Would you like to get a FREE ramp for your business?
Join our Community Ramp Project, in partnership with the StopGap Foundation, to alleviate physical barriers caused by single stepped storefronts in Astoria. We will provide participating businesses with a FREE colorful and deployable access ramp to eliminate barriers and create inclusive spaces we can all live, work, and play in.
Join our Community Ramp Project, in partnership with the StopGap Foundation, to alleviate physical barriers caused by single stepped storefronts in Astoria. We will provide participating businesses with a FREE colorful and deployable access ramp to eliminate barriers and create inclusive spaces we can all live, work, and play in.
We are looking for twelve Astoria businesses that have:
1. A straight, single step store front; AND
2. An entry lip of at least ½”; AND
3. A door width of at least 36”.
An example of an inaccessible location. A Stopgap ramp would help wheelchair users and caregivers pushing strollers to patronize the shop.
FAQs:
Q: Who makes the ramps?
A: We plan for the twelve ramps to be built by volunteer high school students enrolled in a woodworking after school club at a local high school.
Watch a sample video of the process.
Watch a sample video of the process.
Q: Who pays for the materials for these ramps? Is there a delivery fee? I am afraid of any hidden costs.
A: The project has been funded by a Citizens Committee for New York City neighborhood grant, along with material donations from Behr Paints and other local hardware stores, and individual donations. These twelve ramps for our pilot project are completely free.
Q: Are you a nonprofit organization?
A: No. We're two individuals working to spread this Canadian project to our neighborhood/the U.S. via a Neighborhood Grant from Citizens Committee For NYC. We also have fiscal sponsorship from New York Foundation for the Arts.
Q: I want to contribute to your project. How can I do this?
1. You can make a monetary donation here.
2. We welcome volunteers to help us ask for material donations from hardware stores, find inaccessible and interested establishments, paint the ramps, and help distribute them! Stopgap's international insurance covers any individuals who want to volunteer with our project. Contact us at therampprojectnyc@gmail.com to volunteer!
3. We're looking for donations from hardware stores! See our wish list.
Q: How much does a ramp weigh?
A: Ramps will likely weigh different amounts based upon their length, but an average sized ramp weighs around 30 lbs.
Q: How much weight does it support?
A: The ramp design can more than handle a 400lb power wheelchair and user, with a very large safety factor.
Q: Are you a nonprofit organization?
A: No. We're two individuals working to spread this Canadian project to our neighborhood/the U.S. via a Neighborhood Grant from Citizens Committee For NYC. We also have fiscal sponsorship from New York Foundation for the Arts.
Q: I want to contribute to your project. How can I do this?
1. You can make a monetary donation here.
2. We welcome volunteers to help us ask for material donations from hardware stores, find inaccessible and interested establishments, paint the ramps, and help distribute them! Stopgap's international insurance covers any individuals who want to volunteer with our project. Contact us at therampprojectnyc@gmail.com to volunteer!
3. We're looking for donations from hardware stores! See our wish list.
Q: How much does a ramp weigh?
A: Ramps will likely weigh different amounts based upon their length, but an average sized ramp weighs around 30 lbs.
Q: How much weight does it support?
A: The ramp design can more than handle a 400lb power wheelchair and user, with a very large safety factor.
Q: What’s the next step if I’m interested in receiving a ramp?
A: If you want a ramp for your business, please contact us at therampprojectnyc@gmail.com. We will set up a time to visit your establishment, go over the waiver and any questions you have, get a copy of your insurance, and take measurements.
Then we’ll make and deliver your free ramp!
Become a part of this amazing project that will undoubtedly create media buzz, attract people to the neighborhood, and ultimately help raise the quality of life for everyone living in Astoria. Contact us at therampprojectnyc@gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Community Ramp Project Team,
Christine Serdjenian Yearwood and Rica Takashima
