Due to Heem’s medical history and eyesight issues, as detailed in the ‘About Me’ section, various problems currently exist at our family home. The Royal National College (RNC) for the Blind is great for Heem as it provides him ample space for him to move safely, store his belongings in an order he can access without help and store specialist equipment which assists in his daily living.
However at home he is sleeping in a small room which can just about fit in a single bed. He doesn't have enough room for storage. He struggles in the bathroom as someone has to separate his products before a shower as he can't distinguish his from the families, this is important as he also suffers from asthma and eczema.
He also can't use his cooking skills he has learnt at RNC at home as the kitchen is too small, there is no room for his specialist equipment or for him to work safely.
After being in touch with Birmingham City Council they suggested splitting the living room into half and moving the sisters downstairs so that Heem could use their bedroom. This was not appropriate for us as we are a family of 6, with 3 daughters and Heem. The daughters have also found it difficult to adapt to Heem's condition, as children they find it hard to comprehend and adapt to his changes, the youngest does not fully understand why he cannot see. The solution also did not resolve the issue of kitchen space or bathroom facilities.
Instead we have decided to use the preferred option of the DFG (Disability Facility Grant) which does not even support the funding for an adapted bedroom. We have started a side extension to give Heem a bedroom with an ensuite and a separate study room so he has enough facilities to study at a Birmingham University. The side extension will also extend the kitchen, allowing a suitable section to be allocated to Heem safely and for equipment storage. The work will also level out the garden to give him safe access and to allow him to continue playing blind sports with his siblings in the comfort of his own house.
Overall the extension will allow him to continue growing his independence at home whilst he continues his educational ambitions. It will also allow the daughters to keep their bedroom upstairs whilst maintaining the much needed living area downstairs.
We have had to start the extension as the DFG grant time limit will be running out soon, however we still have a shortfall of £25,000.
You can also support us by texting HEEM50 £5 to 70070.
Thank you for taking your time to read this and for the support you have given our project
We need to raise an additional £25,000 as the DFG grant does not cover the work we are doing.
By providing Heem with independence, it will allow him to enjoy living at home again. It will also reduce the strain on the family, as currently someone has to always watch what he is doing to make sure he is safe.
We are hoping the project will take between 3 to 4 months to complete.
Sullivan’s Heroes is a charity offering support and financial assistance for families raising essential funds towards vital home adaptations for a disabled child.
Registered Charity Number 1163021.
Copyright © 2023 Sullivan’s Heroes. All rights reserved. Registered Charity Number 1163021.
Tahira I