Because parenting a disabled child isn't easy

Katherine was born 16 weeks early in the year 2000, and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy within days. We had no idea what we were getting into, but we've learned to enjoy the bumpy ride. We've managed more surgeries than I ever would've imagined, more equipment than I ever thought one person would need, and have been blessed by more people than I could've dreamed. She is a treasure. 

Since her birth, we moved from Kansas to Tennessee. We sent my step-son off to college. We've had three more beautiful boys, and a lot of adventure. When we moved to Tennessee in 2005 we thought that a single level ranch house would be perfect forever - that was before we had two more little ones of course. Katherine was four when we moved in - before she had a 400 lb. power wheelchair that could plow through furniture and walls. It was also before she hit puberty and grew into a young woman that I could no longer lift into a bath tub. 

As our home got more and more beat up, and my back strained harder and harder - we tried to figure out what to do. Could we remodel the home that we loved? Could we find an accessible home that would work for our family? How could we design a bathroom that would work for Katherine? Who knows how to do these things?

Our research was very disappointing. No doctor, no therapist, no architect seemed to know how to remodel our house or any of the houses our realtor showed us in a way that would meet our needs. We even looked at a house that an adult female with Cerebral Palsy was moving out of and found that it wasn't quite right for our family. 

At a certain point we realized that we were going to have to figure out what we needed on our own. We did find a home that had many accessible features and enough space to build a wonderful suite for Katherine. While we believe that Katherine's bathroom could work for almost any disabled person, we also recognize that each person is unique. So, rather than just show pictures of what we've done, we wanted t take the time to talk about WHY and the HOW we made our decisions. Because it's not just about layout or particular products, it's about creating a space that is functional. 

Barry and I also have the responsibility of creating experiences for Katherine and her siblings that are wonderful and customized to our family's needs. Here, I will share insight into HOW we make those decisions as well. We hope this is helpful!

There are a few links to products we love, and I need to let you know that, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This will not effect the prices you pay to Amazon.