Stevie Hopkins, Director Awesomeness at 3E Love

August 24, 2011 – RAMP’s 21^st Annual Changing Attitudes Breaking Barriers Luncheon will be Thursday, October 6, 2011, 11:45 a.m. at Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Boulevard in Rockford and features keynote speaker, Stevie Hopkins, Director of Awesomeness at 3E Love.  

 

Keynote Speaker

Stevie Hopkins is the Director of Awesomeness at 3E Love, the disability awareness clothing line and marketing company that he co-founded along with his sister Annie, shortly before her untimely death. When Annie created the powerful symbol, that later became the tattoo on her shoulder, little did they know it would become a phenomenon and recognized worldwide as the international symbol of acceptance. Stevie is an entrepreneur who holds two degrees from theUniversityofIllinois. He also happens to use a wheel- chair due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy which is the inspiration and driving force behind his social acceptance campaign which he says, “starts with something very basic…I love who I am, and it’s okay to talk to me and get to know me. I may be different but I have something to offer this world.” Stevie’s mission is to teach people the 3 E’s, to embrace living life no matter the obstacles and by doing so, educate society and empower those with disabilities to love life.

 

About the Luncheon

RAMP’s Luncheon seeks to entertain and educate a broad range of people. The desired result is for people who attend to be more aware and supportive of RAMP’s mission – to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities. The Luncheon also provides RAMP the opportunity to inform and update the community on our current efforts and successes. If you are interested in becoming a luncheon sponsor or wish to purchase tickets (by table $300 for a table of 8 or individually $40) please contact RAMP (815)968-7467 or for more information and a registration form click here.

 

Workshop before the Luncheon

Before the luncheon, disabilityworks invites you to a free Building Better Business Workshop on the successful inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. For more information please contact Linda Sullivan, (312)550-8532 or lsullivan@chicagolandchamber.org.

 

About RAMP

RAMP is a passionate partner for people with disabilities desiring to live a useful and rewarding life.  RAMP empowers people with disabilities to realize there are no limits to what they can do.  This is accomplished by assisting them to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove barriers that threaten their dreams of independence.  RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access. RAMP advocates for and serves people with disabilities out of four offices located in Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson andWinnebagoCounties.

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Expect Exciting Changes at the Freeport RAMP Wheel-A-Thon

July 7, 2011 – We have made the following changes to our traditional Wheel-A-Thon event:

• Typically the wheel-a-thon has been held on a Saturday morning. This year’s wheel-a-thon will be held in the evening on Thursday, July 28^th. Registration begins at 4:30pm, the Wheel-A-Thon is at 5:30pm with dinner and awards at 6:30pm.
• In the past we have asked that teams or individuals to use a wheelchair to understand the challenges people with disabilities may face wheelchair users face on a daily basis. This year, in addition to teams using and decorating a wheelchair, we want you to show us how you roll at the 12^th Annual Freeport Wheel-A-Thon whether it’s walking, skating, wheeling, scooting, running, strolling or biking.
• The past few years we have had a downtown route and this year we will be atKrapePark,1799 South Park BoulevardinFreeportfor a fresh new route.

This is a fun, family friendly event so don’t delay, register your team for the Freeport RAMP Wheel-A-Thon and start raising funds today! We encourage local companies and organizations to gather friends, family and co-workers to form teams and raise funds for RAMP. Need ideas on how to raise funds – contact Tiffany Vondra at RAMP (815)233.1128. The Wheel-A-Thon supports RAMP’s mission to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.

Organize a team for friendly competition and earn great incentives from local area businesses! Visit our fun easy to use Wheel-A-Thon website at www.FreeportWheelathon.kintera.org to sign up your team, sponsor a wheeler or make a donation. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Tiffany Vondra, Stephenson County RAMP Manager at (815)233-1128 or tvondra@rampcil.org to find out more ways to help.

All proceeds from the Wheel-A-Thon will benefit RAMP’sStephensonCountyservices provided out of theFreeportoffice.  RAMP is a passionate partner for people with disabilities desiring to live a useful and rewarding life.  RAMP empowers people to realize there are no limits to what they can do. This is accomplished by assisting people with disabilities to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove barriers that threaten dreams of independence.  RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access.

 

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Rockford RAMP Wheel-A-Thon This Saturday Morning!

