Meet Deven!
Deven is a one-of-a-kind 20-year-old with a sweet and loving spirit that shines through in everything he does. Though his cognitive level is that of a toddler, Deven has a special way of expressing his needs and connecting with those around him. He adores his dog and shows it with constant affection, and if there’s one thing everyone knows, it’s simply: “it’s Deven”—unique, lovable, and unforgettable.
Deven is always on the move, with a curious energy and a love for exploring the world around him. He enjoys watching Monster Jam, sharks, and his favorite movie Cars, and he lights up when listening to music from his favorite shows. A true fan of excitement, Deven loves sports—especially hockey, baseball, and race cars. One of his happiest places is the beach, where he can spend hours scooping and pouring water, completely content in the moment. He also attends horse therapy several times a week, which brings him both joy and engagement.
Diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome after experiencing infantile spasms as a baby, Deven faces significant medical challenges, including unpredictable seizures that can cause him to suddenly become limp without warning. Because of this, his safety and care needs are complex, and there is no easy way to carry him during these episodes. Despite these challenges, Deven is otherwise very healthy and continues to bring joy to those around him. A roll-in shower would greatly improve his daily care, providing both safety and comfort for him and his caregivers as they support his needs.
For Deven, something as simple as bathing was once a daily challenge. Living with Lennox Gastaout Syndrome made daily care especially complex, and tasks like bathing could be both difficult and unsafe. His family has faced ongoing challenges trying to safely care for him in a space that was not designed for his needs. Deven’s loving mom struggled with a bathroom setup that was not accessible for her son, making bathing difficult, unsafe, and stressful.
When Deven’s mother and physical therapist reached out to Wheelchairs 4 Kids, the organization stepped in to help. In partnership with Bath Fitter—and made possible through Bath Fitter’s generous sponsorship—a custom walk-in shower was installed in Deven’s home.
The new custom fit walk-in shower provides a safe, accessible, and comfortable bathing space tailored to Deven’s needs. This modification not only improves his daily routine but also gives his family peace of mind knowing he can be cared for more safely and with greater dignity.
Deven’s mom expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the transformation, sharing how meaningful it is to now have a functional and accessible space that meets his needs.
This project highlights the powerful impact of community support and collaboration. Through the combined efforts of Wheelchairs 4 Kids, Bath Fitter, and the Nursey Foundation, Deven’s quality of life has been significantly improved.