Local Texas Ramp Project volunteers getting residents out and about
Members of the local chapter of the Texas Ramp Project built this wheel-chair ramp for a Kingsland residence. The members are gearing up for the second annual Access Across Texas event in which chapters across the state make an all-out effort to build as many ramps as possible from Nov. 8-15. The organization could use donations and volunteers to help with the projects — no experience necessary. Pictured are Ray Green (top, left), John Taylor, Larry Jones, Don Barlow, Ben Brizendine, Bob Gilbertson (bottom, left) Mike Silzel, Shawn Mullen, Johnny Bethea and Tommy Siegfried. Call Ben Redler at (830) 613-0755 to donate or get involved. Courtesy photo
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — With a desire to help others, members of the local chapter of the Texas Ramp Project know a few hours of work can alter the life a someone who feels “trapped” at home.
“It’s just an incredible feeling knowing that you’ve really helped somebody regain that independence again or have kept them from losing it,” said Ben Redler, a local Texas Ramp Project coordinator.
The Texas Ramp Project is a statewide organization that builds wheel-chair ramps for people who are disabled or elderly and can’t easily make it down the stairs outside their home. The organization has a client-referral process to ensure donations and volunteer time goes toward people who need it.
“And there definitely is a need,” Redler said.
While the Texas Ramp Project volunteers build ramps throughout the year, they have marked off Nov. 8-15 as Access Across Texas. It’s a weeklong event during which teams of volunteers try to build as many ramps as possible in the timeframe.
“Right now, we have about five backlogged that we’d really like to get done,” Redler said.
Redler leads a Highland Lakes group out of the Austin Chapter of the Texas Ramp Project. This local group builds in Burnet, Llano and Blanco counties.
“The only thing really holding us back are donations and volunteers,” Redler said.
Since the Highland Lakes arm started building ramps a few years ago, volunteers have constructed 50 ramps, which comes out to more than 2,000 feet of access.
“That’s pretty impressive if you think of the number of people it allows to get out of their homes and on with their lives,” he said.
Donations allow the organization to purchase materials. Redler said if people donate now, there’s a good chance their donation will earn matching funds.
As for volunteers, you don’t need to be an expert carpenter. In fact, you don’t even have to know one end of the hammer from the other.
“We have people who come out who have never picked up a hammer before,” Redler said. “That’s no problem. We’ll show you how to do it.”
Call Redler at (830) 613-0755 to donate or volunteer. People interested in learning how to refer an individual for a ramp also may contact Redler or go to www.texasramps.org for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com