Accessible Wisconsin Kitchen for Jais

Make-A-Wish project – an Accessible Kitchen

This spring, we at Bridgeway Independent Living Designs (BILD) and DesignBILD, had the fortunate opportunity to work in conjunction with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin to grant a Wish for Jais, a young boy with Spina Bifida who was adopted from the Ukraine at the age of 7.  Through Make-A-Wish, Jais was offered the opportunity to go on a vacation, travel to Disney World, visit an accessible water park, or to meet professional athletes at a sporting event, but Jais had something more important in mind.  Jais loves to cook, and he wanted to be able to bake and cook with his sister at home.  So, we had the opportunity to remodel the kitchen in his home in order to give Jais a safe and accessible kitchen that he can enjoy cooking in for years to come! We had a wonderful experience, partnering with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin who was willing to add some additions to his original wish.  Our onsite project manager, David Rinka and Brian Drew, the interior designer, kept in close contact with Jais, his family, and all of the installers throughout the entire job.  This made the process smooth and successful.

Jais’ primary mode of transportation and mobility is in his power wheelchair, so Brian designed the space to allow Jais ease of access from this level.  The kitchen cabinets were fitted with roll out shelving so Jais can easily reach all kitchen utensils and a roll under sink to give Jais easy access to the sink.  The appliances include a stove with front controls and a microwave set at a low height for ease of reach for Jais.  The peninsula was re-designed to include lower countertops that Jais can use during meal prep.  The doorway from the kitchen to the back patio was fitted with an 8 foot door and the lowest sill available to improve the size and ease of roll through space.  Brian’s design added vinly plank flooring so no thresholds exist between rooms, and removed the wall between the kitchen and the dining room to open up the space overall, which gives the family enough room to sit at the table and have meals together!

This entire job was completed during the Stay at Home order due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The tradesmen and installers involved took great pride in the opportunity to give Jais and his family an accessible and safe space to cook and interact.  This gratitude spread beyond the job site and into their own homes.  The daughter of the electrician was so inspired by the work, that she dumped out her piggy bank and donated all of her earnings to buy a new light for over the sink!

Jais and his family now have a beautiful and accessible kitchen that has become the meeting place in their home.  We were honored to be a part of this transformation.  We could not have completed this job without the generosity and willingness of multiple local businesses, vendors and tradesmen that donated their time and materials.  These businesses are listed below.

Advanced Window and Door

Bliffert Lumber

Bri-An PHC

Drywall Maintenance LLC

Fuerst Electric

Get It Done Construction

Grand Appliance and TV

IKEA

Karndean Design Flooring USA

Kerns Quality Flooring

KG Stevens

Kreativ Stone and Design

Lowe’s

Milwaukee Cabinetry

Thank you very much to the generous companies listed above who made this accessible kitchen and Wish project possible!

ProSource of Greater Milwaukee

The Tile Group

Vicostone USA