When Constable Owen Graham responded to a call while on duty in December 2019, he did not know his life would change forever. The vehicle in which the officer was travelling was involved in an accident, leaving his colleague dead and him paralysed from the waist down.

The incident has left the 27-year-old devastated, explaining that it has caused him to feel like a prisoner in his current abode, where his father, two sisters and spouse also reside. The house, which he explains is not retrofitted to address his disability needs, makes it near impossible to move without being lifted.

The Clarendon native said he now has something to look forward to, after being selected for one of the 30 detached two-bedroom units at the Roseneath Park Development in St Catherine, under the National Housing Trust’s Special Home Grant Allotment Policy.

RETROFITTED TO IMPROVE ACCESS

The development, which is approximately one kilometre from the Old Harbour town centre, has been retrofitted to improve access, functionality and comfort for the young constable.

As his new home is equipped with installation of grab bars in the bathroom, access ramps, customised shower design and kitchen cupboards, Graham noted that he was “looking forward for better, because this really gives me peace of mind. I am truly grateful to the NHT”.

Graham is one of the first beneficiaries of the grant, which saw an additional $2.55 million in modification, which also includes a change from drywall to reinforced concrete walls to facilitate the installation of the related accessories, as well as the construction of a reinforced concrete slab with a minimum of four feet wide around the perimeter of the unit.

The NHT has moved towards a new policy on subsidies where persons with disabilities, who are beneficiaries of units, will be identified early in the construction process to facilitate personalised modifications to their units. This will be at no additional cost to the beneficiary and will be in place prior to occupancy. 

In addition, the special grant has doubled to $300,000. By doubling the grant, individuals are more equipped to upgrade their home to meet their special needs. The advantage to the recipient is immediate, rather than over the term of a mortgage.

“Small things are now big. Before I could move all 10 toes without thinking, moving just one toe right now would be almost years of accomplishment,” he said with a chuckle.

Though going through a life altering experience, Graham remains positive, adding that the prospect of homeownership has been welcomed, aiding in his optimistic outlook.

“I am grateful for the NHT because this incident could have caused me to have a mental breakdown… . Persons who end up with a disability tend to think that life is over, but once you tell your mind everything will be fine, then things change. Getting this house has given me hope as I look forward to a brand new life,” he said.