East Austin Community Builds Wheelchair Ramp, Celebrates 40 Years of Texas Ramp Project

On Saturday, volunteers in East Austin came together to construct a wheelchair ramp for local resident Jimmy Garcia, enhancing his mobility and independence. This initiative was part of the Texas Ramp Project, which celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of commitment to improving accessibility for individuals facing physical barriers.

Garcia, who had previously relied on family assistance to navigate the stairs at his home, expressed his gratitude following the installation. “I feel grateful. I appreciate it,” he told CBS Austin. “It’s a good program.” The ramp built for Garcia is one of the many initiatives undertaken as part of the nonprofit’s anniversary celebrations, which aim to construct a total of 40 ramps throughout Texas.

Transformative Impact on Lives

Leading the construction effort, Jackie Gardener emphasized the significant impact each ramp has on recipients. The Texas Ramp Project has assisted over 30,000 individuals across the state. 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 oversees the project and noted that volunteers typically complete up to 115 ramps annually. The satisfaction of making a difference is evident among the volunteers as well. Kerkman remarked, “You can see it in their eyes—the freedom they have now to move in and out of their homes.”

Among the beneficiaries are veterans who have also experienced renewed independence through these ramps. Tom Cook, an 86-year-old Air Force veteran, described how the ramp installed by a Houston church group significantly improved his mobility. “It changed my life a whole lot because the ramp helps me out because I use a walker,” Cook stated. This year alone, the project has built ramps for five veterans like Cook, with plans for further installations extending through the end of 2025.

Community Support Fuels Progress

The Texas Ramp Project relies on the dedication of more than 3,500 volunteers and robust community support. Significant contributions from organizations such as WellMed and the WellMed Charitable Foundation have played a critical role, with over $100,000 donated to facilitate the construction of more than 100 ramps.

With a clear mission to dismantle physical barriers, the Texas Ramp Project continues to ensure that homes remain safe and accessible for Texans facing mobility challenges. Each ramp not only serves a practical purpose but also represents a step toward greater independence and dignity for those in need.