New accessible bungalow transforms independence for local family
A West Oxfordshire family has moved into a specially adapted affordable bungalow, designed to support the independence of 17-year-old Jacob, who uses a wheelchair.
The three-bedroom bungalow, formerly an existing council home, has been retrofitted to improve accessibility. The work included ramp access, wider doorways, an automatic front door, a height-adjustable kitchen counter and an accessible wet room. The family moved in this August, after the adaptations started in April.
The project was delivered in partnership with Cottsway Housing and supported by a Disabled Facilities Grant funded through a Section 106 agreement. The family previously lived in a two-story affordable house, where a through-floor lift was considered but not feasible in the space.
Jacob, who has been living in the family lounge for the past year, shared his excitement about what the move means for him:
“[I’m most excited about] just having freedom to go out and meet friends, now the door opens by itself. Being able to wash my hands properly too, I’ve never been able to reach a sink. And with the lower counter tops I’ll hopefully be able to make myself a sandwich and make food for other people too.
It’s going to be life changing. I don’t know how to put it into words because I just feel so grateful and overwhelmed. It’s just absolutely amazing, I couldn’t think of anything better really. I want to say thank you to the people who’ve done this, because without them I wouldn’t be able to be independent.”
Cllr Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Welfare, said: “We’re so pleased to have supported this family to move into a space that works for them, a home designed to empower independence and improve wellbeing. It’s not just about putting roofs over heads—it’s about creating the right homes in the right places, so people and families across our communities can thrive. This is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together.”
The council continues to work with partners to increase the number of affordable, accessible homes across the district, helping residents of all ages and needs to live safely and independently in their local communities.