Deaf, blind students will learn how to live alone

From: Columbia State, SC
Oct. 20, 2002

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind is breaking ground on a transitional living center for its seniors.

The nearly $3 million building, which is expected to be complete in the spring 2004, will contain six apartments, each housing six students and a residential faculty member.

Fire alarms will have an audible sound as well as a flashing light. Chair rails will run around each room and corner to let blind students know where they are in the building.

The key to new Hughston Hall, however, is to give students a taste of independent living.

"It's part of our 24-hour education model," said Chuck White, director of residential life at the school. "It's the first time in the history of the school that we've been able to design a building around the program.

Students will be responsible for shopping for groceries, cooking meals, cleaning and managing their own time and money. They will have to learn to share a home with other people.

"These are skills that all kids need, and if they don't learn them here, they never will," White said.

The building is being funded in part by a $2 million federal grant.

Information from: Herald-Journal
© 2002 Columbia State