June 24, 2011 – Tomorrow, June 25^th we want you to show us how you roll at the 23^rd Annual Rockford Wheel-A-Thon whether it’s walking, skating, wheeling, scooting, running, strolling or biking. This is a fun, family friendly event so don’t delay, register your team for the Rockford RAMP wheel-a-thon and start raising funds today! Registration begins at 9am, the Wheel-A-Thon is at 10am with lunch and awards at 11am. The Wheel-A-Thon begins at the Trolley Station in Riverview Park by the downtown Rockford RAMP office, 202 Market Street. We encourage local companies and organizations to gather friends, family and co-workers to form teams and raise funds for RAMP. Need ideas on how to raise funds – contact Amy Morris at RAMP (815)968-7467. The Wheel-A-Thon supports RAMP’s mission to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.

Organize a team for friendly competition and earn a t-shirt, Magic Waters passes, McDonald’s coupons and Rockford Riverhawks tickets! Visit our fun easy to use Wheel-A-Thon website at www.RockfordWheelathon.kintera.org to sign up your team, sponsor a wheeler or make a donation. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Amy Morris, RAMP Development DIrector at (815)968-7467 or amorris@rampcil.org to find out more ways to help.

SupplyCore is conducting a raffle on behalf of RAMP to raise funds for their Wheel-A-Thon team. Tickets are just $2 each or 6 for $10 and can be purchased on Friday, June 24^th at the Rockford City Market by visiting RAMP’s porch, 202 Market Street from 2:00-8:00p.m. and Saturday, June 25^th at the Wheel-A-Thon located near the RAP office at the downtown Trolley Station from 9-11am. For more information contact Deb Rogers, drogers@rampcil.org or 815.968.7467. Raffle Items include: 1^st Place – 4 diamond box tockets to the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds on July 9^th at 6:10pm which includes parking and Stadium Club Passes, 2^nd Place – $100 Visa Gift Card and two 3^rd Place – $50 Gas Cards.

All proceeds from the Wheel-A-Thon will benefit RAMP’sWinnebagoCountyservices provided out of theRockfordoffice.  RAMP is a passionate partner for people with disabilities desiring to live a useful and rewarding life.  RAMP empowers people to realize there are no limits to what they can do.  This is accomplished by assisting people with disabilities to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove barriers that threaten dreams of independence.  RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access.

 

For more information about RAMP call (815)968-7467, visit our website www.rampcil.org, or the Wheel-A-Thon event website to register your team today www.rockfordwheelathon.kintera.org.

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Show us How You Roll at the Rockford RAMP Wheel-A-Thon

June 22, 2011 – This Saturday, June 25^th we want you to show us how you roll at the 23^rd Annual Rockford Wheel-A-Thon whether it’s walking, skating, wheeling, scooting, running, strolling or biking. This is a fun, family friendly event so don’t delay, register your team for the Rockford RAMP wheel-a-thon and start raising funds today! Registration begins at 9am, the Wheel-A-Thon is at 10am with lunch and awards at 11am. The Wheel-A-Thon begins at the Trolley Station in Riverview Park by the downtown Rockford RAMP office, 202 Market Street. We encourage local companies and organizations to gather friends, family and co-workers to form teams and raise funds for RAMP. Need ideas on how to raise funds – contact Amy Morris at RAMP (815)968-7467. The Wheel-A-Thon supports RAMP’s mission to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.

Organize a team for friendly competition and earn a t-shirt, Magic Waters passes, McDonald’s coupons and Rockford Riverhawks tickets! Visit our fun easy to use Wheel-A-Thon website at www.RockfordWheelathon.kintera.org to sign up your team, sponsor a wheeler or make a donation. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Amy Morris, RAMP Development DIrector at (815)968-7467 or amorris@rampcil.org to find out more ways to help.

SupplyCore is conducting a raffle on behalf of RAMP to raise funds for their Wheel-A-Thon team. Tickets are just $2 each or 6 for $10 and can be purchased on Friday, June 24^th at the Rockford City Market by visiting RAMP’s porch, 202 Market Street from 2:00-8:00p.m. and Saturday, June 25^th at the Wheel-A-Thon located near the RAP office at the downtown Trolley Station from 9-11am. For more information contact Deb Rogers, drogers@rampcil.org or 815.968.7467. Raffle Items include: 1^st Place – 4 diamond box tockets to the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds on July 9^th at 6:10pm which includes parking and Stadium Club Passes, 2^nd Place – $100 Visa Gift Card and two 3^rd Place – $50 Gas Cards.

