Coshocton Handicapped Society installs first aluminum ramp
COSHOCTON – The Coshocton County Handicapped Society recently received a grant from the Coshocton Foundation in the amount of $10,000 specifically for two separate programs. The grant allotted $8,000 for the construction of aluminum ramps that the handicapped society installs on homes of those with disabilities.
In the past, the society only installed wooden ramps, but thanks to the grant money, they now install both. The handicapped society has constructed at least 200 wooden ramps on homes of people with disabilities in the county in past years.
The first aluminum ramp installed by the society was attached to a residential home in the county during the week of July 25.
“We have probably enough grant money to cover two or three more aluminum ramps this year,” said Betty Larntz, treasurer of the handicapped society. “It depends on whether or not we get the grant money again next year to build more aluminum ramps.”
The society ordered the pieces and parts and assembled them together and it was much easier to build than a wooden ramp. To request a ramp to be built, homeowners must contact the handicapped society at 740-623-8001. You must also have a doctor’s slip stating that you need a ramp due to medical reasons. They are also income-based.
“We [the handicapped society] are here trying to keep individuals in Coshocton as independent as they possibly can be,” said Larntz. “We do that by providing them needed medical equipment.”
The handicapped society has medical equipment for loan including wheelchairs, canes, lift chairs, hospital beds, bedside commodes, and much more. If you are in need of any medical equipment while waiting on insurance to approve the equipment you need, contact the handicapped society and let them know what is needed. A doctor’s slip is required to borrow any electrical equipment. Someone will need to pick up the items and fill out a form. This is a free program and items can be loaned for up to six months.
“If you need the equipment for longer than six months, just call our office and we can renew the loan for another six months,” said Larntz.
The Coshocton County Handicapped Society takes donations from people who no longer need their medical equipment.
“Everything we have in this office is donated,” said Larntz.
The society is completely volunteer-based and needs new volunteers to continue its mission in the community.
“When volunteers are here in the office to work, they answer phones or help people who come in,” said Larntz. “If you have experience in working with electrical equipment, you can come in and make sure things are running the way they should.”
The Coshocton County Handicapped Society is located at 1005 Main St., Coshocton and is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays.
Category: Clubs & Organizations