Disabled Mother's Eight-Year Ordeal to Access Her Own Home
Amie Greenfaery, a 45-year-old disabled mother from the Cotswolds, has revealed how it took her a staggering eight years to gain proper access through the front door of her own home. Moving into the property in 2017 to be closer to her husband's workplace, Amie was initially reassured that securing a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for essential adaptations would be straightforward, given her urgent gold-band medical housing need assessment.
Systemic Delays and Bureaucratic Obstacles
The Disabled Facilities Grant is a local authority scheme designed to help disabled individuals fund crucial home modifications, enabling them to live safely and independently. Official guidelines stipulate that all DFG applications should be decided within six months, with works completed within twelve. However, Amie's experience exposed severe shortcomings in this system.
She was informed that front access required a separate assessment and a second DFG application, triggering further delays. During this protracted period, Amie received three visits from occupational therapists who expressed sympathy but could not expedite the stalled process. One professional questioned why she needed a new driveway when she "already had one," suggesting she could simply use her wheelchair from a car parked over 25 meters away on the road.
Despite initial assurances of eligibility, the council later claimed they "did not do driveways," adding to the confusion and frustration.
Inaccessible Designs and Lack of Consultation
When plans were finally shared, Amie was horrified by the proposed solution: fifteen separate concrete slabs with gravel in between, which her powered wheelchair could not traverse. The design included an unnecessary ramp to the front door but no proper loading or unloading area for her wheelchair, her child, or her assistance dog.
Amie took matters into her own hands, writing to the council to highlight the inaccessibility and even redrawing the driveway plans herself. She identified serious flaws and proposed a simpler, low-cost alternative, which an occupational therapy supervisor agreed was superior to the council's overly complex and impractical design.
Construction Commences Without Consent
A final plan was issued via email without Amie's consent, and construction began with no further consultation. The work introduced new hazards, including a six-inch step where none had existed before. As a single parent with a child who has pathological demand avoidance, the stress intensified.
"I insisted they visit the property because they didn't believe the photos," Amie recounted. "The worst bit was when the builders said the step would remain for at least six weeks. I was threatened with a temporary 'fix' that I knew wouldn't be a proper metal fold-out ramp."
Ombudsman Upholds Complaints and Awards Compensation
Amie's complaints were eventually upheld by both the local government ombudsman and the housing ombudsman, with findings of failures in communication, consultation, and process. These included a lack of proper handover, occupational therapy sign-off, and any schedule of works.
Her driveway was finally completed in 2025, ending the eight-year ordeal. In April and November of that year, she was awarded a total of £950 in compensation from the ombudsmen.
Devastating Impact on Family Life
"They had ample opportunities to do the right thing; however, what has actually occurred has been devastating to my family and me," Amie said. "It stopped us from being able to go anywhere or do anything. The sensory overload made me have a breakdown on Zoom in a meeting one day because the ringing in my ears was horrible from the pneumatic drilling. My son and I rely on being able to go where his education takes us, and we were trapped."
Broader Implications for Disability Rights
Disability advocate Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl Discounts, commented on the case, stating: "Disabled people already face significantly higher living costs, and when essential adaptations are delayed, denied, or mishandled, many are left with no choice but to pay out of pocket, attempt unsafe workarounds, or live with a home that doesn't work for them. Accessibility should never be treated as optional or excessive; it is a fundamental right."
Colman, who is disabled herself, added: "I know firsthand how much extra we have to think about every day and how often it comes with a financial cost. That's a big part of why I started Purpl. I'm proud that we've been able to partner with homeware brands to help disabled people save money on appliances, home furnishings, and everyday essentials that make life that little bit easier."
This case underscores critical failures in the implementation of Disabled Facilities Grants, highlighting the urgent need for improved processes, better consultation, and a stronger commitment to accessibility as a non-negotiable right for disabled individuals across the UK.
