From limits to freedom: Kim’s accessible home journey | Tenant news

Habinteg tenant and sepsis awareness campaigner Kim Smith, moved into her wheelchair accessible home in Milton Keynes in March 2025. In her blog below, she talks about the challenges she faced in finding an accessible home and how her new home has brought her independence, happiness, and peace of mind.

Before moving into my Habinteg home, I was living in a bungalow that was supposed to be wheelchair accessible, but it really wasn’t. I could only access the main bedroom and the living room. The kitchen and bathroom were impossible for me to use properly, and I couldn’t even get into the second bedroom at all.

There was no safe access to the garden, and I wouldn’t have been able to get out if there was a fire. Eventually, I called the fire brigade, and they advised the housing association to change the patio doors. My husband and I ended up paying to have the whole garden re-slabbed, just so I could exit the house safely.

At the time, I didn’t really understand what an accessible home should be. I thought what I had was just how it was, and I tried to cope. But I was depressed, isolated, and constantly aware of what I couldn’t do.

Space I can move through

Moving into my accessible Habinteg home made a massive difference to my life.

The wide hallways, wider doors, and larger rooms have made everything easier. I can now turn in my wheelchair without struggle, and access every room in the house, including both bedrooms, the kitchen, and the bathroom.

The size of the home really surprised me; I didn’t expect it to feel so big and open. That extra space makes it easier to move around in my wheelchair and live more comfortably. It’s made a substantial difference to our daily lives.

Although I don’t have hands or legs, my wheelchair raises so I can reach items and prepare a cup of tea when I need to. I still have help from my carers and my husband with cooking, but having a space I can move through, and use independently, has changed everything.

I can also go to the bathroom unassisted. In my previous home, I had to rely on someone else for all of that. Now, I can do it myself. My husband and I are both more relaxed now, and everything feels more natural.

In control & independent

Having an accessible home means independence - that’s what it comes down to.

It’s also brought back something I really missed: being able to share a bedroom with my husband. We had to sleep apart for nearly seven years, which was hard. Now we’re back in the same room, and that means so much to both of us.

My daily routine hasn’t changed much. I still spend time on my iPad, make videos for social media, and go shopping when I can. But my mental health has improved massively. I feel happier, more confident, and more in control of my environment. I’m not stuck in one room anymore. I can move around freely, and that’s made an enormous difference to my peace of mind.

There’s nothing I would change about this home. I love the location, I love the size, and I love how it works for me. It’s just fantastic.

Insight Group

This whole experience has opened my eyes to what proper accessibility really looks like and how rare it still is in homes that claim to be accessible. I’m now part of the Habinteg Insight Group and have even visited Parliament to meet with MPs and campaign for better housing standards.

There’s still a long way to go. I know people who’ve waited eight years just to get a truly accessible property. I’ll keep raising awareness, because everyone deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and independent in their own home.

*********

If you’re a disabled person and you’re interested in joining Habinteg to campaign for accessible homes, please join our Insight Group. Your voice and lived experience can help bring about change. Find out more at www.habinteg.org.uk/group .