How becoming a wheelchair user changed the way I understand accessibility
Imagine…
You move into a new home thinking it’s perfect for what you need.
You can get in and out of the house, you have a whole new garden to enjoy, a lovely upstairs bathroom, it’s all wonderful.
And then six months later that changes.
Things you never thought twice about suddenly become a barrier.. A step you once navigated without noticing is now a barrier. A bathroom you thought was perfect becomes really difficult to use (crawling up the stairs to get to it was not the one). The garden you love is there, but getting to it isn’t quite so simple anymore.
That was my experience.
And it completely changed the way I think about accessibility.
When My Access Needs Changed
Although I was born disabled, I spent most of my life walking, so accessibility wasn’t something I thought about very much.
I knew some places were inaccessible to other people, of course, but I didn’t really understand what that meant in everyday life.
As my mobility changed, so did my relationship with the world around me.
When I moved into my home, I was using crutches, and we designed it around that. Less than a year later, I began to use a wheelchair full-time, and suddenly my house didn’t work for me like it had before.
I couldn’t get in and out of the house, couldn’t access the majority of my beloved garden. Suddenly things like the width of doorways and the height of a worktop mattered. The space around the toilet. Whether I could reach something without asking someone else.
Things I hadn’t thought twice about suddenly became barriers.
My legs had become ornamental, and the wheelchair fixed that, but my inaccessible home disabled me all over again.
Getting Through The Door Is Only The Beginning
One of the biggest things becoming a wheelchair user taught me is that wheelchair access isn’t simply about shoving a ramp down.
Getting through the front door is important, of course.
But how well does the ramp work and what happens once you’re inside?
Is the ramp too steep? Can you navigate it independently? Can you move around once inside independently? Can you use the bathroom? Can you make yourself a drink? Can you get into the garden? Can you reach the things you need? Can you invite people over and actually enjoy your home with them?
A space can technically be accessible and still not work particularly well for the person living in it.
Independence Doesn’t Mean Doing Everything Alone
I think there’s sometimes a misunderstanding about what independence means for disabled people.
It doesn’t necessarily mean never needing help.
I still need help with some things. Most of us do, disabled or not.
For me, independence is about having choice and being able to do something safely and with dignity.
It’s being able to decide that I want to sit in the garden and being able to get there.
It’s being able to work, relax, play with my kids, and move around my home with ease and without inaccessibility making everything that much harder.
There’s a huge difference between choosing to accept help and having no choice but to ask for it because of barriers in your home that could be removed.
That difference is important.
A Home Should Still Feel Like Home
Becoming a wheelchair user also changed the way I think about what an accessible home should look like.
Accessibility shouldn’t mean your home has to be boring, or medical grey or clinical. I want my home to reflect my tastes. Some might say those tastes are if a toddler and an eccentric grandma designed it together, but still I want my home to have personality. I want it to be colourful, cosy and comfortable. I want accessibility woven through it so everyone can enjoy it. I want a beautiful space that makes me happy.
I want a garden I can enjoy. I want to be able to sit outside and potter around and look at the birds. I want my home to work for me without losing the things that make it feel like me.
Good accessibility shouldn’t mean sacrificing your own taste.
Designing Around Real Life
There’s no real one-size-fits-all when it comes to accessibility. Even between people who use the same mobility devices. What I want from my home will be different to what another wheelchair user wants for theirs.
It’s not just asking if someone can get into a space, that’s the bare minimum. It’s what they want to do once they’re inside the space that’s important.
Because everybody’s life is different.
For one person, that might mean being able to garden. For another, it might mean cooking independently, working from home, chilling with your family or just the basic act of being able to move safely and comfortably around your own space.
My understanding of accessibility has changed enormously since I became a wheelchair user.
I understand access needs go way beyond just a ramp and a disabled loo.
Access should give people independence, safety and dignity.
Because getting through the door is one thing, but the real question is: can you live the life you want once you’re through it?
Published: 12 October 2026
About the Author: Nina Tame
Nina Tame is a disabled content creator, disability advocate, speaker, writer, and the new Accessibility Ambassador at The Accessible Living Company.
As a wheelchair user herself, Nina brings lived experience and a fresh perspective to conversations about accessibility, challenging barriers and championing a more inclusive world.
Through her monthly blogs, Nina will share her experiences, insights and thoughts on how we can make our homes, outdoor spaces and wider environments more accessible for everyone.
