The Texas Ramp Project

2007 Austin American Statesman

By Lisa Ogle
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, January 04, 2007

LEANDER — The volunteers barely had time to move their tools out of the way before 12-year-old Corey bolted onto the new ramp from his home's side entrance and started popping wheelies in his electric wheelchair.

But the volunteers weren't done yet.

Two hours later, they completed a second ramp, and Corey raced up to the front door — the first time he'd done so since coming to the house as a foster child more than a year ago.

Before, Corey had access through only the side and back doors on makeshift ramps that weren't secured in place.

The new ramps were built without cost to the family by the Austin branch of the nonprofit Texas Ramp Project that Kurt Richter founded in April. Richter heard about Corey through Lutheran Social Services of the South in November and built the ramps a few days later.

The volunteer-driven organization is a spinoff of the Dallas Ramp Project, which has built more than 2,000 ramps since 1985.

So far, the Austin group has helped 16 households and built 20 ramps, and it is looking for more volunteers and donations, which go directly to construction material costs.

"The whole idea is helping people be more mobile," said Randy Kerkman, a Texas Ramp Project volunteer and a staff member at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Austin. "It's giving them that freedom to be more mobile, to be able to get out of their house."

The average 24-foot ramp made with pressure-treated lumber requires about $480 in materials and takes a few hours to install, Richter said.

All volunteers need is a big heart and some time, Kerkman said.

"You don't need skill to do this," he said. "If you have a crew leader who knows what they're doing, anybody can do it."

And many have. Richter said he gets a lot of high school and college students, church and corporate groups, and boys looking for an Eagle Scout project.

"For me personally, it's something different than what I normally do during the week," Kerkman said. "I get to use my hands but also be in service to others and see the joy from the people who receive ramps."

It's made a difference for Corey, his foster family and social workers said. Corey has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a muscle-wasting genetic disorder.

"For a child his age, to have a little bit more independence and mobility is phenomenal," said Jamie Johnson, a Lutheran Social Services caseworker. "It's done a lot for his self-esteem. He doesn't have to worry, and the foster parents . . . know that he's safe."

His foster father, Ken Clark of Leander, said he had trouble finding someone who could build a ramp.

The expense was a problem, too. One contractor estimated that it would cost several thousand dollars to install concrete ramps, he said.

Richter said he was happy to help the family.

"It's a real thrill," he said. "Corey went nuts on the ramp, leaving skid marks on all of them. If he could peel out in a wheelchair, he would do it. He realizes he's sick, but he doesn't consider himself any different from other kids."

How to help

Volunteer to build a ramp: Individuals and groups are welcome, especially those with trucks or trailers.

Make a donation: Ramps cost about $20 per foot, so the average 24-foot ramp costs $480 in materials. The group also is looking for a secure warehouse space with at least 1,000 square feet, electrical power, an overhead door for lumber deliveries and parking for about a dozen volunteers.

Contact the Texas Ramp Project by visiting www.texasramps.org or calling 695-5287.