East Austin Community Constructs Wheelchair Ramp, Celebrates 40 Years of Accessibility

On Saturday, volunteers in East Austin constructed a wheelchair ramp for local resident Jimmy Garcia, significantly improving his mobility and independence. The initiative was part of the Texas Ramp Project, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. This milestone underscores four decades of efforts aimed at enhancing accessibility for individuals facing physical barriers.

Garcia, who previously depended on family members to navigate the stairs at his home, expressed his gratitude for the project. “I feel grateful. I appreciate it,” he told CBS Austin, highlighting the positive impact the ramp will have on his daily life. The construction of his ramp is part of a broader goal by the Texas Ramp Project to build 40 ramps across the state in honor of their anniversary.

Transforming Lives Through Accessibility

Leading the construction initiative, Jackie Gardener emphasized the transformative nature of these projects. Over the years, the Texas Ramp Project has assisted more than 30,000 Texans. Gardener shared, “It is such a special feeling of joy to be able to see a client take a look at their ramp and know that in less than a day, we’ve really changed somebody’s life.”

In the Austin Central Region, Randy Kerkman coordinates volunteer efforts, noting that they typically construct around 115 ramps each year. The satisfaction of the volunteers is palpable, with Kerkman stating, “You can see it in their eyes—the freedom they have now to move in and out of their homes.”

Support for Veterans and Community Contributions

The Texas Ramp Project has also focused on veterans, helping individuals like Tom Cook, an 86-year-old Air Force veteran. After receiving a ramp from a Houston church group, Cook remarked, “It changed my life a whole lot because the ramp helps me out because I use a walker.” The project has built ramps for five veterans this year alone, with plans for more builds continuing through the end of 2025.

The initiative relies on the support of over 3,500 volunteers and generous donations from community organizations. Notably, WellMed and the WellMed Charitable Foundation have contributed over $100,000 and have been involved in more than 100 ramp constructions. This ongoing support ensures that the Texas Ramp Project can continue to break down barriers, making homes safer and more accessible for Texans with limited mobility.

As the Texas Ramp Project celebrates its 40-year legacy, the construction of ramps like Garcia’s serves as a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to fostering independence and accessibility for all.