Your Stories - Jeff

The following story is shared by Jeff's mother.

The funds given by CDBA for Jeffrey's special garden allowed him to experience the full joy of planting, growing, preparing and eating his own vegetables. Jeff is a thirty one year old man who is deafblind and has Cerebral Palsy. The Cerebral Palsy restricts Jeff's movements but his love for cooking and gardening has always been strong. Before your funding Jeff had to sit on the ground in an uncomfortable position just to be able to feel and dig into the earth. His loss of vision made it very difficult for him to see where he could plant his vegetables. A very innovative and dedicated Intervenor created the plans for a garden that would eliminate the barriers Jeff was facing and CDBA Ontario provided equipment funding for the project.

The table garden is at a perfect height. The waist high bed offers Jeff a comfortable height from which to work in a wheelchair or sitting position. Full access to the garden reduces Jeff's frustration as well as increases his comfort and confidence in the activity. The raised garden table illustrates the cause and effect of gardening more clearly because of the appropriate height. It boosts Jeff's self-confidence and acts as a great physical activity with less limitation and it is a wonderful sensory stimulation. It is a great asset to Jeffrey's horticulture program.

With your financial assistance we have been able to create a project that makes Jeff feel as if he is contributing to the family. He feels as if he has control over the planting, harvesting and care of his plants! He is so very proud to know that his tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs are a part of our family salads. He loves to tell his Grandma that he grew them all by himself.

Thank you CDBA for making this project possible and for giving Jeffrey the opportunity to feel that he too contributes to the life of his family!

Help Jeff and other individuals who are deafblind benefit from equipment funding by donating today to CDBA Ontario.