Making Homes More Accessible for Disabled Children in Tennessee – How Tucker’s House transforms Houses into Homes

How can the design of a home transform the daily life of a child with disabilities and have a lasting impact throughout their lifetime? How does this transformation affect their family and caregivers?

This episode features Marcel Hernandez Development Director of Tucker's House, a nonprofit in Tennessee that customizes homes for disabled children. They focus on creating accessible spaces that cater to each child's needs, considering their future growth and independence. Marcel emphasizes the importance of a holistic and therapy-informed approach, not only making physical adjustments but also alleviating emotional stress for caregivers, acknowledging their critical yet often unnoticed role. He also discusses the "House to Home" video series, which illustrates the profound impact of these home transformations on families. 

Tune in to hear firsthand how compassionate home designs and builds are breaking barriers and bringing joy to families in need. 

[00:01 - 04:29] Opening Segment

Tucker's House is a Tennessee-based nonprofit that specializes in home modifications for families with children who have disabilities

The organization, active since 2009, estimates its impact on approximately 1200 to 1500 individuals, working annually with about 100 to 120 individuals

Tucker's House is fully funded through private donations, including grants from foundations, corporate partners, and individual community champions, covering all costs for their core AIM program

The AIM program involves a comprehensive process with a program manager, occupational and physical therapists, architects, and construction partners, to create personalized, practical modifications in homes

[04:30 - 08:11] Building for a Lifetime: A Lasting Solution for Families and Caregivers

Tucker’s House focuses on long-term, sustainable home modifications for children with disabilities, considering their growth and evolving needs to provide lifetime solutions

The organization's approach includes not just physical modifications but also aims to provide emotional relief and support for caregivers, recognizing their crucial role

Their high client satisfaction and attention to detail in modifications underscore their commitment to delivering quality solutions without the need for major re-installations

[08:12 - 13:40] Inspiring Stories Behind Accessible Homes

Tucker’s House not only modifies homes but also assists with ordering and installing durable medical equipment (DME), ensuring a perfect fit for each family's unique needs

Their therapy-informed approach goes beyond typical remodeling, prioritizing the family's voice and choice throughout the process for personalized solutions

The "House to Home" series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced by families with disabilities and how accessible modifications alleviate these struggles

This series also highlights the crucial role of caregivers and the physical and emotional toll of caregiving, underscoring the importance of ergonomic home design

Tucker’s House collaborates with financial partners who are also featured in the series and play a significant role in supporting and facilitating their initiatives

[13:41 - 20:48] Navigating the Demand for Accessibility 

The organization is primarily referral-based, receiving clients through healthcare providers and gaining increased exposure through media and their House to Home series

Their service criteria focus mainly on children but are flexible, considering each family’s unique situation, including financial constraints and healthcare needs

Marcel also talks about similar organizations that serve people of all ages 

[20:49 - 28:46] Closing Segment

Marcel is deeply committed to setting a strong psychological foundation for his children, emphasizing the importance of a stable, nurturing home environment

His nonprofit work, including founding Be About Change, reflects his dedication to elevating young people's trajectories, paralleling his role in Tucker’s House to support children physically and psychologically

Marcel finds inspiration in the resilience and positivity of those facing mental and physical challenges, which is evident in the impactful stories shared in the House to Home series

Want to connect with Marcel? Reach out directly through [email protected] or contact 615 953 9572. Visit https://tuckershouse.org/ to learn more about their work and watch Episode 1 of House to Home: Zola’s House Transformation on YouTube.

Key Quotes:

“We really focus on providing that lifetime solution. While some are looking for kind of a day-to-day impact, we really focus on going perhaps just an inch wide, but a mile deep in terms of the impact that we make with each household.” - Marcel Hernandez

“We do everything to preserve the family's voice and choice through the entire process so that it is really their plan and we're facilitating the realization of that plan.” - Marcel Hernandez

“I have a belief that the individuals that struggle mentally, physically, or both are, in my estimation, what I would just say closer to God, closer to divinity” - Marcel Hernandez

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