By Paul Richoux

Properly adapted housing can make a huge difference in the day to day life of anyone with a disability. At the end of the day, we all want to be able to live independently, or as nearly as possible. In keeping with this week’s bespoken theme, I’m speaking to a real expert in matters of housing. Scott Robb is a Blackwood tenant who was more than happy to speak with us about adaptations that make a real difference.

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I first encountered Scott a few weeks ago at Naidex, and we start off today by reminiscing a little about the convention, “Naidex was very good” he is keen to tell me, and I couldn’t agree more.

One thing I specifically remember Scott being enthusiastic about was the superb show kitchen on display from AKW. For those who weren’t there to see it in person, AKW had built an entire kitchen on site, complete with clever disabled adaptations built in. “The general setup was brilliant” Scott asserts excitedly. Sometimes it’s the simple designs that can make a huge difference, and Scott particularly liked an oven equipped with a door which slides underneath as it opens, making it easy for a wheelchair user to access. His own kitchen has a more standard oven which he just “doesn’t really use” and instead uses a separate microwave/grill for much of his cooking.

AKW’s adaptations included some more complex designs too. The other thing that particularly caught Scott’s eye was a really cool kitchen sink (unusual combination of words, I know) that might have been from the future. Fitted with a wide space underneath it to allow a wheelchair user to get right up close, it could also be operated to move up and down to suit an individual’s height. Yes, this is a sink with an electric control panel. Did I mention this was a “cool kitchen sink”?

Closer to home

Pulling our minds away from Naidex and into the here and now, I ask Scott how his home has been adapted for him.

Pretty much the first thing he has to say is that he is delighted with the service Blackwood has provided, and as was explained in our past feature, Scott lives rather independently.

Staying in the kitchen, Scott has an adapted sink of his own which, although not equipped with the ‘inspector gadget’ panel, makes life easier in a simple way. It has a hollow underside to allow him to get his wheelchair close to.

Furthermore, his home includes a hoist in the bathroom to assist his mobility which “makes things a lot easier”, and very importantly he tells me, the front and back doors are fully automatic, thus avoiding issues with manoeuvrability.

For best results

Scott is happy with the way his home is adapted for him and seems content that where housing adaptations are concerned, progress is constant and on-going. He feels that for this to continue, future adaptations should be done with increased involvement on the part of the disabled home owner and carers also. So there you have it; knowledge is power, consult the experts.

Have you had any life changing adaptations fitted that people should know about? Are there certain things you do around the house that could be made easier? Please leave your comments below.