RAMP BUILDING - The DSRC recognizes that individuals with physical disabilities cannot take the accessibility of their homes or other buildings for granted. Ramps are necessary for individual to not only enter their homes safely, but also to leave their homes and have access to their communities. Making a home accessible for a wheelchair or amigo is not an affordable task for everyone. Purchasing materials and building the ramps to meet ADA codes can be very costly.

Each year the DSRC receives an overwhelming number of requests for ramp building assistance. Last year we built over 30 ramps. The need continues to grow year to year and additional funding is being sought to continue this program.

Our program of building ramps for persons with disabilities, the elderly and those requiring wheelchairs or other mobility vehicles is highlighted by our annual Ramp Blitz (Photos). This campaign brings professional contractors together with community volunteers to construct 10 or more ramps in a single day to improve the quality of life for those requiring a ramp to leave their homes.

Our ramp building program addresses a need ignored by other nonprofit and government agencies. Our goal is to develop the ramp building fund to provide immediate construction of ramps and to continue to fund our annual Ramp Blitz. Our long-term goal is to never have a waiting list or to refuse any request of assistance in building a ramp.

Our organization has been providing ramps to area residents for many years. Every year the number of ramps we build increases. The DSRC again has a waiting list as our ramp building fund awaits additional donations to reach our $45,000 budget. As always, we strive to provide as many ramps as our resources will allow. This is a year-round program with emphasis on our May Ramp Blitz. All constructed ramps are professionally built, measured and designed. Outside the Blitz, a professional contractor is engaged for ramp construction. Over volunteers assisted in Ramp Blitz 2004. Our ramp building program is the only one in the area.

At the completion of each ramp, an inspector approves the ramp assuring that each ramp meets all requirements of the township, city and ADA codes. Ultimately the success will be gauged when an on-going, year-round ramp assistance and building program is in place and the waiting list for a ramp is totally eliminated.

As always, volunteer building teams continue to be solicited for the Ramp Blitz. We are looking for a contractor who will donate some of his/her time outside the Ramp Blitz. Corporations are solicited for funding as well as groups, organizations and churches. We will continue to seek help from foundations and corporations who have an interest in assisting people who have disabilities and improving the quality of life for these individuals, their families and our community.

The Disability Services Resource Center is a very active part of the community and provides many opportunities for area children and adults who face physical and mental disabilities. We openly seek collaborations and network within the community to help keep costs down, maintain high standards and enhance accessibility to all.

As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, we assist Bay County residents and their families in finding and making effective use of available resources related to their disability. Founded in 1933, the organization strives to help individuals with disabilities become accepted members of their community to the fullest extent of their capabilities.