CIL Fall 2018 Quarterly Newsletter

Renovating for Independence Linda was having trouble using her restroom. An old hip injury make it hard for her to walk and her wheelchair had trouble fitting through the narrow doorway to the bathroom. Additionally she wasn’t able to use her bathtub without help from her daughter or neighbors who gave her sponge baths 3 times per week. She felt helpless. Her Daughter, Deborah, contacted CIL for assistance. She made an appointment for an in home assessment from CIL’s Foundations to Freedom team.

When CIL’s Foundation to Freedom team arrived at the home, they immediately realized that the entryway to the home had no ramp and there was no way for Linda to easily exit the home in the event of an emergency. They looked at Linda’s bathroom and assessed it to install grab bars, widen the doorway, install an ADA toilet, install a roll-in sink, and replace the tub with a roll-in shower. Thanks to Linda living in Winter Park, she qualified for funds from the Community Redevelopment Agency for her home renovations.

Linda quickly had a new aluminum ramp installed at her front door. With Linda now able to easily exit her home in case of emergency, CIL’s team set to work. They coordinated the renovations for her restroom to make it accessible for her. Now Linda can use the shower on her own and the restroom as well without help. “It creates such a feeling of independence for her to be able to take care of herself on her own,” Deborah, Linda’s daughter says of the modifications. “It helps her keep her dignity and we are so grateful for the help we have received.”

Center for Independent Living thanks the Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency for its support by providing funding for our Foundations to Freedom Program. www.cilorlando.org | ACCESS QUARTERLY 13