A young man with cerebral palsy is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of independent living. Carson Covey, who has lived with his disability since birth, leads an active life and has become an advocate for disabled rights. Covey utilizes a communication device to give commands to his service dog, Tessa.
During our visit with Covey, he commanded Tessa to “Tug!” and she effortlessly opened a sliding door by grabbing a rope with her teeth. Tessa’s assistance allows Covey to move between his small house and the main house at the ranch where he now lives independently.
Covey then typed on his talker, praising Tessa for her service. Tessa is instrumental in helping Covey achieve a more autonomous lifestyle.
Thanks to recent installations by the Home Builders Foundation, Covey and Tessa can now navigate the property seamlessly with the help of new, wider ramps. Covey acknowledges the significant impact that minor modifications like wider doorways and ramps can have on improving accessibility and independence.
Covey shared his journey of becoming a disability advocate, explaining that the inspiration came from losing two close friends whose dream was to create safe housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to Covey’s mother, Theresa Major, he is determined to be independent and seeks to achieve things on his own. Having Tessa by his side has been life-changing, as Covey no longer relies on assistance from others.
Covey expressed the freedom he feels relishing in his independence. With the aid of Tessa, he can operate various devices in his house, such as automatic doors, window blinds, and even the refrigerator, enabling her to retrieve snacks for Covey at his command. Although Tessa is Covey’s third service dog, he believes she is progressing well in her training.
We caught up with Covey as he greeted a student participating in horse therapy. Covey believes that horses have a powerful impact on children, bringing them to life. As part of his own personal growth, Covey completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program at the University of Colorado. He now serves as a self-advocate coach.
The Home Builders Foundation has made modifications to over 2,000 homes, positively transforming the lives of many. Covey acknowledges the crucial role of organizations like the Home Builders Foundation in creating more accessible and safe living environments. Each month, the foundation modifies approximately a dozen homes, empowering individuals like Covey to achieve greater mobility and safety.
Lauren Knudsen, the foundation’s development director, emphasizes the positive impact of modifications like wider ramps on individuals’ daily lives, making their routines easier. An ADA-compliant ramp installation costs approximately $5,000. Since 2011, the Home Builders Foundation has installed ramps worth an estimated $950,000, benefiting the users without any financial burden.
Covey hopes that through his advocacy work, he can enhance the lives of hundreds of thousands of disabled Coloradans. He remains driven by the memory of his late friends, Mark and Eric.
Covey concludes, “I am committed to carrying on my friends’ dream. Housing is just one of my numerous passions within this field.”
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