WELCOME TO RAMP

Accessibility is Beautiful is returning

September 10th 2022 

Click here to Register today

Accessibility is Beautiful 2022, will even bigger and better than last year if that is even possible. It will be held at the Steel yard, Providence RI and part of PVD Fest this year. We are excited to have even more food trucks, vendors, artists from all areas of art and businesses included. More details will be posted as we confirm.

RAMP has been selected to present the PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARDS to individuals who are shinning stars at community service. There is 4 levels Bronze, Silver, Gold and the lifetime achievement award. Download the service log, fill in and return to RAMPtina@yahoo.com by

August 1st, 2022. All individuals that meet the criteria and confirmed will receive their award at the Accessibility is Beautiful event Sept 10, 2022.

Community service hours need to be completed between August 1,2021 thru August 1, 2022, 

Everyone is welcomed at Tina's Table

"Tina's Table." Rendering: The Steel Yard

One of the state’s biggest inclusion and accessibility advocates will be unveiling a new project on Tuesday in Providence — that she believes has the ability to change lives. 

Tina Guenette Pedersen, along with members of The Steel Yard, will be unveiling “Tina’s Table,” which will feature bench seating designed to look like powered or manual wheelchairs — as well as room for up to three functional wheelchairs. 

For Pedersen, a four-time cancer survivor, four-time stroke survivor, survivor of two heart attacks, and motorized wheelchair-user, it’s all about having “a seat at the table.” 

“Every time I go to an event — I just want a seat on a table,” said Pedersen, the founder of RAMP (Real Access Motivates Progress). “I want to make the statement that when we sit down, we’re all the same and we can share our ideas from the same place. There’s always room to make space for us at the ‘end.’ I want it in the middle —  I want to be there and speak my mind.”

“I want to provide space for service dogs, moms with strollers...there is no part of this table this isn’t accessible and functional and just plain beautiful,” said Pedersen. “This table represents everyone.”

Partnering with The Steel Yard

Pedersen spoke with GoLocal about partnering with The Steel Yard several years ago — and strengthening the bonds since then. 

“Back in 2019, we started working together. I love their space, but found there was a lot I couldn’t get to, so I became fast friends with them,” said Pedersen. 

That partnership led to increased accessibility at the location, to allow wheelchair users the ability to take part in jewelry-making to blacksmithing — “everything down to the bathrooms,” said Pedersen of the effort. 

That was just the beginning. 

“Because RAMP doesn’t charge for what we do, and we’re both nonprofits, I said let’s partner for an event, and to reach out to businesses to be more accessible,” said Pedersen. “That’s where ‘Accessibility is Beautiful’ came from. I said let’s offer a public project about disability in art  — I had this idea for some time and said I just need someone to bring it to life .”

“This design was developed with our apprentices and staff, and fabrication will be completed in our accessible metal shop. There is room for everyone at Tina’s Table,” said Howie Sneider with The Steel Yard.

The project will be officially unveiled at 11:30 AM on Tuesday morning in Kennedy Plaza — but Pedersen hopes the design gains traction, especially among local businesses.

“Right now, it’s the perfect time for this table,” said Pedersen. “‘Take it Outside’ — what did it do? It took the closest parking spots [next to restaurants] for outdoor tables. So then what happened? We can’t get to the [parking] spots that were there before. People need these tables.”

For Pedersen, there are no excuses for businesses and restaurants not to be accessible 

“There’s a lot of money for businesses to be ADA federally compliant,” said Pedersen. “The good thing about this table, it can be made to fit your dimensions.”

click any picture to watch the ceremony 

Donations Welcomed and Tax Dedictable

Tina's Table

The Steel Yard is currently taking orders for 'Tina's Tables' and scheduling Spring - Summer 2022 installations. Contact the Steel Yard to pre-order your table today. Discounts are available with orders larger than 4. Each table is custom made and available in a variety of Powder Coated colors. All labor is performed in our fully accessible industrial arts studios in Providence. A portion of proceeds from each Table supports ongoing collaboration between the Steel Yard and RAMP real access motivates progress. For more information or to place an order email Projects at thesteelyard.org or Call 401-369-7776

The first person of disability to win Nationally in a main stream competition 

Words from Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos

Tina Guenette Pedersen, who I am proud to call a friend, has brilliantly represented RI as the first-ever USA SLICC Ambassador with a disability. I was thrilled to welcome her back to Rhode Island after her victory!
Tina is a long-time, passionate advocate for equity and the founder of RAMP real access motivates progress. I’m excited to see what she achieves next!

