Accessibility ramps installed by volunteers in New Hamburg, Ont.

Toronto-based foundation Stop Gap is working with volunteers toinstallaccessibility ramps in New Hamburg, Ont. to improve public accessfor people in wheelchairs.

The first custom-made, plywood ramp was installed at the door of Is This Chair Taken?, a gift shop on Peel Street.

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"We like to paint them bright colours, so they stand out," said Don Patten, one of the volunteers who installed the ramp. "People can take a look at them and see that it's a very simple solution to open doors to people in wheelchairs or with strollers or the elderly."

Accessibility gap

Stop Gap was started in 2011 by Luke Anderson, who found himself in a wheelchair after a mountain biking accident.

They're not, by any means, a perfect solution,but they get people talking aboutinclusivityand accessibility.- Don Patten, Stop Gap Foundation

"His favourite places to eat and shop were difficult to get into," Patten said. "He's an engineer by trade and, you know, they solve problems."

The solution Anderson came up with was a small, light-weight ramp that could be set out in front of businesses with a one-step entry.

Conversation starter

"They're not, by any means, a perfect solution," Patten said, "but they get people talking about inclusivity and accessibility."

They also get people through doors and into stores that they would otherwise be unable to access.

Patten and his fellow volunteers have been promoting the ramps in New Hamburg, going door to door with a sample ramp, offering to build and install one for local businesses for free.

So far, he said businesses have responded well to the idea and the foundation has already installed two ramps in town.