Many tasks became increasingly difficult to solve independently and safely

Challenge
Up until ten years ago, Vanessa Sutton used crutches to get around the house to carry out various day-to-day activities such as cooking.
However, her disability made it increasingly difficult for her to walk, and Vanessa started to rely more and more on a manual wheelchair, which resulted in many tasks becoming increasingly difficult for her to undertake
independently and safely.
For example, Vanessa would have to use a bar stool to be at the correct height to use the hob and sink, which was uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

”Many tasks became increasingly difficult.”

Strategy
Following discussions between Vanessa’s occupational therapist and her local council, it was decided to make her kitchen more accessible. To
accommodate a more accessible kitchen, the existing space was extended to provide a larger kitchen area that would be wheelchair-friendly and would meet Vanessa’s needs.
Vanessa decided on a height-adjustable kitchen worktop because it would enable her to use a hob and sink safely from her wheelchair. At the same time, she would get a kitchen with a modern look that could be used by anyone regardless of whether they are in a wheelchair or able-bodied, as the worktop height can be adjusted at the touch of a button.

”I can now use the hob and sink without having to ask anyone to help” says Vanessa.

Challenge
Once the kitchen had been installed, the ROPOX rise and fall worktops with the integrated hob and sink were the icing on the cake. The height-adjustable worktops have been designed to make the kitchen environment as accessible as possible for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users.
The electric version installed in Vanessa’s kitchen enables her to change the height of the worktop to meet her specific needs, allowing her to use the kitchen independently. The adjustable worktops from Ropox are also available with a manual mechanism and can be designed for use as a straight or corner unit, depending on the design of the kitchen and available space.

”I love the fact that the kitchen looks so modern” says Vanessa.

Result
Vanessa is thrilled with her new kitchen and recommends people in similar situations to get a height-adjustable kitchen, as it has made her life so much better, easier and safer. Now, she can sit comfortably at the kitchen worktop, she can safely use the hob, and the sink is easy to reach and use.
The redesign of the kitchen has given Vanessa a wheelchair-friendly solution that is well-designed and manufactured based on a thorough understanding of what people with disabilities need.