 Words from Congressman James Langevin

Rhode Island’s very own disability champion, Tina Guenette Pedersen, is this year’s USA National SLICC Ambassador!
Tina worked incredibly hard, and it paid off, because she is the first person with a disability to win this national title.
Congratulations,

Words from Tina

I still can’t believe I’m your new
👑USA National SLICC Ambassador 2022!! 👑
This is not a year of being served but a year of serving. Let me help to promote byour organization events by inviting me to participate and spreading the word.
I want to wear my crown out with lots of community service, always showing up and appearances. The work is just beginning for my year long job of a lifetime.
❤️RHODE ISLAND I’m bringing the crown home!!
As the only person of disability to compete at this level, in a main stream competition and win the national title, I’m proud to say we broke another barrier and the sky is the limit. Can’t wait to celebrate with all of you

 Our CEO/President Wins Regional Title USA Ambassador Mrs. Southern New England 2022

A community service-based competition as the only person of physical disability to compete

On July 23rd, She will be driving to Florida to interview for a yearlong job of a lifetime. Competing for the National USA Ambassador & SLICC Ambassador (SLICC- Success through Leadership, Integrity, Character and Confidence) titles will be an amazing opportunity. As the only person of physical disability to compete at this level is barrier breaking and a chance to prove we can do anything we put our minds too. One of the top prizes is a mission trip to one of 26 locations in the world. Imagine sending a wheelchair user to help others in the world, and the message that says to all? She put in the work and completed so much community service which is just who she is and ready to bring these titles home to Rhode Island.

As you can imaging driving 20 1/2 hours alone in her her wheelchair will be interesting. Stopping along the way at rest stops for gas, rest and restrooms will be a challenge if not accessible. The hotel stays, travel expenses are costly and where she needs your help. If you would like to support her journey to these barrier breaking titles you can

VENMO: @RAMPTina    Or     PAYPAL: ramptina@yahoo.com     (note: Road to Nationals)

Any business that wants to be a sponsor can message her for sponsor packet and it will be a tax deductible sponsorship. You will also get social media exposure in our SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS.

This adventure means so much to not only her but the entire disability community to let everyone know we need to be seen and heard. We need to not be judged on what you think we can’t do but celebrated for what we can. She is Looking forward to making Rhode Island proud and a leader for inclusion for all. Any extra monies will be donated to RAMP real access motivates progress to help continue the initiatives for accessibility and inclusion for all.

RAMP Board member RECOGNIZED FOR HER HARD WORK

  Congratulations to includesign CEO Diana Perkins and RAMP board Secretary on being named one of the Rhode Island Inno 2021 "5 Under 25"! Diana was selected "not just for her achievements, but for her ability to focus on the LapSnap's target customer while building the product." 
Read more about Diana, includesign, and her fellow honored entrepreneurs in the latest edition of The Business Journal Rhode Island (https://www.bizjournals.com/rhodeisland/inno/stories/inno-insights/2021/09/14/meet-rhode-island-innos-2021-5-under-25.html).   

Tina Guenette Pedersen, Honored with Inaugural Christianna Carteaux Bannister Award from RI Monthly Magazine, November 2021

RAMP Working to make PVD Fest accessible for all

RAMP is very proud to announce its collaboration with the City of Providence to ensure individuals with varying abilities have full access to this year’s PVD Fest June 10-12, 2022.

RAMP will be located in Kennedy Plaza and by the entrance to the skating rink.  Here you will find a shade tent, accessible restrooms information, wheelchairs for loaning, and people ready and willing to answer questions, comments, and/ or concerns you have about accessibility. You also get to see and use Tina's Table that was just unveiled on May 24th.  A beautiful artistic table that redefines public inclusion, accessibilty and function.

RAMP intends to help Providence make this a fully inclusive event and fun for everyone!

PVD Fest: https://pvdfest.com

RAMP's next event Accessibility is Beautiful 2022

register today: 

Includesign

website: thelapsnap.com

  Includesign is a RI based product design firm with the goal of creating products that empower individuals with disabilities around the world. Our first product, the LapSnap, is a versatile, accessible carry-all designed with and for wheelchair users  

The Steel Yard

27 Sims Ave Providence RI 

website: thesteelyard.org

  the Steel Yard offers arts and technical training programs designed to increase opportunities for cultural and artistic expression.

The Steel Yard is an award-winning industrial arts center, a manufacturer of custom and functional public-art, a craft school and shared studio, and Providence's most unique private outdoor venue . The Steel Yard is Fully accessible and welcoming to individuals of all abilities.

Melissa Baker, Realtor Century 21,

The White Lion Group

  Melissa is a huge supporter and a dedicated sponsor of RAMP and all our efforts.
In addition to sitting on our Board of Directors, she is a successful business owner, Autism mom and advocate.
Thank you, Melissa, for all you do!