Adapted housing – washing machines that ‘do your ironing’

The independence of people with certain learning disabilities could be improved through innovations in Scotland.

Six new houses offer a “design blueprint” that includes washing machines that both clean and iron clothes, created by housing and care specialists Blackwood.

“Our technology is customised during early ‘getting to know you’ meetings with our customers so that someone with a learning disability can operate the key functions they wish to,” said Blackwood’s head of innovation, Colin Foskett.

“This could be our washing machines, technology to help open the blinds, or making sure they know who is at the door.”

Scotland’s Minister of Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart attended yesterday’s launch in Dundee.

“Disabled people should live life to the full in homes built or adapted to enable them to participate as full and equal citizens,” Mr Stewart said.

LDT Editor

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