Home / Health / From Paralysis to Progress: Tina Guenette's RAMP Mission
From Paralysis to Progress: Tina Guenette's RAMP Mission
30 Sep
Summary
- Tina Guenette founded RAMP after a spinal stroke left her paralyzed.
- RAMP advocates for accessible public spaces and provides resources.
- Efforts underway to change 'handicap' to 'accessible' terminology.
Tina Guenette, founder and CEO of Real Access Motivates Progress (RAMP), established the organization after a spinal stroke led to her paralysis. Guenette was motivated to create RAMP by her own struggles to access public places, preventing her from participating fully in her daughter's activities.
RAMP's core mission is to make public-facing environments accessible, enabling individuals who use mobility aids to engage in community life. The organization offers a "RAMP stamp of approval" program, advising businesses on improvements and even lending equipment like wheelchairs for events.
Currently, Rhode Island is proposing legislation to replace "handicap" with "accessible" on parking signs, aiming to shift public perception. RAMP is also involved in upcoming initiatives, including license plate bills designed to support disabled individuals and their allies.
