CCH), is a retirement community for adults age 65 and over. CCH is a 106-unit apartment complex and was completed and opened in September of 1979. The first tenants moved in on October 5, 1979. CCH is owned and operated by the Ohio School for the Deaf Alumni Association (OSDAA). Recognizing the needs of the elderly deaf, deaf-blind and deaf multi-handicapped throughout the United States, Columbus Colony Housing features such amenities as an in-house communication system operating strobe lights and separate indicator lights advising tenants of the source of the signal, i.e., doorbell, telephone, fire alarm. Each apartment is equipped with an emergency pull cord in the bedroom(s) and bathroom. CCH has 87 one-bedroom units and 19 two-bedroom units. Of those, 12 units are equipped for the disabled. Each unit consists of a kitchen, living-dining area, one or two bedrooms, bath and a patio or balcony. There is ample closet space, a linen closet and storage closet. Provided with each apartment are a range with oven, refrigerator, disposal and vertical blinds. Fire alarm strobe lights are incorporated in each bedroom and bath, as well as in the living area - in addition to those in hallways and all public areas. This is a safety feature for the deaf who are unable to hear conventional fire alarms.
As a convenience to those living independently in the apartments, community living has many features: lounges, a courtyard with shuffleboard and horseshoe toss areas, a garden, fully equipped kitchen and dining room, community room, arts and crafts room, greenhouse, and small commissary which provides minor daily necessities for residents. The architectural design of the apartment complex is unique in that it perpetually provides aesthetic features which the deaf can fully appreciate and which in turn adds fulfillment to their lives. More information on Columbus Colony Housing:
The monthly market rentals of the apartments are: one-bedroom, $614.00, two-bedroom, $728.00. Since Columbus Colony Housing is contracted with the Federal Housing Assistance Program, Section 8, those of low income need pay only 30% of their monthly adjusted gross income toward rent, making the apartments affordable to the average deaf person. These rent payments include all utilities except telephone. All staff are required to learn sign language to communicate with our residents and staff. Columbus Colony Housing is located in an area some distance from public transportation and shopping centers. To overcome this inconvenience, CCH mini-bus and van are available for transportation. OUR MISSION Columbus Colony in Westerville, Ohio is the first U.S. community planned primarily by and for elderly deaf, deaf-blind and multi- handicapped deaf persons. The pioneer project is a national model for similar facilities, and for interaction between the deaf and hearing communities. It also inspires improved responses to the problems of aging. HISTORY Ohio Home for the Aged and Infirm Deaf opened in 1896 on land acquired by the Ohio School for the Deaf Alumni Association (OSDAA). Later, OSDAA purchased 120 acres adjoining that site, a visionary move. In the 1950's OSDAA'S dream for a planned community began developing. It exploded into reality after 1971, when a White House Conference on Aging recommended "establishing for aged deaf persons a model retirement community, providing for all ranges of services (including) health, nursing care, recreational and social facilities." On October 20, 1977, a ground-breaking ceremony was held. The project: Columbus Colony, first national response to the White House's stirring challenge to assist the aged deaf. SUPPORTERS
FUNDING Major support comes from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, area foundations and other organizations. Growth will depend upon additional government, foundation, corporate and individual funding. Toll Free: (888) 891-5055
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Ohio
School for the Deaf Alumni Association (OSDAA) 2001-2006 |
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