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Sudden Spinal Cord Injuries force many individuals, their families, and friends into a whirlwind in a fraction of a second.  With an average length of stay in inpatient rehabilitation being a mere 3-6 weeks, time is of the essence to organize many objective aspects including accessibility to the ideal place for the individual to return to post-discharge: Home.

For one such family, this was the harsh reality 3 days before Christmas when Liz Hartman, a young mother of 2 with one on the way, faced complete paraplegia due to a motor vehicle accident.  Luckily, United Spinal of Va was able to be present to offer Peer Support and assistance through their newest program, the Ramp Project.

(First USAofVa Ramp Project ramp installation)

Recently, USA of VA was awarded a grant through the Craig H. Nielsen Foundation which makes it possible for individuals living with fresh SCI/D to obtain a wheelchair ramp who would otherwise not be able to afford one comfortably and/or be otherwise forced into institutionalized facilities. To date, USAofVa has been able to coordinate and fund the installation of 7 ramp across the state of Virginia.

“We are incredibly thankful to our community partners, especially the Craig H. Nielsen Foundation, for affording us the opportunity to provide our newest members some ease of mind in knowing that accessibility to the home will be one less thing they will need to worry about, allowing them to focus more on healing and adapting to the new life they are facing. It is my hope to expand on the USAofVa Ramp Project, in the future, so as to ensure that no Virginians living with SCI/D experience hardships when attempting to access their homes.” Richard Bagby, Director, USAofVa.

With the help of our partnering vendors Mobility WorksTycon Medical, and National Seating and Mobility, modular ramps are installed in time for their users to be released from the hospital or rehab, making it possible for them to go home. If you are in need of a ramp for yourself or a loved one, ask your Social Worker for more information about how to apply.  Social Workers and case workers may obtain further information on the Ramp Project by emailing us here.

If you would like to help make more ramp installations possible, please consider contributing to USAofVa. All donations are tax dedictible.