Insight is introducing its first housing development in the Bronx because the Bronx is under-served, and the Bronx is in an economic growth pattern. Known as Jesup Heights Apartments One, a collaboration with Highbridge Community Development Corporation, this mixed housing is specifically designed for the visually impaired. These apartments will be offered to Veterans 55 years of age and older along with 25% occupancy for the visually impaired. The infrastructure, along with available land, makes it the most viable for the flagship building.
Statistics show that visual impairments affect people of color more so than any other group. The Bronx is overwhelmingly populated with people of color. Insight's housing will be a joint venture of the private and public sector. The department of housing and urban development currently develops housing for people with special needs but has no specific program for the visually impaired. For the elderly there is also a program, which does not take into account that senior citizens have a majority of the visual impairments and are living longer, more productive lives.
Insight will access funds through the faith-based initiative that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has in association with churches and other funding sources. It is important to recognize that today's technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Over 28 years ago there was one building developed for the visually impaired in New York City which has not been duplicated since. This building contains studio and one-bedroom apartments, which do not help visually impaired individuals plan for a family. Talking elevators that give the floors and direction are available today. The example is at 111 East 59th Street, and is the headquarters of the Lighthouse International.
Doors that open automatically with sensors are an every day experience, except for the living conditions of visually disabled or the wheelchair blind or the deaf blind. Floor runners, Braille mailboxes, and an assortment of other programs in apartments and throughout the buildings is what is called for.
Using as its foundation the government's faith based initiative, it is hoped that others will be able to use the services Insight provides with its housing designs. Insight for New Housing is the first of its type, and will set the standard. It is hoped that the developers who have current designs on the drawing board will consult with Insight to make the new millennium a place of not just equal access due to the Americans with Disability Act, but because we have all become socially aware of our responsibilities to one another.
Insight for New Housing wants to work with all those who wish to level the playing field for everyone who has a disability. In New York City, there are over half a million individuals with a self-reported vision impairment, in New York State, there are over 1.2 million. Anyone who currently has good vision is subject to wear glasses or become blind by no fault of their own. The questions are: Will you be able to maintain your standard of living and where will you live?
Insight is addressing those questions today rather than reacting to the need later.
