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A disabled teenagers bedroom: a balance of function and fun

My husband and I try to raise Quincy with one simple premise…she is first a teenage girl, second disabled.  We try to expose her to things that are age-appropriate whether it be music, tv, books, recreation, conversation, etc…  Despite all the assessments and expert evaluations that use labels to explain her level of function, I believe she is  “locked” inside herself and that she understands far more than she can express.

We have tried to make Quincy’s bedroom a reflection of this ideal.  It has to have adaptions to make it safe for her and safe for her caregivers, but it doesn’t have to look like it.  I have tried to create an environment that a teenage girl would related to…that is pretty and hip and comfortable.

Quincy’s bed is a good example of this…it is pretty and functional.  We have gates on both sides so she cannot roll out, and all sides and ends of the bed are cushioned by large pillows.  The side gate drops down so a transfer from a wheelchair to the bed is straight across which is optimal for a caregiver.

The french doors leading into her bedroom allow easy access for a wheelchair or her Tomato sitter chair.  There is plenty of room to maneuver.

Finally, on the other side of the room we have a changing table.  Again, this is the same height as the wheelchair seat so the transfer is directly across which is safe and easy for a caregiver.  Underneath the table we have totes that store wipes, diapers, pads, etc…that way all hygiene materials are easy to access but not out in the open for the whole world to see.  What teenager would want everyone to see her personal hygiene things?

I don’t know if I have struck the proper balance between creating a room that is safe and functional for a disabled child while creating a space that a teenager would enjoy.  I’m sure if Quincy could talk she would have me change a few things.  What I do know is that Quincy loves her room…the space calms her, she sleeps well, and she is rarely upset when she is in there.  I’m hopeful this means she loves her room and doesn’t completely hate the color purple!!!

Tags: adaptive bedroom, bed gates, changing table, room adaptations