Luis Rivera "My life change when I go to the street, to the store, to the supermarket, when I need something … now I don't have the pressure, I don't have the problem. In the other case, I depend on the people on the street. I say Joe, come on, I need your help with my wheelchair. I depended for the other people. Now it's different. The first time in my life, it's easy."
To view a video about Luis, please click on Home Modification Videos.

Luis has found independence by using a chairlift installed on his front porch.

Luis, who lost his lower legs due to an illness he had as an adult, is now, with the use of his lift, able to enter and leave his house without having to rely on the assistance of friends and family.

"I had the lift installed and the modifications in my house have changed my life," he said.  Before Luis had the home modifications installed, he had to wait until someone was available to help him enter and leave his home.

Now, he explained, "When I go to the street, the store, the supermarket, when I need something, I go quickly."  He no longer has to depend on others.

"For the first time in my life," he emphasized, "it's easy."

Luis's daughter who is also his JEVS Supports for Independence personal assistant said, "I see day by day how everything is easier for him.  Now with his modifications in the house, he is more independent and it is easier for him because he can go anywhere he wants."

The home modifications an individual uses can vary according to the type of house in which they live.  Cynthia Caldwell, with Adaptive Living Solutions, explained, "You have to go in and evaluate their specific needs and their specific homes because a row home in Philadelphia may vary greatly to, say, a ranch single home in the suburbs.

"The biggest benefit of home modifications is that it increases someone's safety and independence," she continued, "but another benefit is that it assists the caregiver."

Before he had his home modifications installed, Luis suffered from depression.  "Now everything has changed and things are easier for him," said his daughter.  "It's good to see him get back to himself.  He looks happy. He looks better."