My Own Choices

Diana Kerwin, a Service User from Ernest Kleinwort Court, explains why she feels empowered by The Disabilities Trust's service.

I was living in Cardiff with my late husband when we decided to move back to England and heard about Ernest Kleinwort Court. It was the first service to be opened by The Disabilities Trust. We moved in when it opened in 1985 and I've been here ever since.

I've always been happy with the service but there have been changes too over those years. In the early days, for example, many of the residents had a relatively light handicap and some could walk, but over the years the level of disability of residents has gone up.

I now live in a bungalow in the grounds and I only call for help when I need it. I like the freedom. You get all the help you need but you're free to make your own choices too.

I can go out and about and into town in my powered wheelchair but help is around if I need it. I have a choice of what time I get up and go to bed. The Trust makes sure all people who use the services have a say and that our freedom is never invaded.

My husband used to be a trustee of the Trust until he died in 2003. He joined because he wanted to be a spokesperson for Ernest Kleinwort Court, but as the Trust grew he became interested in helping other people with different disabilities get the support and respect they deserve.

People with disabilities are generally much more accepted in society than they used to be. We have the same rights as any other human being and that's how we want to be seen.

Back to 'A Trust Remembered'.

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