Current News: Wheelchair Ramps Help Improve Lives Throughout the United St

It's Time to 'Ramp It Up, Porter County, IL'
NWI.com Tuesday, September 29, 2009


Porter County: The local Rebuilding Together affiliates of Duneland, Valparaiso, Hebron and Portage are sponsoring "Ramp It Up, Porter County". This Campaign will install up to 9 ramp systems during the morning hours of Oct. 17 with the help of volunteers from Rebuilding Together affiliates, Chesterton High School Interact Club and three sources of funding...
Please Click Here to Read More


Appeal Tribune
"Helping others is man's business"
David Yoast starts franchise venture with ramp company


July 22, 2009
Amramp Portland, OR From rooftops to ramps, one Silverton business owner is taking his skills in new directions and helping those in need at the same time. Silverton resident David Yoast recently began a new franchise venture with American Ramp Systems, a Boston-based company specializing in wheelchair accessibility for homes, businesses and events. Although he is located in Silverton, Yoast has already completed new ramp installations throughout Willamette Valley.

"I was in the truss industry for more than 15 years," he said. "I started as the low man on the totem pole and worked my way up. I knew I wanted to make a change and was looking for something with a little more meaning. This gave me that opportunity." He left his previous employer with no clear goal in mind and learned about American Ramp Systems through a USA Today story about franchisees while on a plane to a truss conference in Los Angeles.

"At the time I thought, 'Hmm,' and didn't think about it again," Yoast said. "About six months later I thought about it again and looked them up." Now, Yoast has a Silverton warehouse stocked with black metal ramp parts that resemble a Tetris game more than a way to provide mobility for those in wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The ramps he installs meet building codes, and unlike many homemade ramps, won't rot or get slick in the rain. Often, insurance will pick up the tab. The Department of Veteran's Affairs is one of American Ramp System's biggest clients. The ramps come in various sized sections that can be tailored to fit most applications.

"The ramp has been a real help," said Salem resident Craig Orlob, who had a ramp installed in June. "It makes it a lot easier for me to get around. We had to figure out a way to get the dogs to stay in the yard, but we managed. They don't like it, but I do." It's comments like these that give Yoast the assurance that he's made the right choice, he said. "I always wanted to do my own thing, but I never knew what to do," he said. "That is why this is so appealing. It has a proven model, yet it's still mine. It wasn't easy, but I believe in myself and will make it work."





SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTERS OF DESOTO COUNTY - By:Karen F. Blanchette, Director - 06/28/09 - "FREEDOM HAS MANY MEANINGS"

Atlanta Business Radio’s 100th Show features Amramp - June 17, 2009

Voting Accessibility-Los Angeles County Precincts - Voters Gain Access to Precincts with Barriers - The County of Los Angeles Assures Access for Voters - May 19, 2009

Ramp System Company Marks First Anniversary - May 3, 2009

American Ramp Systems: American Ramp Systems New Owner

American Ramp Systems: Going Green with Project Frog - Project Frog PDF

Wounded Knee, SD, The Lakota Native American Reservation: The Lakota Village Immersion School - Wounded Knee PDF

Gainesville, VA, Entrepreneur Donates Ramps to Walter Reed Army Medical Center - Walter Reed PDF

Our Extreme Thanks! - Our Extreme Thanks PDF

Congratulations! - Congrats John Wright

Rebuilding Together - Rebuilding Together