Steven, a young man who has had amputations to both of his legs, connected with Disability Network Southwest Michigan when he applied to our Ramp Up program. He explained that he wanted to live as independently as possible but was having to crawl up and down the stairs to his house whenever he had to go anywhere. Steven told staff that he enjoys mowing the lawn, which he can do with no problem because his old mower is hand-controlled – his biggest barrier is getting outside to get to the mower.
Through our Ramp Up program we coordinated the financial and volunteer resources to build a ramp on Steven’s house. He wasn’t home the day of the ramp build, but he told staff later, “When I got home that evening, I turned my porch light on and wheeled up and down the ramp over and over.” Steven was very grateful for his new ramp and the independence and access to his community it provides him . . . and the lawn mower!
Your RAMP-A-THON donation could help build a ramp for someone in need! RAMP-A-THON supports our Ramp Up program which builds or purchases ramps for people with mobility disabilities in Southwest Michigan. No donation is too big or too small! Please use the button below to make your on-line donation or contact Kristen Potts (269-345-1516 x119) in our Kalamazoo office for other donation methods.
Thank you to our RAMP-A-THON Finishing sponsors: Integrity Back & Brain, Senior Services Southwest Michigan, and Whirlpool Corporation/AVID.