About Silas
Eleven-year-old Silas uses an electric-powered wheelchair to traverse life. Sometimes he has difficulty experiencing the world in full because many places are not accessible to him – even his home.
For Silas, coming and going from home was a multi-person job. Going to school, outside to play, and anywhere else required Silas to get out of his wheelchair with assistance while it was carried over the stairs.
As Silas got older, this reliance on his parents became more challenging for him. It limited his opportunities to build independence. It was also getting harder for his parents to lift him and his chair.
Thinking of his future, Silas’ parents connected with Habitat Capital Region in hopes of giving Silas more independence as he grows into a young adult.
Building Silas' Ramp
At the end of last fall, a number of family and friends worked alongside Habitat Capital Region volunteers and staff to construct Silas’ accessibility ramp.
They all got to share in the joy of watching him exit his home by himself for the first time ever.
A Whole New World of Independence
His parents said, “The ramp has provided our 11-year-old son a whole new world of independence. He can come and go from our home without reliance on others. This has given him freedom that so many of us take for granted.”
“I am grateful because I can get in the house easier. My mom and dad don't have to carry me anymore,” wrote Silas in a thank you letter to Habitat Capital Region.
Ramp Program Accomplishments
Habitat Capital Region is celebrating 30 years of building ramps in the Capital Region. This summer, we constructed our 900th accessibility ramp and helped more people like Silas build self-sufficiency.
