topic Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done in Community Chat

is this crazy.........or can it be done

raven-blackbird — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:20:18 GMT

I'm kinda at a loss at how I'm going to get this done.......but somehow I'm going to figure it out

I had this young man come into the office.....young..........like 23 years old.........which is kinda young for our store and he wasn't shopping designers.......he had questions......his parents have moved to another state and left him the house........he didn't want to leave and all of that is well and good..........but this young kid is paralyzed from the waist down..........his question is how could he adapt his sink for his needs..........trying to get the dishes done is causing his arms to go numb...........and yeah it will, a normal sink is too high for someone in a wheelchair.

Now the fact of the matter is..........none of what he has is going to work......cabinets and countertop can't be higher then 34" with ideal height at 33".......standard kitchens are at 36"...........knee clearance under the sink min. clearance is 27".........plus you need clear space of 30"x40" to roll up along side a range or any other area of a cab/c-top.....microwave needs to be an under counter.........wall cabinets have to be dropped..........this kid can not afford a new kitchen I doubt he can afford modifications to his existing kitchen.......but, dog gone it, he needs one.......and some how or another, I'm going to get this kid that kitchen.........I've already talked to the installers we use and they are willing to donate their time to demo and install the new cabinets........now I have to get cabinets, ADA dishwasher, ADA sink and a countertop.........or maybe I can modify what he has and make it work, but some of it there is no way you can.........like the dishwasher, sink, and cabinet for the micro.

I have an appointment with Brian, to go look at what he has and this will help me figure out what I can do..........he doesn't know this is what I'm thinking..........I didn't want to get his hopes up and then find out, it's an impossible task.........but darn I would like to make this happen for him........is this a crazy idea......there is a part of me that says.......ah yeah............but another part of me that says, go for it, you can make this happen...........trouble is..........which side is more accurate..................................raven

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

lovescats — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:26:13 GMT

that's so nice that you are doing all that

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

DoneTryin — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:26:33 GMT

Wow! I think it's fantastic that you want to challenge yourself to figure out how to make this all happen. That takes a mighty big heart!

Are there any options in your community to have one or more fundraisers to help with the remodel expenses? Can Habit for Humanity help in any way? How about starting an internet donation site for him at GoFundMe? I've seen good things happen just by seeing something reported on local news channels. It might be a good human-interest story.

Thanks for having such a generous & giving spirit. You really made my day with this post!

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

JustJazzmom — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:26:58 GMT

Once you find out that you can get all the materials needed to do this, then have the appointment with the man.

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

Peaches McPhee — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:28:38 GMT

What exactly are you asking?

If it is physically possible to build such a kitchen? I suppose it is, if it customized.

Or where the money is going to come from? For this I suggest contacting your local agency that advocates for those with disabilties and disability rights. They might know about funding and customization, too.

Good luck!

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

nunya — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:30:59 GMT

I think if you are determined, it will happen. Very nice of you to be concerned.

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

Luv2Decorate — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:31:12 GMT

I think it's terrific! Sometimes we have to move heaven and earth to get things right and if it feel right in your heart, go for it! You are definitely a doer! I like doers!

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

NoelSeven — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:35:24 GMT

It can be done but I don't know how. The mother of a friend of mine had polio and was in a wheelchair. Her husband tore out the kitchen of their new house and built everything for her. This was a long time ago, I was in school, so I don't remember the specifics.

I'd hope someone has figured it out. Maybe a group like those for paralyzed veterans would have suggestions.

Good luck!

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

RoughDraft — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:39:52 GMT

http://accessiblehomeliving.com/handicap-accessible-kitchen-remodeling/

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

NoelSeven — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:40:16 GMT

Raven.

Wheelchair accessible kitchens:

http://accessiblelifestyle.com/services/kitchens.html

Pinterest pins of kitchens built for those in a wheelchair: (GREAT PHOTOS)

http://www.pinterest.com/aginginplace/wheelchair-accessible-kitchens/

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

NoelSeven — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:44:46 GMT

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

MaggieToo — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:47:17 GMT

There are also wheelchairs where the seat lifts up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEv2HXuWaIc

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

JuJu Squeezie — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:57:25 GMT

There are Special Needs and Accessibility Contractors.

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

raven-blackbird — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:10:42 GMT

designing it isn't a problem Noel..........that I can do with my eyes closed, it's kinda my specialty.........but your pictures do illustrate the vast difference between an ADA compliant kitchen versus a standard..........9" toe kicks with a depth of 6" versus a 4.5"x3" toe kick........dishwashers can't be lowered any lower then 34" on an ADA kitchen, you have to have a dishwasher (ADA compliant) that goes under 34"..........design is not the problem...........getting it all paid for or donated is the part I'm going to have to work on.......................................raven

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

raven-blackbird — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:16:56 GMT

On 11/6/2014 NoelSeven said:
Raven.

Wheelchair accessible kitchens:

http://accessiblelifestyle.com/services/kitchens.html

Pinterest pins of kitchens built for those in a wheelchair: (GREAT PHOTOS)

http://www.pinterest.com/aginginplace/wheelchair-accessible-kitchens/

designing an ADA compliant kitchen isn't the problem Noel.............I've already done a good many of them, it's kinda my specialty..........there are modular companies that build ADA complaint cabinets, like Kraftmaid...........it's part of their Passport series.........that's not the issue.......................................................raven

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

croemer — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:21:02 GMT

Is the issue... the expense because he is going to need new cabinets and a new sink? Of course when you tear out cabinetry you may need new flooring, back-splash and counter tops. Is there a charity out there that can help? Or possibly a fundraiser?

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

raven-blackbird — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:22:09 GMT

I think I'm going to go straight to some of the vendors..........to see if they will donate, but I have to go to the house first to see what we'll need.........the install/demo is a done deal.........I have a commitment on that already.........I'll also have to look at flooring, maybe, if I change the footprint of this kitchen too much............there is a local appliance place here in town I bet I could get the dishwasher donated by..........maybe I need to call my friend at the local paper and see if we can't get things moving........or at least get some free community recognition for the companies that step up to the plate......................................raven

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

croemer — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:23:02 GMT

I say...GREAT plan!

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

raven-blackbird — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:27:50 GMT

On 11/6/2014 croemer said:
Is the issue... the expense because he is going to need new cabinets and a new sink? Of course when you tear out cabinetry you may need new flooring, back-splash and counter tops. Is there a charity out there that can help? Or possibly a fundraiser?

it ALL is..........he'll need new cabinets, countertop, ada complaint dishwasher, ada compliant sink.......that one really isn't a problem, the basin just can't be deeper then 6"........he may need new flooring if I change the footprint of the kitchen.......backsplash, maybe, depends on the countertop material............the problem with the charity is........I'm not sure this kid would qualify

when he came in we was planning on doing the sink alterations himself.......but.........it's a BIG job..........and as much as I understand, someone like him wants to do for themselves.........some of it they just can't do............remember my dad got his chair when he was 24 years old..........he refused to allow his life to change..........fact of the matter is..........his life DID change and so will Brians...........I just think the more you can keep their life "normal" the better the outcome of their disability...............................raven

Re: is this crazy.........or can it be done

JuJu Squeezie — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:31:53 GMT

Is there a Habitat for Humanity ReStore where you are? Usually the stores around here have new cabinets and stock, plumbing fixtures etc. Sure would be cheaper to use and/or adapt what they can supply.