All proceeds from the Wheel-A-Thon will benefit RAMP’sWinnebagoCountyservices provided out of theRockfordoffice.  RAMP is a passionate partner for people with disabilities desiring to live a useful and rewarding life.  RAMP empowers people to realize there are no limits to what they can do.  This is accomplished by assisting people with disabilities to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove barriers that threaten dreams of independence.  RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access.

 

For more information about RAMP call (815)968-7467, visit our website www.rampcil.org, or the Wheel-A-Thon event website to register your team today www.rockfordwheelathon.kintera.org.

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Show us How You Roll at the Rockford RAMP Wheel-A-Thon

On Saturday, June 25^th we want you to show us how you roll at the 23^rd Annual Rockford Wheel-A-Thon whether it’s walking, skating, wheeling, scooting, running, strolling or biking. This is a fun, family friendly event so don’t delay, register your team for the Rockford RAMP wheel-a-thon and start raising funds today! Registration begins at 9am, the Wheel-A-Thon is at 10am with lunch and awards at 11am. The Wheel-A-Thon begins at the Trolley Station in Riverview Park by the downtown Rockford RAMP office, 202 Market Street. We encourage local companies and organizations to gather friends, family and co-workers to form teams and raise funds for RAMP. Need ideas on how to raise funds – contact Amy Morris at RAMP (815)968-7467. The Wheel-A-Thon supports RAMP’s mission to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.

Organize a team for friendly competition and earn a t-shirt, Magic Waters passes, McDonald’s coupons and Rockford Riverhawks tickets! Visit our fun easy to use Wheel-A-Thon website at www.RockfordWheelathon.kintera.org to sign up your team, sponsor a wheeler or make a donation. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Amy Morris, RAMP Development DIrector at (815)968-7467 or amorris@rampcil.org to find out more ways to help.

All proceeds from the Wheel-A-Thon will benefit RAMP’sWinnebagoCountyservices provided out of theRockfordoffice.  RAMP is a passionate partner for people with disabilities desiring to live a useful and rewarding life.  RAMP empowers people to realize there are no limits to what they can do.  This is accomplished by assisting people with disabilities to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove barriers that threaten dreams of independence.  RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access.

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RAMP Receives Support from DeKalb County Community Foundation

One year ago, RAMP was forced to vacate our office space and found a great opportunity to move into a new location, the first floor of 115 N.First Streetin DeKalb, but we had about two months to make the needed renovations – including the addition of a fully accessible bathroom. Thankfully, we had tremendous support from the community, like the DeKalb County Community Foundation, to help make it happen.  RAMP’s Executive Director,Julie Bosmasaid, “like any renovation and move, we took care of the vital pieces to ensure we could get moved in and most importantly, not skip a beat in providing services to people with disabilities in the community.”

 

RAMP requested funds from the DeKalb County Community Foundation towards the completion of the renovation and were appreciative to receive $1,500 from the DeKalb County Community Foundation. RAMP is still completing smaller projects in the new office as funding is available. 

 

 

RAMP’s Executive Director, Julie Bosma, accepts a check from

Dr. Larry Bolles, a Board Member from the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

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Fibromyalgia Support Group’s First Meeting

– Interested in learning more about Fibromyalgia? Billy Meyers in conjunction with RAMP invites anyone including health professionals, care takers, family, or individuals with Fibromyalgia to join the Fibromyalgia Support Group. The support group will meet on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 6:30pm at New Horizons Counseling, 34 N. Whistler in Freeport. The purpose of this group is to provide support and resources for those with Fibromyalgia as well as their family and friends. The group will alternate months between having educational speakers and group members sharing their own experiences. If you or someone you know has fibromyalgia and you would be interested in learning more about the condition and developing a network of support please join us for this meeting.

