Designing for Accessibility - A Special Feature

At DJ's Home Improvements, we believe that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making homes functional for everyone. That’s why we were honored to be featured in Next Avenue’s recent article, Stirring Through Challenges in the Kitchen: Strategies for People with Disabilities, written by the talented Arlene Schulman.

The article spotlights the inspiring story of Ellen & Emily Ladau, a mother and daughter who navigate life with Larsen syndrome. When it came time to remodel their kitchen, we worked closely with them to create a space that prioritized accessibility without sacrificing style. Lowered cabinets, deep pull-out drawers, an accessible sink, and an induction cooktop all played a role in transforming their kitchen into a space that truly worked for them.

What made this project special was the collaboration. Ellen and Emily shared their needs, and we listened—designing a space that was as empowering as it was functional. As Emily beautifully put it, “It was a really empowering process because they gave me the autonomy and decision-making power, and then they said, ‘Here’s what we think will work based on what you’re telling us.’”

We’re grateful to Arlene Schulman for highlighting such an important topic and for featuring our work. And most of all, a huge thank you to Ellen & Emily for trusting us with their home.

Check out the full article here.