Ramps and Rails Update

This week, Rebuilding Together Acadiana built its fourth wheelchair ramp of 2011 at the home of Lois Jean-Louis in Jeanerette, Louisiana. Mrs. Jean-Louis  suffered a stroke several years ago, and gets by with very limited mobility as a result. She has faced many challenges in recent years, but tells us she feels fortunate to have made the recovery she has. She also enjoys being close to her children and grandchildren in Jeanerette. She tells us her friends and family are concerned about her living on her own, but that she is following the example of her mother, who has remained independent in her own home well into her eighties. Mrs. Jean-Louis was overjoyed to see her completed ramp. It means she can now leave her house on her own, something she hasn’t been able to do for many years.

As we put the finishing touches on Mrs. Jean-Louis’ new ramp, we were also removing one that had been there previously. Aside from its deteriorating condition, the old ramp had been too steep for the homeowner to use. This is why RTA builds its ramps according to ADA standards. We would consider it a tragedy to bring in volunteers and donations, make a promise to a homeowner, and deliver a product that fails.

RTA was aided in the construction by AmeriCorps members from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. These full-time students commit to several hundred hours of community service a year, all on top of their education. Six of them serve with us every week, and we are very grateful to have them.

The Ramps and Rails program was initiated in 2006 to provide access ramps, railings, and grab bars for elderly or disabled low-income homeowners. The program aims to improve the safety and independence of homeowners in need by facilitating greater access and mobility within their homes.