Amarillo Globe News: Amarillo.com
Posted: October 11, 2015 – 7:21pm
By Vanessa Garcia
vanessa.garcia@amarillo.com
The Texas Ramp Project continued to provide access ramps to those who qualify with the addition of two ramps at homes on Saturday.
One of the two recipients was Diane Roach, 62, who has lived in Amarillo for the last 45 years.
“I was ecstatic,” said Roach. “I just thought it was a thrilling thing because I can really use the ramp because I’m on a walker. For me, to get up and down those little stairs … it was a blessing in disguise.”
John Laine, executive director for Texas Ramp Project, said the organization’s vision statement is that no resident of Texas should lack safe access for financial reasons.
Roach, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June, had no idea a ramp was being built for her until Friday. Roach’s nieces and brother surprised her when Texas Ramp volunteers came to her home to build the handicap-accessible ramp.
“Now I can go outside anytime, day or night, without having someone help me,” Roach said. “I had to have help going up and down the stairs, but now I don’t.”
Volunteers built access ramps at 3329 N.E. 20th Ave., and 109 S. Florida St., said Greg Hinders, regional coordinator for Texas Ramp Project.
“We look for low-income, disabled and elderly people who don’t have safe access getting out of their homes,” Laine said. “We install ramps at their homes.”
Laine said the Texas Ramp Projects selects those by referrals. Those selected often use a walker, a wheelchair or may have difficulty with stairs.
“This will give me more strength,” Roach said. “This gives me my independence.”
Diane R., 62, celebrates with Texas Ramp Project volunteers Saturday after receiving an access ramp.