When accessibility means freedom: Ann’s story

women in wheelchair and two men standing behind her outside

Ann Cirelli, ramp program client, at her home with the county’s implementation partner, Tree Trust.

Ann Cirelli never expected that she’d need a ramp in her home. But when a sudden illness left her without both lower legs and her right thumb, everything changed. “One day I was up and moving around, and the next day I was fighting for my life,” she said. After seven long months in the hospital, her greatest wish was to go back home. But it was no longer accessible to her.

“I couldn’t leave until they actually had a ramp going into my house,” she said.

Luckily, Hennepin County’s home repair team, alongside nonprofit partner Tree Trust Landscape Services, was able to step in and build Ann a ramp. That was 17 years ago. And this year, the team returned to replace her aging ramp with a brand new one, ensuring that she can continue to live independently in the home she loves.

wood wheelchair ramp on the outside of a house

Independence through accessibility

“Without the ramp, I can’t go anywhere,” said Ann. “[Just] like somebody needs oxygen to breathe, I need a ramp to live.”

One of the first things the ramp allowed Ann to do after coming home was leave the house to go to the movies, a milestone of independence. Since then, her ramp has supported countless daily activities and joyful moments, including gardening and enjoying being outside.

When asked what her ramp means to her, Ann didn’t hesitate. “Freedom,” she said. She encourages anyone considering using this service to take the leap, especially with loans from Hennepin County available for eligible residents to help offset the cost.

“Do it. Just do it. Of all the things people with disabilities must apply for, this is so easy, and such a gift.”

Life, uninterrupted

Thanks to her ramp, Ann not only regained her independence, but also kept doing what she loves—connecting with nature, connecting with the world, and creating a home she cherishes.

For more information about Hennepin County’s deferred loan program for ramp installation or low-rise steps, visit home repairs or contact program manager Kelly Koch at healthyhomes@hennepin.us.