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Article from Ridgedale YMCA Newsletter, fall 1992.

ACTING ON ACCESSIBILITY

Through the National Youth Leadership Project, YMCA's Minnesota Leadership for Empowerment Program, and the Center For Independent Living, a hands-on project for an inclusive group of youth was undertaken this summer. The project was to build wheelchair ramp sections. While planning the project, it was discovered that some of the participants helping to make the sections would themselves benefit from having a ramp. It seemed only natural for the group to build a ramp where the ramp would be appreciated day in and day out, by a youth, who himself, was there to help others. So the task was set and everyone involved worked with sincere dedication to making sure a quality ramp was built, and it was.

The Star Tribune even captured the moment in the paper. What a reward for a job well done. Not only was the youth excited to be able to easily enter and exit from his home without help, and spent hours at first doing just that, but his parents were also grateful for the group's devotion to the project. Since the project's completion, more and more families have come forward expressing their needs for a wheelchair ramp as well. That is a good sign that this project could remain ongoing, and passing the knowledge of ramp construction on to more groups will hopefully keep it going and going and going...

Article accompanied by picture of "The Volunteer Ramp Building Team from National Youth Leadership, YMCA Leadership for Empowerment, and Center for Independent Living Programs."

- Collaborations are possible between all types of individuals, groups and programs.
- Not only will this ramp project help community members to assist others who need a ramp, they will benefit too.
- High schools, technical colleges, church groups, service clubs (like: the Jaycees, Lions, VFWs or Legions), scout organizations, unions, employee service groups, government agencies, rehabilitation facilities, centers for independent living, and many, many more can initiate or participate in a community ramp project.
- Call MCIL for more information:
  651/646-8342 Voice
  651/603-2001 TTY
  651/603-2006 FAX

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