Living with a disability can present its own set of challenges, especially when your living space is not adequately adapted to meet your needs. This was the reality for me until recently, when we finally had ramps installed at our house. The moment that I was able to independently navigate in and out of my home was truly emotional and empowering.
Living in a house that was not wheelchair accessible had been a source of great frustration and limitation for me. Simple tasks such as taking my kids to school or attending appointments required the assistance of another adult to help me transfer in and out of my wheelchair. This not only made me feel dependent on others, but also put me at risk for injuries, and resulted in several dislocations.
The lack of accessibility had reached a point where I rarely left the house, only venturing out once a week at most. However, everything changed when we moved over Easter and were given the go-ahead to make adaptations to our new home. The installation of ramps was the first step in creating a more accessible living space, and over the next year a through floor lift and wetroom will be added.
The addition of ramps has provided me with a newfound sense of independence, allowing me to easily come and go as I please. I am now able to take my children to school, attend author appearances, and engage in everyday activities that were once out of reach. The ramps have also improved my emotional well-being, by giving me a sense of normalcy and freedom that I had been missing.
The installation of ramps at our house may have seemed like a small and simple change, but its impact has been monumental. It has opened up a world of possibilities for me. I am excited for the future as we continue to make our home more accessible and inclusive.
Dystonia and Me 