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### Community Participation

The purpose of this manual is not only to instruct individuals on how to build their own ramp, but also to encourage organizations on how to become involved in meeting community needs.

Lower cost, reusable ramps give people more choices in their living situations and allow for significant cost savings each time a ramp component is reused. The construction ideas in this manual can be used by anyone interested in assisting people with mobility impairment.

The history of the Ramp Project demonstrates one way that organizations can be involved. From its beginning in August, 1991, the Ramp Project has benefited from the cooperative efforts and contributions of many organizations and agencies. The start of the project was made possible by the donation of $1,000 from the Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society for a tool kit to be used. The ideas created were modified through various state agency discussions, the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living staff, local building officials and private non-profit groups.

A key development was the willingness and ability of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) to provide insurance coverage for volunteers working on ramp projects, as well as for the general liability coverage. Available low-cost insurance makes it possible to rent ramps to consumers and third party funders. This means a great cost savings for people with tight budgets and restrictive needs.

MCIL's rental policy allows payments to stop after insurance, labor and materials costs have been recovered. The user can continue to use the ramp as long as it is needed at that site. MCIL provides inspection and maintenance service to insure the ramp's continued safety.

A FEW FACTS ON INSURANCE...

We have arranged for four types of insurance.

- Volunteer Coverage - which pays up to $2,500 in medical care in case of injury to a volunteer.
- General Liability - covers damage and injury during construction.
- Product and Completed Operations Liability - after completion for any occurrence.
- Theft, Fire and Vandalism for modules and materials while in storage

MCIL rents out ramps on a limited basis.

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