Groups join together to bring accessibility to those in need
Oct 04, 2012 | 839 views | 0 0 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print
A group of local organizations will collaborate next week to learn about accessibility issues and to build Moab’s first “Pay-It-Forward” ramp for a community member in need.

The effort begins on the morning of Oct. 10 with a presentation at the USU Moab campus, 125 West 200 South. Officials with ASSIST, Inc. will discuss issues regarding accessibility in construction and design, practical designs, and information on modifications to existing structures. The discussion, which begins at 9 a.m., is free and open to the public.

Beginning at 1 p.m., the community will collaborate to construct Moab’s first “Pay-It-Forward ramp.” A variety of local groups, including Community Rebuilds, Active Re-Entry, and RSVP are collaborating with ASSIST and Veterans Serving Veterans for the project, according to a news release.

“Trailers and campers scattered within our community serve as housing for some of Moab’s seniors and disabled members. These homes can sit up to three feet from the ground. Sturdy ramps are needed to help disabled individuals get in and out of their homes safely,” said Emily Niehaus, founder and director of Community Rebuilds. “The community is coming together to address the issue with a simple idea: the Pay-It-Forward ramp. This ramp is designed to be a solution for one family at a time. A family can use the ramp as long as they need. Once the home is retired or the family no longer needs the ramp, the materials can be reused by the next disabled individual in need.”

Inspired by the United Way’s Day of Caring, the group identified a senior in need – a disabled World War II veteran. Other veterans in the community were contacted to help and will participate in the days events. The Veterans Serving Veterans network also plans to participate.

For more information, or to help with the Pay-It-Forward ramp effort, email Niehaus at emily@communityrebuilds.org or call 435-260-0501.
Share This Article |
similar stories

Moab area named Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community | 9 days ago by Laura Haley≤br≥≤i≥Contributing Writer≤/i≥

Frequency exposure... | 16 days ago

Come together as a community... | 9 days ago

Castle Valley Comments May16, 2013 | 9 days ago by Ron Drake

Public invited to share ‘vision’ for future use of former Atlas mill property | 12 days ago

report abuse...

Express yourself:

We're glad to give readers a forum to express their points of view on issues important to this community. That forum is the “Letters to the Editor.” Letters to the editor may be submitted directly to The Times-Independent through this link and will be published in the print edition of the newspaper. All letters must be the original work of the letter writer – form letters will not be accepted. All letters must include the actual first and last name of the letter writer, the writer’s address, city and state and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.

Letters may not exceed 400 words in length, must be regarding issues of general interest to the community, and may not include personal attacks, offensive language, ethnic or racial slurs, or attacks on personal or religious beliefs. Letters should focus on a single issue. Letters that proselytize or focus on theological debates will not be published. During political campaigns, The Times-Independent will not publish letters supporting or opposing any local candidate. Thank you letters are generally not accepted for publication unless the letter has a public purpose. Thank you letters dealing with private matters that compliment or complain about a business or individual will not be published. Nor will letters listing the names of individuals and/or businesses that supported a cause or event. Thank you letters about good Samaritan acts will be considered at the discretion of the newspaper.