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Show us How You Roll at the Boone County RAMP Wheel-A-Thon

On Saturday, April 30^th we want you to show us how you roll at the 6^th Annual Boone County Wheel-A-Thon whether it’s walking, skating, wheeling, scooting, running, strolling or biking. This is a fun, family friendly event so don’t delay, register your team for the Boone County RAMP wheel-a-thon and start raising funds today! Registration begins at 9am, the Wheel-A-Thon is at 10am with lunch and awards at 11am. This year’s Wheel-A-Thon has moved to a new location – the Boone County Community Building in Belvidere, 111 W. First Street. We encourage local companies and organizations to gather friends, family and co-workers to form teams and raise funds for RAMP. Need ideas on how to raise funds – contact Jen Jacky at RAMP (815)544.8404. The Wheel-A-Thon supports RAMP’s mission to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.

Organize a team for friendly competition and earn a t-shirt, Magic Waters passes, McDonald’s coupons and Rockford Riverhawks tickets! Visit our fun easy to use Wheel-A-Thon website at www.BooneCountyWheelathon.kintera.org to sign up your team, sponsor a wheeler or make a donation. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Jen Jacky, Boone County RAMP Manager at (815)544-8404 orjjacky@rampcil.org to find out more ways to help.

All proceeds from the Wheel-A-Thon will benefit RAMP’sBooneCountyservices provided out of theBelvidereoffice.  RAMP is a passionate partner for people with disabilities desiring to live a useful and rewarding life.  RAMP empowers people to realize there are no limits to what they can do.  This is accomplished by assisting people with disabilities to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove barriers that threaten dreams of independence.  RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access.

For more information about RAMP call (815)544-8404, visit our website www.rampcil.org, or the Wheel-A-Thon event website to register your team today www.boonecountywheelathon.kintera.org.

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Franchesco’s Wine Tasting & Olive Oil Tasting to benefit RAMP

RAMP www.rampcil.org is partnering with Franchesco’s Ristorante www.franchescos.com,  Galena Garlic Company www.galenagarlic.com and Rockford Cosmopolitan Club www.rfdcosmo.org to host a Wine Tasting & Olive Oil Tasting with a Silent Auction to benefit RAMP’s services and advocacy for people with disabilities. The event will be held Friday, April 8, 2011 from 5-8pm at Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road in Rockford. Admission is a $15 per person at the door. The evening will include wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres provided by Franchesco’s, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting provided by Galena Garlic Company. There will also be a silent auction featuring unique gifts. The auction will close at 7:00pm. Here is just a taste of the auction items:  

 

Time Share on Pompano Beach Florida

Necklace from Clodius & Co.

Timber Pointe Golf Course foursome with golf carts

Sailboat ride and picnic lunch on Lake Michigan

Cubs vs. Dodgers tickets

American Girl doll

Original artwork and jewelry

House Cleaning from Delegate that Dirt

Cherry Valley Landscape Center gift certificate and mulch

White Shutter Photography portrait session and print credit

Discovery Center family pass

Rockford Speedway family four pack

Hair cut from one of the Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America Kelsey Milos

And so much more!!!!

 

If you have further questions, please contact Development Director, Amy Morris, (815)968-7467 or amorris@rampcil.org.

 

RAMP is a not-for-profit (501c3) that is a passionate partner for people with disabilities desiring to live a useful and rewarding life.  RAMP empowers people with disabilities to realize there are no limits to what they can do.  This is accomplished by assisting them to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove barriers that threaten their dreams of independence.  RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access. RAMP advocates for and serves people with disabilities out of four offices located in Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. RAMP is a United Way Member Agency.

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People First Language

At RAMP there are certain things that make us cringe. Hearing someone say a person is “wheelchair bound” or calling people with disabilities “the disabled” or “handicapped”. We like to focus on a person’s abilities, not their disabilities. While we are busy educating youth in the communities we serve, we are missing the adults in our community that are unaware of people first language. The best way to explain people first language and give examples is sharing what our friends at Associations Now put together in a December 2007 article entitled Disabilities Etiquette 101. This is a great resource for the media who can take the lead in using people first language and even share with the entire community.   

RAMP is a resource to which the public may refer people with disabilities and expect results; we are a dynamic role model of how to include people with disabilities in a sustainable, successful and productive workplace; and we are an advocate partnering proactively with the community to ensure full inclusion of people with disabilities.

RAMP empowers people with disabilities to realize there are no limits to what they can do.  This is accomplished by assisting them to live independently, make changes in their lives, seek peer support, obtain resources and remove barriers that threaten their dreams of independence.  RAMP advocates the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for persons with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access. RAMP advocates for and serves people with disabilities out of four offices located in Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties.

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