The Power of Personal Choice

While the renovations took longer than expected, Tanya Bell could not be happier with her new apartment. For Tanya, who receives adult services through Denver Options, it was like she had her own customized version of HGTV’s Color Splash. Denver Options’ Placement Coordinator Jill Seidel knew that Tanya faced some barriers in her former apartment. “Tanya uses a power chair. She could get around, but she had some maneuvering to do in the old place,” Jill explained. “When Tanya decided to get support through Roundup Fellowship, this opportunity became available.”

Tanya’s new landlord, Gretchen Beer, was renovating the multiplex property, and although Tanya is renting, Gretchen encouraged her to make choices about how the space would be laid out. “I’ve always been interested in helping people with disabilities find living spaces that are right for them,” Gretchen said. “In high school, I watched a neighbor who had Down syndrome before and after school; maybe that’s where it started.” She consulted with Tanya and her brother on every phase of the renovation to customize the apartment to her needs. She even included Tanya’s dog in the planning, providing a small fenced area where Tanya could let her out.

Tanya picked a pale purple paint for her bedroom and bathroom walls and calming beige for the great room that’s filled with light and serves as both her kitchen and living room. “The best part about this place is I can go anywhere I want,” Tanya shared. “Gretchen put the light switches down so I can reach them, and I can work the fan from the same place.” Her companion dog, Narrie, is adapting well to the new environment, and Tanya is looking forward to exploring her new neighborhood. Sloan’s Lake is just a few blocks from her new home, and it’s only a 15-minute bus ride to her job at Coors Field.

“It’s rare to find a landlord who is willing to allow a renter to make personal choices about a property, especially to make changes that will influence who might rent it next. The big bathroom and lowered kitchen sink will make it an ideal setting for anyone who uses a wheelchair,” Jill said. “Tanya has enjoyed making decorating decisions, and she feels she can be much more independent in her new home. Tanya enjoys living on her own, and she’s very happy to have such an environmentally free space, and one that expresses her sense of color and style, to call home.”

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