There are times when fitting windows and doors becomes more than the simple task of keeping out draughts and homes warm; it can be life-changing.
Keira has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and her home needed to be transformed to give her the environment she needed and the independence she deserved.
CR Smith, along with several local businesses, helped to build a new extension to the family home with low-threshold uPVC doors for accessibility and double-glazed windows to keep everything cosy. Now, Keira is able to use her power chair inside and enjoy a new sense of freedom.
Keira’s Story
Keira’s journey is one of inspiration and triumph. Born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy, overcoming extraordinary challenges is part of her daily life.
Two years ago, simple tasks like manoeuvring through doorways or accessing different parts of her home were filled with frustration.
But then, backed by Sullivan’s Heroes, a charity that offers support and financial assistance to families needing vital home adaptations for disabled children, Keira’s family began raising the funds needed to transform their home. Thanks to the incredible support of her local community, CR Smith, and several building contractors, Keira’s family has been able to build a safe environment to suit the needs of the growing teenager.
The home adaptation
The family was awarded the Disabled Facilities Grant from Fife Council and sought advice and quotations from three different companies to discuss the various options.
Adapting a property is not easy, but Keira’s parents were determined to give their daughter a better life now and in the future. When space is made accessible, individuals with disabilities can navigate and interact with their environment independently and safely. This freedom empowers them to live their lives to the fullest without constantly relying on others for assistance.
The final plan agreed upon was a ground-floor extension that allowed for an open-plan lounge area connected to a spacious kitchen and dining area, providing plenty of room for Keira to easily navigate both spaces.
The greatest change, however, was the introduction of a downstairs bedroom with an adjoining wet room for Keira. Like any teenager, it was time for Keira to have the privacy she desired and deserved.
The work on Keira’s home was completed in 2023, and the acts of kindness through fundraising and donations have profoundly impacted Keira’s life. No longer confined by the limitations of her condition, she can now effortlessly navigate her power chair throughout her home.
CR Smith adds its support
When Keira’s family first approached CR Smith in November 2021, our sales designer, Tommy Best, visited them at home to discuss the plans and requirements that had been put in place for the adaptation.
We were delighted to help where we could and agreed to supply the new windows and doors required for the extension. In July 2022, the contractor was ready to take delivery and install them.
The products supplied from our Lorimer range included a tilt-and-turn window for the bathroom and casement windows for the bedroom and kitchen. All are energy A-rated and fitted with our advanced thermally efficient double-glazed units to provide maximum warmth and comfort.
However, it has been the doors that have had the greatest impact on Keira’s sense of independence. The new uPVC doors supplied feature wheelchair access low thresholds. This means that Keira can now easily access the garden decking area from the kitchen and come in and out of the new front door without assistance.
The simple act of moving from one space to another has become an empowering experience for Keira.
Benefits of low-threshold doors
Installing low-threshold doors in a home can be life-changing for people with mobility challenges.
One key benefit of low-threshold doors is their ability to remove physical barriers. The low threshold eliminates the need to step over a raised sill, making it easier for individuals with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or walkers, to enter and exit a space. This simple modification provides a seamless transition between rooms, allowing for effortless movement and independence.
Additionally, low-threshold doors improve safety. The absence of a raised threshold reduces the risk of tripping or falling, fostering a safer environment for individuals with mobility challenges. This added safeguard allows individuals like Keira to navigate their homes with confidence.
Low-threshold doors can impact a person’s well-being in other ways, too. The larger glass area allows more sunlight to enter a space, brightening up the room and creating a sense of openness. Improved ventilation can also enhance air quality and create a more comfortable living environment.
Doors from our Lorimer range can enhance the look and feel of a space, adding a modern, welcoming appearance to any home. With a variety of design options available, it is possible to customise the doors to suit personal style and preferences.
According to a housing survey from the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland1, only 1% of housing in Scotland is fully accessible for wheelchair users, leaving many people with disabilities at a disadvantage. Installing low-threshold doors can be transformative, as it has been for Keira. These doors improve movement and safety around the home while enhancing natural light and ventilation; they are the doorway to greater independence and heightened well-being.
The importance of community support
Keira’s journey is a testament to the power of community support.
Without the kindness and generosity of individuals and organisations who rallied around her, the transformation of Keira’s home would not have been possible. By ensuring that Keira had windows and doors equipped with the latest accessibility features, we hope to have played our part in opening up her world, even if just a little.
It is amazing how the simple act of moving from one room to another can become an empowering experience and how this community project has brought down barriers and unlocked new possibilities.
1https://cih.org/media/cs3aprj3/scottish-housing-day-2024-homes-for-life-report.pdf
