‘Nothing to lose, everything to gain. Why wouldn’t a business want to increase their bottom line?’
BURRILLVILLE — In an initiative aimed at improving accessibility for individuals living with disabilities, resident Tina Guenette is empowering businesses across Rhode Island to enhance their facilities and practices. As the CEO and founder of Real Access Motivates Ramp (RAMP), she is distributing her “stamp of approval” to establishments that commit to meaningful changes in accessibility.
Guenette’s journey into advocacy began in 2018 after four years of being unable to use her legs due to a stroke she suffered in 2014. This life-altering event opened her eyes to the barriers faced by people living with disabilities.
“As time went on, people stopped asking me to come to their homes, restaurants, and events; all the places I used to go were no longer accessible to me. The invitations stopped coming,” she said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 12% of Rhode Island adults who participated in the survey reported that they have a mobility disability, and 47% of those who reported that they have a disability of some type said they also suffer from depression. Guenette hopes that RAMP can enhance the mental health of individuals with disabilities in Rhode Island by improving their access to more locations.
Improving accessibility, Guenette argues, is not only to benefit the individuals with disabilities; it’s also a smart business strategy. “Nothing to lose, everything to gain,” she states, encouraging businesses to view accessibility enhancements as opportunities for growth. “Why wouldn’t a business want to increase their bottom line?” she asks.
While she acknowledges that no establishment can be entirely accessible to everyone, her goal is to help them achieve at least 85% accessibility. Guenette provides personalized consultations, identifying specific modifications for entrances, restrooms, and customer service practices.
These consultations often lead to straightforward adjustments that can significantly enhance accessibility, such as installing ramps, improving signage, and ensuring restrooms are equipped with necessary accommodations. Additionally, Guenette helps businesses learn about grants that can support these improvements. She also trains employees on effective engagement with individuals with disabilities as another key initiative of RAMP.
The non-profit organization was founded by Guenette in Rhode Island in 2019. As RAMP expands, many businesses in the state are seeking her endorsement, as accessibility is increasingly becoming a significant part of the conversation around inclusivity. Several businesses that have received a RAMP “stamp of approval” have chosen to share their experiences.
“It means a lot,” says Nathan Hurd, manager of Bar’Lino, when asked about the stamp’s significance. He reflects, “We are evolving to be more inclusive and to reach as many people as possible.”
Alison Bologna, founder of Shri Yoga in Pawtucket, states, “Having all our commercial spaces at Shri fully accessible was nonnegotiable when we renovated our historic building in Pawtucket. Having the RAMP ‘stamp of approval’ visible on-site now shows that we delivered on that promise, and all are welcome.”
Dan Hebert, owner of Dan’s Place in West Greenwich, shares similar sentiments about the RAMP “stamp of approval.” “Now, everyone can come through the door without worrying; they can feel comfortable,” he explains. “We have a patio where people can relax, and it is wheelchair accessible to the back parking lot.”
Tina also highlights the accessibility features of Dan’s Place: “Every part of his restaurant is fully accessible, with plenty of parking out front. The bathrooms are perfect, and you can even go outside to the deck, which has a ramp.”
Despite the positive momentum of her efforts, challenges remain, particularly regarding creating laws and regulations that make accessibility nonnegotiable.
Guenette recounts the joy she felt after receiving an award for her advocacy work, but expresses frustration at not being able to accept it in person due to the venue’s lack of wheelchair accessibility. “I feel frustrated because I could not accept it in person, and they told me they would mail it to me instead. That’s not good enough,” she adds. Changing legislation to mandate that venues be more accessible is a lengthy process, Guenette notes.
Dr. Silas Pinto, an activist and educator, believes that a gradual approach to inclusivity can be beneficial. “A slow, steady, lasting approach to making the state more inclusive to people with disabilities is essential,” he states. Pinto, who serves as director of the School Psychology Program at Tufts University and Director of Diversity at Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) for the city of Providence, observes that “inclusion used to be exclusive to discussions about schooling and education, but now it is about race, class, gender, and so much more, and the disability part is somehow tabled.”
He emphasizes the importance of integrating disability inclusion into broader discussions of equity and diversity. “The best avenue is keeping it in conversations, making real connections with people and organizations lasting and meaningful so that the process happens organically,” Pinto adds.
Both Pinto and Guenette’s activism initiatives extend beyond individual businesses; they contribute to a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity in Rhode Island. By prioritizing accessibility, these businesses not only attract a wider customer base but also foster a sense of community among residents with disabilities. Guenette believes that creating accessible spaces can lead to increased social interaction and participation in community events. “When people feel welcome and included, it transforms not just their experience but the entire environment,” she asserts.
Businesses can contact Tina Guenette for an assessment of their establishments. She provides guidance on the necessary changes and available funding to ensure the business is at least 85% accessible for individuals with disabilities. Once the improvements are completed, the business will receive a RAMP “stamp of approval” to display on its storefront.
“Putting a handicap sign on a door doesn’t make it accessible if there is no way to open it,” Guenette explains. She adds “A RAMP stamp of approval on the door signifies that the business is accessible.” Guenette is working on this process gradually, focusing on one business at a time, with the goal of making housing developments, apartment complexes, and older buildings in Rhode Island accessible for all.Current RAMP STAMP approved locations: The imPOSSIBLE DREAM, Warwick; Mother Pizzeria, Newport; Brenton Hotel, Newport; Cow’s Tail Deli and Creamery, Pascoag; Red White & Brew Coffeehouse, Warwick; The Budding Violet, Warwick; Dan’s Place, West Greenwich; United Way of Rhode Island, Providence; Bar’Lino Pizzeria, Johnston; New Wave Martial Arts, Warwick; UNFI Café PVD, Providence; Shri Yoga, Pawtucket; Liberty Mobility, Warwick; Tavern in the Square, Cranston; The Steel Yard, Providence; Crosstown Press Printing, Cranston; Free Play Bar Arcade, Providence; Your Mother’s Favorite Breakfast Place, Pawtucket; The Last Resort Restaurant and Bar, Smithfield; NicoBella’s, Providence; Arianella’s Pizza Café & Deli , Cranston; BayCoast Bank, all Rhode Island locations; Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence; and Life Café, Pawtucket.
