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Home adaptations for people with dwarfism 

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Home adaptations for people with dwarfism 

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My working definition of disability comes from Merriam Webster, which defines a disability as: "...a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions"

Agoraphobia is the fear of being afraid. More specifically, Agoraphobia is the fear of being trapped in a situation from which you can't escape. This generally applies to large, open spaces, or social situations such as meetings.

Some elderly people experience Agoraphobia when they leave home alone, potentially leaving them open to risks such as falling over in an unfamiliar environment, unable to call for help.

This fear means that some individuals will remain indoors for prolonged periods of time, voluntarily excluding themselves from social activities, or limiting their movements entirely.

To help deal with Agoraphobia, some individuals will plan escape routes from the various places they visit, or avoid public and open spaces. Alternatively, some people will break down their journeys into smaller steps, which makes the overall experience more manageable, and allows them to take rest breaks when needed.
Some people experiencing Agoraphobia have noted that they feel safer when they are able to keep their vehicle or mode of transport in their line of sight, in the event they need to make a quick exit.

Some of the Key characteristics of Claustrophobia include:

A fear of small, enclosed spaces.
A fear of being trapped.
This fear can also extend to rooms which do not have a clearly defined exit.

I found this final point interesting, as we can see a clear link between Claustrophobia and Agoraphobia. Some individuals experiencing Claustrophobia have expressed the idea that their fears can subside if they are able to plan a clear, easily accessible escape route, similar to people experiencing Agoraphobia (even if for different reasons).

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Disability Research: Cancer

Is cancer a disability?

The Equality Act considers a diagnosis as a disability. You do not need to have symptoms or consider yourself disabled but it is recognised as a disability.  In 2010, the Equality Act was brought in to replace Anti-Discrimination Laws bringing them together under one legislation. The Equality act applies to people with or who have had cancer previously

How does cancer affect mobility and daily life?

It is not only the cancer which affects the body it is the treatment used to battle the cancer which also affects the person. Some of these side effects are:

• Problems with limb weakness and limb loss.
• Gait disturbance/in balance
• Other walking issues are common in 25%-35% of cancer patients
• Fatigue and Visual changes.
• Precancerous mobility impairments can be magnified by some cancer treatments.
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Pain and stiffness
• Malnutrition

Not only can mobility be affected during cancer and its treatments, there may be permanent changes despite being clear of cancer. Limbs can be lost throughout the treatment, a colostomy bag can be fitted, or a voice box for a specific kind of cancer.

What can be done about cancer, and how can life be improved at home?

Nowadays we have the technology to assist in life’s various tasks, getting in and out of bed, up and down stairs, getting dressed, making a meal, and moving around. However, buildings can be designed in such a way that makes home life much simpler as well. Some of these methods are:

• Walk in showers/wet rooms with chairs.
• Raised toilets.
• Hallways with railings.
• Ramp to entrance.
• Single level structures.
• Stair lifts.
• Mechanical lifting aids.
• Wide open spaces.
• Lowered appliances.
• Incorporated specialists equipment into bedrooms for home treatment.
• Textured walls/doors.
• Specialised colours for visually impaired.
• Smart home systems.
• Rehabilitation space/physiotherapy space.

What is a smart home?

A smart home is a home which has the ability for lighting, heating, security, media and privacy systems to all be controlled from one source whether it be a panel In a wall or your smartphone.
These kind of homes are perfect for people with mobility issues and disabilities which cause issues during daily life, as these systems negate the need to travel around the house for mediocre tasks, instead it can all be controlled from your mobile phone. On top of this, most smart homes are sustainable as they are self powered, often having solar panels on the roof, as well as the use of sustainable and ecological materials in construction.

My Client:

My client will be an elderly woman who has been diagnosed with cancer. Due to the side affects of the treatment she is now having mobility issues due to limb weakness, malnutrition, muscle fatigue, pain centred around where the cancer is located, so completing daily tasks can be difficult for her. on top of this she has had to undergo surgery and a colostomy bag has been fitted fitted, increasing the challenges she will need to face in daily life.