Planning Before You Need To
One of the most valuable steps is thinking ahead.
Planning early allows you to:
- explore options;
- make considered decisions;
- design around your preferences;
- avoid rushed choices.
A home designed gradually can evolve naturally.
Designing Around the Person
Every person has different priorities.
For different people, independence could mean:
- gardening every morning.
- having grandchildren visit.
- pursuing creative interests.
- spending time in peace and quiet.
- being able to take care of their own space.
The right solution begins by understanding what matters most.
How The Accessible Living Company Can Help
We help homeowners create spaces that support the future they want.
We focus on creating environments that are:
- Practical
- Attractive
- Comfortable
- Personal
Our expertise includes:
From pathways and landscaping to garden rooms and outdoor living spaces, we create gardens designed around life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ageing well at home only relevant for older people?
No. Creating a flexible home benefits people at every stage of life.
Should I wait until I have difficulties before adapting my home?
Planning earlier often creates more choices and better outcomes.
Can accessible design improve my home now?
Yes. Many accessibility improvements also improve comfort and convenience.
Does ageing well mean giving up independence?
No. The aim is to support independence for longer.
What our Customers Say...
Who We Work With
We work for homeowners and families as well as professionals and institutions, but they all share one goal; creating environments that work better for the people who use them.
Whether you're planning a private home adaptation or a large-scale commercial project, we're here to help.
Our Process
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Step One - Let's Talk
Tell us about your property, your lifestyle and what you'd like to achieve.
Step Two - Design
Our specialists create a bespoke proposal tailored to your needs.
Step Three - Build
Our experienced installation teams bring your project to life with minimal disruption.
Step Four - Enjoy
Enjoy a beautiful outdoor space designed around your life for years to come.
Our new Design Centre opens in October 2026
The showroom will provide a personalised design service where clients will explore large-scale samples, get inspiration and ideas, and choose concepts to develop together.
Designs are presented as 2D and 3D illustrations. In the near future, we will introduce a VR Show Stage, allowing virtual walkthroughs in real time.
Inspiration - Every project tells a different story.
Discover how we've helped homeowners, families, care providers and organisations create outdoor spaces that improve everyday living.
Accessible Resin Driveway and Porcelain Patio, Abingdon
Sarah wanted to transform her driveway and garden to create a safer, more practical and accessible space for herself and her disabled mother.
Garden Chill-out Room, Bletchley
Sharon contacted us to design and build a private garden chill-out room for her grandson with Autism.
Creating a Fantastic New Garden for Helen & Douglas House, Oxford
Darren Field was called in to quote for a new garden for Helen & Douglas House Oxford, and it ended in a “DIY-SOS” style community…
Accessible Garden Room Clinic, Milton Keynes
“Darren and his team overcame these challenges with ease and my project was completed on time. I also used them for landscaping work and have…
Resin Bound Gravel Driveway and Wheelchair Accessible Ramp, Didcot
“I couldn’t criticise them in any way, it was like working with friends, really good.”
Accessible Resin Gravel Pathways, Royal Ballet School, Richmond
“The school is very pleased with the new pathways, and we’d like to thank the New Driveway Company for their careful and considerate work during…
Garden Room with Accessible Landscaping, Coventry
Building and landscaping an accessible, usable and comfortable garden space complete with Garden Room for wheelchair user Malcolm.
Wheelchair Access Ramp, Gerrard’s Cross
“They made the whole process very enjoyable. They were responsive and enjoyable to work with and most importantly, they delivered on time. I love the…
DIY SOS – Contributing an Accessibility Ramp to a Bracknell Project
New Driveway Company recently had the privilege of taking part in The BBC’s DIY SOS, contributing our labour and expertise towards the transformation of a…
Limestone Patio with Accessible Ramp, Newbury
“Their attention to detail, superb craftsmanship on-site and great coordination with the electrical team, produced a patio that we are delighted with.”
Let's Create a Space That Works for Everyone
Whether you're planning a safer driveway, an accessible garden, a garden room or independent living accommodation, we'd love to hear about your project.
Together, we can create a space that's welcoming, practical and built around the people who matter most.
The Accessible Living Promise
When you choose us:
- We listen before we design.
- We design around people, not products.
- We never compromise on quality.
- We create beautiful spaces that happen to be accessible.
- We build with care, professionalism and pride.
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