The Ramp Program
For almost 20 years the ramp program has had the success in providing safe, affordable modular ramps and special steps for over 5,000 homes in the metro area. The award winning ramp manual “how to build RAMPS for home accessibility” provides the basic information and planning to meet local building codes and design a ramp for single –family homes.
Many community organizations have adopted the ramp program to assist a neighbor or friend who faces architectural barriers to their home. The Vet Volunteers have taken on a number of ramps to help a fellow vet in need of ramp. With MCIL drafting the plans, approval from the local building inspector and the volunteers the ramp was completed in two days. Pictured: vets building a ramp in West St. Paul.
Independently Speaking Spring 2011
The Spring 2011 Edition is ready to read. Click the following link!
Independently Speaking (Spring 2011) (4.96 MB)
The file might take a few minutes to download, but it's worth the wait!
Veterans Ramp Build February 16, 17 & 18
MCIL is working with Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities to build ramps for veterans across the Twin Cities. These ramps are built by volunteer veterans. On February 16, 17, and 18 we will be building our first ramp of the year. If you are a veteran and would like to volunteer for this or any upcoming ramp projects please contact Missy Williams at 651-603-2027
Our second ramp of the year will be done in mid to late March. If you know a veteran who needs a ramp in the Metro Area, call Missy Williams.
Peer Mentoring Updates
We would like to introduce you to one of our newest teams. Sheila is a motivated mentor and entrepreneur who is just starting her own accessible touring company which will provide people with disabilities the chance to see the sites without worrying about accessibility. Rachel is very motivated as well and is on the fast track to achieving her vision of independence.
Sheila and Rachel have been working together for about two weeks and they are already crossing items off their “to-do-list”. Rachel is working on locating affordable housing, obtaining her GED, setting up and utilizing an email account and establishing a checking account. Rachel is a parolee who is using Sheila has a support person, a social outlet and is looking for Sheila to encourage her to keep reaching for her goals and dreams. We are excited to watch them both grow and achieve their dreams of independence.
If you are interested in finding out more about this program please contact Corbett at 651 603-2028 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MCIL’s Newest Program: Living Well with a Disability
MCIL is proud to have a new “Living Well with a Disability”, developed by the University of Montana. Corbett Laubignat, facilitator, will lead this 10 week program which is aimed at providing you with the skills and tools needed to live a life of your own choosing. We challenge you to ask yourself… Are you struggling with the demands of living with a disability? Would you like to have more control over the decisions you make? Would you like to build on the skills you already have? This course will provide you with tools and resources you can use to take life into your own hands. We are looking for people, who are ready to commit to attending a 10 week course once a week in which skills like goal setting, problem solving, healthy reactions, beating the blues, healthy communication, Information seeking, physical activity, nutrition, advocacy and maintenance will be discussed.
Living Well with a Disability Classes will begin in May! An informative preview will be held on May 4th from 10am-12pm, All are welcome, including both professionals and consumers.
Please contact Corbett if you are interested in signing up or learning more about this opportunity. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 651-603-2028.

