Ramp Programs
Do you have a spinal cord injury and need a ramp?
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The Center for Accessible Living will be providing FREE temporary and permanent ramps for your home.
This program helps SSI and SSDI disability beneficiaries, ages 14 through full retirement age, to understand their work options so that they may make more informed choices about going to work. The program provides information about federal, state and local work incentive and related programs. The Center will make available a Community Work Incentive Coordinator, a knowledgeable advocate, who will help you understand work incentive program requirements.
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Counties in Kentucky that Qualify​
Bullitt, Spencer, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, Warren, Allen, Barren, Bulter, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Simpson
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Please contact Becky Hart if interested.
501 East Broadway, Suite 310
Louisville, KY 40202
502-589-6620 ext. 110 • bhart@calky.org
The program manages the ramp construction for people with mobility impairments in the Louisville Metro area only. CAL Murray has a partnership with the Salvation Army for ramp construction in Calloway County.
The Rampbuilders Program has been providing custom-designed home access ramps and railings to persons with disabilities since the incorporation of the Center for Accessible Living in 1981.
Whenever possible, ramps are provided at no cost to the recipient. Individuals with mobility impairments can safely enter and exit their homes, providing independence and opportunities for education, employment and recreation.
A ramp provides a very basic level of freedom so that persons with disabilities can make their own choices.
Our program has provided ramps to hundreds of individuals thanks to funding from sources that include or have included Louisville Metro Government, Louisville Metro Council, Calloway County Salvation Army, Medicaid and private donations.
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Murray
The Center for Accessible Living’s satellite office in Murray has Ramp funds available for low-income individuals in Calloway County. Funds are provided by the Calloway County Salvation Army through their annual kettle drive. Individuals, including volunteers from VFW Post 6291, generously give their time to build these ramps according to ADA requirements. For more information about the program and to be placed on the waiting list please contact Carrissa Johnson 270-753-7676.
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Louisville
Who is Eligible?
Anyone living in the Louisville Metro area that has a permanent mobility impairment is eligible. Eligibility may vary due to rules set by funding sources. For more information please call the Ramp Program Coordinator at 589-6620 ext. 110.
How Can I Apply?
To receive an application for the ramp program in the mail or for more information please call the Ramp Program Coordinator at 589-6620 ext. 110.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Ramp?
Time to determine eligibility and to receive authorization varies, depending upon how quickly all paperwork is received from you. Variables such as whether you live in a restricted area such as a flood plain or historical district sometimes requires extra paperwork and government review.
The number of persons already waiting for a ramp and the amount of funding available also greatly impacts the time it may take to get a ramp. The typical time it takes to finish a ramp is 1.5 to 2 years. For that reason, it is best to get your paperwork in to reserve your spot on the list.
Who Builds or Installs the Ramps?
A reputable and experienced contractor or supplier builds or installs the ramps to code.
Who is Responsible for Care?
All maintenance is the responsibility of the ramp owner.
How Can I Help?
The Rampbuilders Program is always in need of funding. The average cost of a ramp is about $5,000.00. Every little bit helps, and donations are tax deductible. Please make your check out to the Center for Accessible Living with “Rampbuilders Program” on the memo line.
We greatly appreciate your support of independent living for everyone!
For more information or to make a donation, contact:
Rampbuilders Program
Becky Hart, Rampbuilders Coordinator
Center for Accessible Living
501 E. Broadway, Suite 310
Louisville, KY 40202-1799
Ford, UAW Local 862, and Louisville Metro Council Members work in conjunction with CAL in a ramp-building collaboration. Volunteers continue to build and plan as long as funding is available. The project started when some of the carpenters from the Ford Assembly Plant built a ramp for a co-worker who needed one. Ford and UAW Local 862 donated $50,000 to cover the cost of materials for about 25 ramps in the first year. Over the last two years, members of Louisville Metro Council have contributed over $120,000 in additional funding. The partnership has built over 100 ramps.
Resource: Ramp Building Manual
Ramp Manual is a guideline that is a safe and easy way to build ramps for single family homes. The basic ramp manual was based on building codes in Minnesota. We understand that there are building code guideline variables in other states. The manual is for sale for $15. You can find it on the web site www.wheelchairramp.org for people to review and copy for personal use.
Ramp Up Kentucky
The Center for Accessible Living is part of Ramp Up Kentucky, a network of partners providing loans of portable ramps around the state coordinated by the KATS Network. People with disabilities who are in immediate need for a ramp and awaiting permanent access to their homes can borrow a portable aluminum ramp at no cost for up to six months. The Ramp Up Kentucky! program was initially funded through a High Impact Innovative Assistive Technology (HIIAT) grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. After a permanent ramp is obtained, the portable ramp will be returned for other users.