the essential
The future institute for young blind people in Begoux is starting to take shape. After several months of delay during the work phase, the opening is expected for the month of October.
The construction site of the Institute for Young Blind People (IJA) in Bégoux is progressing and will open its doors to the first residents in a few months. Originally, the project was scheduled to open in early 2023. While the first stone was laid with great fanfare in April 2022, the work was delayed due to “questions about financing” according to the president of the Louis Marzo foundation, forcing the judicial administrator to suspend work for eight months. A project that will have cost nearly ten million euros in total.
DDM – Pauline Frayssou
56 people welcomed at the center
The project for the future IJA is therefore taking shape around four axes: autonomy and emancipation of the people supported, active participation in the life of the city, reception methods and diversified housing as well as artistic creation and cultural production. From October therefore, 56 people will be able to be accommodated on this site. The non-medical reception establishment is aimed at disabled adults with a visual impairment with or without other associated disabilities. They have a certain physical and intellectual autonomy but cannot be integrated into the ordinary environment. The establishment will be completed by 47 full-time jobs dedicated to supporting these adults on a daily basis such as caregivers, specialized educators and specialists: “We are in the process of finishing recruitment,” confides Jean-Claude Arevalo , mission manager.
DDM – Pauline Frayssou
Accommodation in Bégoux and Cahors
Reception will take place gradually upon its opening, with the objective of full occupancy in January 2025. The IJA is made up of three bioclimatic buildings with furniture adapted for people with disabilities. One building will be dedicated to activities and two for accommodation. Several types of accommodation will be offered:
– Collective accommodation for 36 people
– Shared or individual accommodation with different sizes (One T5, 2 T2, 2T1) for twelve people.
– Eight apartments in Cahors will soon complete this accommodation offer for the most independent people
DDM – Pauline Frayssou
The IJA aims to be a place open to culture and the arts, hosting exhibition halls, artist residencies and seminars. Residents will thus be able to work in collaboration with the artists. The establishment also focuses on access to new technologies and the development of digital tools to support access to information, knowledge and culture for those supported.
