Partnership increases home accessibility for residents experiencing short-term disability barriers
Three local agencies are partnering to increase accessibility for Thumb area residents that have short-term mobility barriers to their home. The Residential Access & Mobility Partnership (R.A.M.P.) provides a temporary loan of mobility ramps for residents requiring short-term use of a wheelchair or mobility devices. The program is a collaboration between Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM), the Michigan Thumb Public Health Alliance (MTPHA), and Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP). This partnership aims to increase access to safe and healthy homes.
R.A.M.P. provides installation of temporary accessibility ramps for qualifying households for a small security deposit. The ramps are constructed of aluminum and include all braces, supports and handrails. They provide a sturdy transition to or from the home. DNEM staff performs a site evaluation of the home to ensure all needs are met for the resident. Installation is completed within hours thanks to the unique design of the ramp. In addition to mobility ramps, DNEM also offers a durable medical equipment loan closet for those in need of items such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower chairs and more. All items are available for short-term use up to 6-months.
The R.A.M.P program will reduce lost wages for adults and avoid impact to class time for students due to lack of access to the home while recovering from temporary disability, injury or mobility barriers. The ability to leave the home and maintain connections within the community creates a positive healing environment for residents. The temporary ramps are available for rental periods up to 6-months at no cost other than a small refundable security deposit.
”The Michigan Thumb Public Health Alliance and Thumb Community Health Partnership are always seeking ways to improve community health! We are very excited about the opportunity to partner on this project,” said Kay Balcer, Director. “The RAMP project compliments our efforts to help people achieve stable housing and meeting other social health needs. Good Housing=Good Health.”
Residents of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola counties are encouraged to visit www.tinyurl.com/DNEMramp to register or call 810-987-9337 for more information. Registration does not guarantee ramp rental and all loans are limited to no more than 6-months. Those requiring long-term or permanent ramp assistance are encouraged to call DNEM’s Information & Referral team to connect with additional community resources.
Disability Network Eastern Michigan is a center for independent living serving people with disabilities in Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties. Independent living changes attitudes, expands community options, removes barriers, and increases choice. Disability Network Eastern Michigan is committed to promoting inclusion for all by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards independence and personal choice through resources, advocacy, information, support, and education.
Michigan Thumb Public Health Alliance collaborates to improve health throughout Michigan’s Thumb region. Their mission is to develop, implement and sustain models of shared public health services that increase capacity, contain costs, maximize assets, and more effectively impact health outcomes.
Thumb Community Health Partnership encompasses Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola counties. Members include public mental health, health departments, local hospitals, human service agencies and community agencies. Their mission is to provide an integrated approach to identify key issues and establish a coordinated response to regional community needs.
For more information, contact:
Chip Werner
Communications & Development Director
Disability Network Eastern Michigan
810-987-9337 ext. 6608
