Texas Ramp Project volunteers surprise Amarillo man with wheelchair ramp

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News Channel 10 – KFDA Amarillo (Video)

By Destiny Richards
November 3, 2018 at 8:26 PM CDT – Updated November 4 at 12:39 AM

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AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) – The Texas Ramp Project here in Amarillo builds wheelchair ramps for residents at least once a month on a case-by-case basis.

And though today’s project came together at the last minute, for their client it was right on time.

Volunteers surprised one Amarillo resident this morning when a wheelchair build had to be cancelled and he was moved up on the list.

“I answered the phone and he said they wanted to move us up and I said that’s fine with me,” said Amarillo resident John Aaron Brigman.

Brigman said he’s mostly stuck in the house without a wheelchair ramp.

“It’s been real hard,” he said. “I don’t get out very much and I only get out to where I can go where they have marked carts or whatever because I can’t walk very far.”

Those with the Texas Ramp Project say a home without wheelchair access can be difficult for handicapped residents both with and without a caregiver.

Members of the men’s group at Polk Street United Methodist Church were joined by other volunteers today to work on building a ramp for Brigman.

“We just get different functions to help us and volunteers so it’s just kind of a combination of getting a group effort together,” said volunteer J.P. Davis.

Davis has been volunteering with the Texas Ramp Project for three years and believes it’s a more than rewarding experience.

“It’s just probably more gratifying to me to see these people you put a smile on their face where they know they can get out and interact with the public a little bit more,” said Davis. “So it’s just a good cause and it doesn’t take long to do it, you know, it takes half of a Saturday so it’s a good way to spend the weekend.”

Those in need of wheelchair access can go through a Texas Ramp Project case manager or have their doctor’s office fill out an online referral form. For information on how to do so and how to become a volunteer, visit their website or call Jim Ziolkowski at 806-654-9629.

Volunteers surprised one Amarillo resident this morning when a wheelchair build had to be cancelled and he was moved up on the list. (Source: KFDA)
Volunteers surprised one Amarillo resident this morning when a wheelchair build had to be cancelled and he was moved up on the list. (Source: KFDA) (KFDA)

“This is a blessing I’ve been waiting for and didn’t think it was ever going to come, but here it is and I’m just overjoyed. Just excited. It’s going to be amazing, I think,” said Brigman.

“If anybody needs help or anything, they just need to do like I did and get on the internet and search whatever you can find to get help,” he said. “If you’re strapped and can’t get by, it really helps. It really does.”

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