DAC Receives Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Support for Ramp Up WA-Idaho Project
MOSCOW, ID – Disability Action Center NW received a $17,500.00 grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for providing access to ramps in the Palouse region. This Quality of Life grant will help to support the Ramp Up WA-Idaho program in collaboration with community service organizations in the area that are working to meet the needs for minor home modifications associated with installing ramps, installing grab bars, widening doors, etc. for people who cannot afford to do it on their own. A variety of modular aluminum ramp systems that are designed to address different needs will be purchased and then will be deployed to community members on a short- or long-term loan basis, with volunteer labor from community service organizations. Further, the project will provide liaison work and training with the community partners to increase their knowledge and capacity to provide ramps and home modifications. Grant funds will support purchase of the portable modular ramp systems, program outreach, collaboration and training for partner organizations, transportation costs to bring ramps to partner organizations, and programmatic supplies.
“The competition for funds was extremely fierce,” said Krista Kramer, IL Planning Coordinator. “We are very thankful to the Reeve Foundation whose mission is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.”
Disability Action Center NW also works for changes at the community, state, and national levels to remove physical, communication, and attitude barriers for people with disabilities. Their goal is to gain community support for independence, include people with disabilities in community life, and remove barriers. DAC NW has three offices located in Moscow, Lewiston and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They offer a variety of services from peer-to-peer independent living support, medical equipment exchange, help with self-advocacy, and access to assistive technology.
To request accommodations to your home or to volunteer to assemble portable ramps call Krista Kramer at 208-883-0523.
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