Arrowhead Chapter builds wheelchair ramps for neighbors in need

On the second Friday of every June, members from the Arrowhead Chapter of Minnesota Building Officials — an International Code Council chapter — donate their time and expertise to build wheelchair-accessible ramps for people with disabilities. This annual volunteer project gives code enforcement and building safety professionals an opportunity to give back to their communities while improving lives in northeastern Minnesota, one ramp at a time.

“So many of us [in the industry] have extensive backgrounds in construction and carpentry. For us to be able to go on-site and to be able to do this and volunteer our time is [incredibly meaningful],” said Adam Schminski, president of the Arrowhead Chapter. “The homeowners are super appreciative of our time and efforts. In a matter of four to six hours, their lives and ease of access to their homes are changed forever.” Schminski began volunteering for The Ramp Project six years ago, but the project’s roots go back even further.

Bob Brown, a building official and longtime member of the Arrowhead Chapter, wanted to get the group involved in a volunteer project. He was already building ramps for Access North, an organization in Hibbing, Minnesota, that specializes in residential home accessibility. Based on the skills of the chapter members, it seemed like a perfect partnership. The two organizations have been building ramps together for about 15 years. The chapter supplies the volunteers, while Access North provides the materials and coordinates with the homeowners.

“Everybody is eligible to receive a ramp,” said Jason Worlie, the current project coordinator. “It is set up on a sliding fee scale according to income. Funding comes from various sources like county and state programs.” Worlie is an Access North employee and member of the Arrowhead Chapter. He selects the sites, manages the behind-the-scenes work, and visits each home to assess the layout and determine the best ramp design.

Schminski estimates that it would take a contractor two or three days to do what chapter volunteers do in less than one. He attributes much of the group’s speed and efficiency to the work Worlie does ahead of time to prepare.

“It’s a very quick process,” said Schminski. “A lot of the pieces come preassembled and precut, so it’s really an installation of a ramp. Access North takes care of the manufacturing and production of the pieces and parts. Jason trucks them over on a trailer, and we assemble them in place.”

Arrowhead Chapter volunteers build one ramp per year. They always incorporate the project into their June meeting, and approximately 10 to 20 chapter members participate, depending on scheduling and location. The ramps they build are both durable and reusable.

“The ramps last for a long time,” Schminski said. “They’re also not attached to the home. So, if need be, they can be removed [or moved]. All the parts and pieces are reusable, so they can be taken apart and reconstructed at a different location. But this ramp will stay on the home for as long as the homeowner needs it.”

Schminski is the building official for the city of Hermantown, Minnesota. He also supports two nearby townships part-time. Before earning his building official certification in August 2019, Schminski worked as a carpenter, project manager, estimator, permit technician, plans examiner and inspector. The Ramp Project is an opportunity for him and his colleagues to use their diverse skillsets to connect with local communities in a meaningful way.

“One of the things I love most about my job is the fact that you can have a positive influence on the development of a city that you are passionate about,” he said. “A lot of people see us as authoritative figures who throw red tape around and make things difficult. I’ve taken the approach that we can work with contractors, homeowners and developers to better a community. It’s a different approach than what the normal stigma of a building official has been.”

Schminski and the Arrowhead Chapter will continue building ramps as long as there are people who need them. Their most recent build took place on Friday, June 10, 2022, and they are already looking forward to next year. The teamwork, camaraderie and knowledge that they are giving someone easier access to their home make for a rewarding experience.

“We built a ramp a couple of years ago for a [wheelchair-bound] veteran,” Schminski said. “He sat and watched us work all day. He was so appreciative of what we do.”

We’re appreciative, too! Thank you, Arrowhead Chapter. If your chapter is giving back to your community, we want to hear about it. Email us at chapters@iccsafe.org to share your story.