TEXAS RAMP PROJECT

Description

Have you ever changed a person’s life in a single day? The Texas Ramp Project does it hundreds of times a year! We build wheelchair ramps for disabled or elderly people who can’t afford to buy one. In a few hours on a Saturday morning, we give these folks the freedom to leave their home again-the home where they want to remain but whose steps have imprisoned them.

Many of Texas Ramp Project's (TRP) clients have been housebound for months or years, or have been negotiating either steep steps or dilapidated or unsafe ramps, which puts them in harm’s way whenever they leave home. With a free ramp from TRP, these people gain independence, improved quality of life, and safe exit in the event of a fire or other emergency. In addition, their families and caregivers attain welcome relief. Many of the caregivers are elderly spouses and risk a fall
whenever they assist their patient on steps. We have also found that most older adults prefer to age in place in their own home, surrounded
by friends and family. But if their home is not accessible, they may end up in a nursing facility. A $1,000 ramp built by the Texas Ramp Project can save taxpayers up to $100,000 per year for an uninsured client to be housed in a nursing home.

TRP ramps follow ADA guidelines of 1 foot of slope for every inch of elevation. The ramps are
built of pressure-treated lumber and are 48 inches wide, with a 3-1/2-inch kick board and
handrails to prevent tipping. The finished product is safe, strong and durable.