Representatives from the non-profit organization RAMP updated Sycamore Rotarians this week on RAMP’s successes in helping those with disabilities live independently. Attending were Development Associate Justine Whitehouse, Education and Advocacy Coordinator Eric Brown, and recently named Executive Director Carolyn Morris. RAMP serves people in DeKalb, Boone, Winnebago, and Stephenson Counties. They seek to assist anyone with a disability to achieve independent living. Much of this is achieved through peer support.
Eric Brown said RAMP hopes to create a world where those with disabilities live barrier free. He said this means bringing awareness to business and public sector leaders on what can represent a barrier to someone with a disability. Likewise, he said it also means educating those with disabilities on how to overcome barriers. He pointed out that over half the employees at RAMP have some type of disability increasing their knowledge and understanding about the impact of various situations as a barrier to someone. Brown urged organizers of events and facility operators to have a disability assessment made of their sites to identify and rectify problem areas.
Justine Whitehouse spoke about youth programs to help those with disabilities. They offer training to assist youth from Kindergarten through High School. Whitehouse highlighted a unique school to work transition program for High School seniors called “Project Search” currently offered by DeKalb High School in association with Northwestern Medicine at Kishwaukee Hospital. The internship program rotates a student through three types of skills trainings supervised by a hospital staff member with school classroom instruction at the beginning and end of each day. Based on student interest and potential, a work offer would be forthcoming. Sycamore Rotarian and State Representative Jeff Keicher was acknowledged for his support of the program through resolutions he presents recognizing participants.
The RAMP representatives stressed awareness and advocacy as ways to help those with disabilities. The organization operates with about 60 percent of its budget coming from state and federal sources but relies on 40 percent of its funding from private sector contributions. Various fundraising events and donation information is on their website at www.RAMPCIL.org.
Eric Brown said RAMP hopes to create a world where those with disabilities live barrier free. He said this means bringing awareness to business and public sector leaders on what can represent a barrier to someone with a disability. Likewise, he said it also means educating those with disabilities on how to overcome barriers. He pointed out that over half the employees at RAMP have some type of disability increasing their knowledge and understanding about the impact of various situations as a barrier to someone. Brown urged organizers of events and facility operators to have a disability assessment made of their sites to identify and rectify problem areas.
Justine Whitehouse spoke about youth programs to help those with disabilities. They offer training to assist youth from Kindergarten through High School. Whitehouse highlighted a unique school to work transition program for High School seniors called “Project Search” currently offered by DeKalb High School in association with Northwestern Medicine at Kishwaukee Hospital. The internship program rotates a student through three types of skills trainings supervised by a hospital staff member with school classroom instruction at the beginning and end of each day. Based on student interest and potential, a work offer would be forthcoming. Sycamore Rotarian and State Representative Jeff Keicher was acknowledged for his support of the program through resolutions he presents recognizing participants.
The RAMP representatives stressed awareness and advocacy as ways to help those with disabilities. The organization operates with about 60 percent of its budget coming from state and federal sources but relies on 40 percent of its funding from private sector contributions. Various fundraising events and donation information is on their website at www.RAMPCIL.org.