Embracing the freedom: The social value of a wheelchair accessible home
Martyn Sibley is a disabled entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Accomable (a website acquired by Airbnb 2017 which mainstreamed the opportunity to make it easier for disabled people to travel), who has dedicated his life to dismantling barriers for people living with mobility difficulties. Martyn’s currently the co-founder and CEO of global marketing Purple Goat agency . Below, he shares what he calls the ‘transformative experiences’ of living in a wheelchair accessible home and the profound social value it adds to peoples’ lives.
From a bungalow designed to be barrier-free to the integration of smart home technology, these innovations have empowered individuals like me to navigate our environments with ease and independence.
Home without barriers
Imagine a home where every inch is accessible, where you can effortlessly move from room to room without encountering any obstacles. For those of us using wheelchairs, such a space is nothing short of a dream come true.
The freedom of movement becomes a reality, fostering a sense of empowerment and inclusivity. In my own experience, living in a bungalow has been a game-changer.
Gone are the days of struggling to navigate stairs or squeezing through narrow doorways. Instead, I can effortlessly glide through the open spaces, fostering a sense of freedom and dignity.
Joy of cooking
Cooking isn’t only a necessity, but also a creative and social activity. However, it can be a daunting task for individuals with mobility issues. Yet, with the right adaptations and support, even the kitchen can become a place of empowerment.
I’ve learned to embrace cooking with the assistance of my care PA. From accessible work surfaces to cool appliances, a wheelchair accessible kitchen eliminates the physical barriers that once hindered my culinary adventures.
This newfound freedom that has allowed me to explore different recipes, host gatherings, and share meals with loved ones, enhancing my overall quality of life.
Power of technology
Smart home technology has revolutionised the way wheelchair users interact with our living spaces. With a few taps on our smartphones or a simple voice command, we can control various aspects of our homes. For individuals with mobility challenges, this technology, like using Alexa from my bed and installing the Hive app on my phone to operate my home’s heating and lights, becomes an invaluable tool.
From adjusting lighting and temperature to controlling appliances and security systems, the power lies at our fingertips. Before assistance from my tech, I couldn't always do these tasks myself and had to always ask someone else. Not being able to do what I wanted myself was frustrating and it was even more so if help was unavailable in the moment. Though now, I can dim the lights, open or close blinds, or even adjust the thermostat without having to physically reach for switches or controls.
Of course, not everyone can afford this technology, but it’s cheaper than you might think. Plus, there’s funding to help adapt your home to your needs. As technology progresses, hopefully its cost will be less of a barrier to independent living and tech-powered wheelchair homes can be the norm.
This level of independence instils a sense of confidence and control over our environment.
Social value
Beyond the practical advantages, a wheelchair accessible home carries immense social value. From having people over, date nights with my partner, and running my business from home, a wheelchair accessible home, provides a sense of equality, fostering inclusivity and integration within our communities.
By dismantling physical barriers, we invite friends, family, and guests to feel at ease, eliminating any apprehension they may have had about visiting our homes.
Moreover, it enables us to be active participants in social gatherings and events, reinforcing our place in society. A wheelchair accessible home becomes a welcoming space that promotes social connections, breaking down the stigma surrounding disability.
Martyn’s home video
Accomable
At Accomable, we witnessed first-hand how the wheelchair users who booked with us experienced the positive impact of having an accessible base when travelling. They were able to have the confidence to break their routine, explore new places, learn new languages, and experience new things all from a base that offered the ability to move about freely and independently.
By embracing the service that Accomable provides and sharing the benefits of those experiences, disabled people can continue to dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive world for all.
The uplift from wheelchair user homes
Living in a wheelchair accessible home has transformed the lives of countless individuals with mobility challenges, including myself. For me, the best thing to come out of a wheelchair accessible home is having my own independence, freedom and pride in owning my own place.
When other houses (of my family and friends), and indeed some cafe/restaurants, aren't built with wheelchair users in mind, having my own wheelchair user home means I can have people over, prepare favourite food and create the ambience myself. My family have come round to enjoy a home cooked roast, with our favourite playlist of music playing, and into the evening, we’ll indulge in some desert. If we’re lucky/unlucky, it’ll end in some karaoke! My self-esteem and fulfilment from life will always be rooted to my home.
From a bungalow devoid of barriers to the integration of smart home technology, wheelchair accessible holiday accommodation gives disabled people a new-found sense of freedom, empowerment, and independence.
