Supporting independence
For Denis and Kathie Bell of Comox, the Family Independence Fund has helped them to create a separate suite on the lower level of their house, building greater independence for their 24-year-old daughter Jocelyn.
The Family Independence Fund helps families throughout the province who have family members with developmental disabilities living at home. The Fund was established with financial assistance from Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) and is administered by Vancouver Foundation’s Giving in Action Society to help with the care of the relative by providing one time grants to support projects such as home renovations — including lifts, elevators, ramps, flooring, door widening or vehicle modifications — that enable the individual with the developmental disability to live in the family home and access their community.
“She has a wonderful spirit,” says Denis of his daughter Jocelyn, “We wanted to take the next step of creating more independence for her.”
Jocelyn and her cousin Jessica celebrate as she moves in to her own suite.
Denis and Kathie first learned about the Family Independence Fund at a workshop on homes for individuals with disabilities hosted by the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN).
To begin the process, the Bells submitted a letter of inquiry. Once their letter was accepted, they were invited to submit a proposal of the changes they planned for their house.
Their full proposal included design drawings for the proposed changes to their house which would give Jocelyn a more independent living space in her own separate suite downstairs.
“It is something that has to be well planned from start to finish. There is a lot of prep work involved and it is definitely a learning experience but we were always supported throughout the process,” says Kathie of the application process.
In June 2010, the Bells received a $50,000 grant and began working with a contractor and Giving in Action Society to complete the renovations to their home.
As the renovation to their house would create a separate suite, the Bells needed to apply to have their property rezoned. The municipality was very supportive through the rezoning process. “Knowing that the community you live in supports your goals, it clearly demonstrates their interest in you and your family. It’s a good feeling,” says Kathie.
Now completed, the suite is fully contained, with its own entrance. Denis and Kathie have access from upstairs. As well as her own bedroom, and living room, Jocelyn has her own kitchen including a restaurant style booth, which is more accessible. The suite is painted in various shades of her favourite colour, blue.
“There’s a level of maturity that comes with having your own place,” says Kathie.
Jocelyn has also begun to express her own likes and interests more readily, talking about inviting guests over to her home and shopping for the types of foods she likes.
Although the transition process from her parents’ home to her own suite has had a few minor challenges for Jocelyn, she is now comfortably settled and happy in her own place.
“She was eager to move down there. She loves it. The suite has really afforded her a greater sense of independence,” says Kathie.
To learn more about the Family Independence Fund, including information about submitting an application, please visit www.givinginaction.ca and go to Our Programs > Family Independence Fund.
