One DeKalb organization is helping people with disabilities.

“We empower people with disabilities to realize there are no limits to what they can do,” said RAMP Development Director Amy Morris in an e-mail.

According to Morris as well as the RAMP Web site, www.rampcil.org, the organization’s goal “is to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.”

RAMP, 1022 West Lincoln Highway Unit No. 4, helps people to live independently, seek peer support and obtain resources.

According to the Web site, some services include assistance and education regarding disability awareness, laws, employment, health care and housing. The organization also provides bus and mobility training, loan of medical equipment and residential ramp building.

According to Morris, RAMP provided services to 235 people with disabilities in DeKalb County last year. Between 2007 and 2008, RAMP helped 3,538 people obtain information and referrals, provided 2,761 hours of community service and built four ramps.

The organization also plays an active role in advocating and implementing current laws to improve the existing systems for people with disabilities.

“RAMP works proactively to ensure the rights and voices of the disability community are heard and respected,” Morris said.

The organization was influential in legislation that would implement open-captioned movies, sign language interpreters and accessible voting.

RAMP services manager Tina Vavra has been working with RAMP in the county since Jan 26.

“I came over here … and after understanding a little more about RAMP and meeting the people that worked here, I decided RAMP would be the best place for me,” Vavra said.

Vavra said her work with the organization has been very inspiring.

“I believe in RAMP and what RAMP is trying to do for the county and beyond,” Vavra said. “It’s very inspiring to work with people who have disabilities who want to be out in the community, participating in an active life.”

Vavra said it is surprising how many people have disabilities.

“One of the most eye-opening experiences I can say is that one in five people in America has a disability,” Vavra said. “That person might be sitting next to you in class or serving you coffee. There are many disabilities that you cannot see.”