“The steps outside my house were so steep, I was scared of falling. By the time I got to my car just outside my house, I was hyperventilating from fear of falling even though it was so close. Now, I don’t need to worry.” -Peggy
Before Peggy had an affordable accessibility ramp, she didn’t have the independence she so desperately craved. In the United States, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. In fact, according to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans aged 65+ have a serious fall each year.
“I have a walker and trying to get down without it is hard. And then getting on the ground without my walker was even harder. Now that I have a ramp, everything has changed. I can get in and out of my home and do what I want when I want to,” said Peggy.
Peggy no longer must worry about falling down the steep stairs in front of her front door. Now, she can avoid accidents while also maintaining her autonomy.
“I can get in and out safely without having to take all those steps and not worrying about me falling,” said Peggy.
The accessibility ramp build was generously sponsored by Vacasa. Thanks to their volunteer labor, Peggy’s accessibility and safety concerns were able to remain affordable.
“The overall experience was great,” said Peggy. “I had a smile on my face the whole time and the volunteers were so full of joy. The crew was very willing to help me, and it was wonderful.”
Peggy was so thankful for the help, in fact, that she made cookies for the entire volunteer crew to enjoy. Thanks to their help, she can remain in her home without fear of displacement.
"I hope that other ramps you build make as big of an impact as this has for me," said Peggy. "It's changed my life."