About Us

Executive Director: John Laine

Mr. Laine spent over 36 years in sales and management for industrial and aerospace products, including 20 years in his own business. A member of the Kiwanis Club of Richardson, he served as volunteer director of the Dallas Ramp Project from 1989 to 2005, when he left to found the Texas Ramp Project as a separate nonprofit serving all of Texas. He has been executive director since 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from St. Lawrence University.

Texas Demographics

Over 3.8 million Texans—13.1%—are age 65 or over, and nearly 23% report an ambulatory disability. More than 1.6 million Texas men, women and children have a disability that may require a wheelchair or walker. Many of them are veterans. With Texas’ poverty rate at 14.2%, it is likely that there are a large number of people who need safe access to their homes but lack the means to obtain it.

How to Get a Ramp

TRP does not accept direct referrals from clients or their families. Referrals must come from a third-party health care provider via the TRP website. (The provider qualifies the client as being in financial need.) The provider fills out the online referral form available on the “Request A Ramp” page of the TRP website. The form is sent to the region coordinator. A trained surveyor will visit the client and design a ramp at the preferred entry/exit that is appropriate in length, slope and direction. Based upon the survey, a volunteer construction crew led by a trained leader will then implement the design in four to five hours.

Why Texas Ramp Project

Many of TRP’s clients have been housebound for months or years, or have been negotiating either steep steps or dilapidated or unsafe ramps, which puts them in harm’s way whenever they leave home. With a free ramp from TRP, these people gain independence, improved quality of life, and safe exit in the event of a fire or other emergency. In addition, their families and caregivers attain welcome relief. Many of the caregivers are elderly spouses and risk a fall whenever they assist their patient on steps.

We have also found that most older adults prefer to age in place in their own home, surrounded by friends and family. But if their home is not accessible, they may end up in a nursing facility. An $1000 ramp built by the Texas Ramp Project can save taxpayers up to $100,000 per year for an uninsured client to be housed in a nursing home.

TRP ramps follow ADA guidelines of 1 foot of slope for every inch of elevation. The ramps are built of pressure-treated lumber and are 48 inches wide, with a 3-1/2-inch kickboard and handrails to prevent tipping. The finished product is safe, strong and durable.

GuideStar: 2023 Gold Seal of Transparency

Donate by check: Send check to Texas Ramp Project, P.O. Box 832065, Richardson, TX 75083-2065

Click HERE to Donate online: Donate one time or set up recurring donations.

We have also found that most elderly people prefer to age in place in their own home, surrounded by friends and family. But if their home is not accessible, they may end up in a nursing facility. A $700 ramp built by the Texas Ramp Project can save taxpayers up to $80,000 per year for an uninsured client to be housed in a nursing home.

TRP ramps follow ADA guidelines of 1 foot of slope for every inch of elevation. The ramps are built of pressure-treated lumber and are 48 inches wide, with a 3-1/2-inch kickboard and handrails to prevent tipping. The finished product is safe, strong and durable.

A trained surveyor will visit the client and design a ramp at the preferred entry/exit that is appropriate in length, slope and direction. Based upon the survey, a volunteer construction crew led by a trained leader will then implement the design in about four to five hours.

TRP 2022 Independent Auditor’s Report  & Financial Stmts (PDF)

TRP 2022 Audited Financial Statements (PDF)

TRP 2021 Form 990 (PDF)