RAMP is a non-profit organization helping individuals with disabilities live independently and learn without obstacles according to Boone and DeKalb County Manager Jessica Wexell who spoke at this week’s Rotary meeting. Wexell joined the local RAMP group in 2017 as an independent living advocate and was promoted to manager in 2021. RAMP began serving northwest Illinois in 1980 with a focus on independent living and expanded services to include education advocacy, public awareness, and sensitivity training to aid those entering the workforce or facing special needs in school. Wexell said RAMP assists about 600 people a year. 51% of their own staff has a disability. Funding comes from federal and state grants and private donations.
RAMP offers an extensive menu of services. For adults they offer a community reintegration program helping someone transition back to independent living after undergoing a nursing home stay. Their ITAC program provides free amplified phone modifications for those who are hearing impaired. They can refer clients to personal assistant caregivers. They also help with access issues, including loaning ramps until permanent installations are made and helping clients use public transportation . For youth, they offer help with Individual Education Plans, “Fast Track” services for workplace readiness, and adaptable learning techniques. For all ages, creative use of technology to aid in learning and working is also available from RAMP.
Wexell said that besides helping individual clients, RAMP is an advocate for public policy that brings ease of access to everyday living and learning resources for those with disabilities. More information is available from their web site, www.rampcil.org.