Building handicap accessible ramps for those in need since 1998
From Steuben County,
A highly successful volunteer program giving elderly residents in Steuben County more freedom to travel outside of their homes expects to complete its 700th ramp Friday.
Launched 26 years ago in 1998 the volunteers, known as the “Ramp Guys,” specialize in building handicap-accessible ramp constructed for low- and moderate-income individuals having trouble coming and going from their homes.
Selected by the Association on Aging in NY to receive the 2018 Volunteer Innovation Award, the program also received the “Shining Star Award” from ProAction of Steuben and Yates, Inc. in 2007. Former “lead” ramp guy, Glenn Davis, also was recognized for his individual efforts at the state ceremony in 2018.
Typically, ramp construction takes a 10-person crew coordinated by the Avoca United Methodist Church. It takes roughly 8 hours to build a ramp using recycled and new materials.
Steuben OFA Director Gabe Smalt credits the project’s success to donations from area civic groups and individuals who help to purchase the materials, an annual Steuben County allocation, special funding for caregivers who participate in an assessment, and storage space donated by Hornell SPCA. Steuben NY Connects aging and disability resource center screen individuals to make referrals for the Ramp Guys program. Credit is also due to OFA accountants Cathy Marlatt and Janet Olin, the Avoca church staff who process the bills, the record-keepers, the RSVP/Senior AmeriCorps staff that recruit and promote the program, the OFA Advisory Council and Steuben Senior Services Fund, Inc. who donate funds, and Steuben County legal and administration officials.
