56 SHAKERONLINE.COM | SUMMER 2017
The layout and openness of the new
house allow Sarah a freedom of
movement she’d never had at the
Fernway house. “Everything on the first
floor was designed with her in mind,” Teri
says. “She’s able to get around the entire
kitchen, so she can tell us what she wants
to do and what she wants to eat, because
she’s able to communicate what her
needs are through moving around.”
And that newfound freedom and
voice, Ben and Teri say, have been
the best part of the move. They had
anticipated what the move would mean
to them – in terms of giving Sarah more
space on one floor and of saving Ben’s
back – but they hadn’t anticipated what
it would mean to Sarah emotionally.
While Sarah can’t speak or use
sign language, she deftly expresses her
feelings through body language. When
she first saw the house, even before
construction was complete, she was
so excited that everyone was moved,
including the contractors. “I think she
knew what a difference it was going to
be for her,” says Teri.
Feeling
At Home