Refer Someone for a Free Wheelchair Ramp
For Healthcare Providers, Social Workers, Veterans Organizations & Community Agencies
Help Your Clients Stay Safe and Independent
Do you work with someone who has difficulty entering or leaving their home because of a mobility disability?
SAWs builds wheelchair ramps at no cost for qualifying Indiana residents.
If you know someone who could benefit from a ramp, we’re here to help.
Who Should Refer a Client?
- Hospital discharge planners
- Physical & Occupational Therapists
- Home Health Agencies
- Case Managers
- Social Workers
- Aging Agencies
- Physicians
Who Qualifies?
- Have a permanent mobility disability
- Need a wheelchair ramp for safe access
- Meet income guidelines
- Own the home OR have landlord approval
- Live in our service area
Trusted by Healthcare and Community Partners Across Indiana
What Happens After You Submit a Referral?
We know you’re trusting us with someone who needs help, and we take that responsibility seriously.
After you submit a referral, here’s what your client can expect:
1. We Reach Out
A member of the SAWs team will contact the applicant to discuss their needs, answer questions, and explain the next steps.
2. We Review Eligibility
We’ll verify that the applicant meets our program guidelines, including mobility need, income qualifications, and homeownership or landlord permission.
3. We Schedule a Home Assessment
If the applicant qualifies, we’ll arrange a site visit to evaluate the home and determine feasibility and safe ramp design.
4. We Plan the Project
Once approved, our team coordinates volunteers, materials, and scheduling. Build timelines vary depending on funding, volunteer availability, weather, and the current project queue.
5. We Build the Ramp
Our trained volunteers construct a safe, ADA-informed wheelchair ramp that helps your client regain safe access to their home and community.
Thank You for Helping Someone Take the Next Step Toward Independence
Every referral has the potential to change a life. By connecting your client with SAWs, you’re helping remove barriers to healthcare, employment, family connections, and everyday activities.
If you believe your client may qualify, we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a SAWs ramp?
SAWs provides accessibility ramps to individuals who have a permanent need for a ramp and financial hardship. Each application is reviewed individually, and approval is based on the information provided, documentation received, and the results of the site evaluation.
How long does the process take?
Every county and project is different, and timelines depend on factors such as volunteer team availability, funding, weather, site conditions, and project complexity. The time it takes to receive required documentation from the client and landlord, if applicable, can also affect the timeline.
Our goal is to move each project forward as quickly as possible. Once an application has been approved and the process is underway, our team will communicate directly with the client regarding next steps.
Does SAWs install aluminum ramps?
Yes. In addition to our traditional wooden ramps, SAWs may install aluminum ramps when they are the best solution for the client’s needs.
The type of ramp is determined by our team based on factors such as the client’s mobility needs, property layout, site conditions, funding, and other project considerations.
What if my client rents their home?
Renters may still qualify for a SAWs ramp. However, we must receive permission from the property owner before construction can begin.
Please provide the landlord or community management’s contact information on the application. SAWs will send the Landlord Permission form directly to the appropriate party. This form must be completed and returned before the project can move forward.
Is there a waiting list?
Wait times vary depending on the client’s location, available funding, volunteer capacity, project complexity, weather, and how quickly required documentation is returned.
Some projects may move quickly, while others may take longer. We encourage referral partners to encourage clients to apply as early as possible so we can begin gathering the information needed to determine eligibility and next steps.
Who pays for the ramp?
SAWs is a nonprofit organization. Through the generosity of donors, grants, and volunteers, eligible clients receive their ramp at no cost to them.
Can I check the status of a referral?
Yes. Referral professionals are welcome to contact our office for updates. We value our relationships with referral partners and are happy to provide updates as appropriate throughout the process.
Can a family member or professional apply on behalf of someone else?
Absolutely. An application may be submitted on behalf of an individual by a family member, caregiver, friend, healthcare provider, social worker, case manager, or other professional assisting the individual.
The individual who needs the ramp will still need to participate in the validation and required documentation process. We welcome and appreciate the support of family members, caregivers, and professionals who can assist the applicant throughout the process and be there firsthand to help communicate their needs.
Do you build ramps outside Indiana?
SAWs primarily serves communities throughout Indiana. We also have affiliate organizations serving parts of Virginia and Arizona.
If your client lives outside our service area, please contact us. We may be able to provide information about another accessibility organization that serves their area.
What are the next steps after an application is submitted?
Once an application is submitted, a SAWs volunteer will contact the client to validate the application and review the information provided.
The general process is:
- Application submitted – The client or referral partner submits the application with the required information and documentation.
- Application validation – A SAWs volunteer contacts the client to confirm the information and discuss the application.
- Required waiver – The client must complete and return the SAWs waiver. The waiver is provided as a link and may be returned by email or text.
- Landlord permission, if applicable – For renters, the property owner or community management must complete and return the Landlord Permission form.
- Site survey – Once the required forms have been received, the applicant will be placed in line for a member of our Site Survey Team to contact them and schedule an appointment. During the site survey, the team will take photos, gather measurements, review the property, and discuss the best placement and ramp solution. The team will also evaluate safety, available space, and existing site conditions.
- Final project approval – The site evaluation is an important part of determining whether SAWs can safely construct a ramp at the property. A successful site evaluation is required before the project can move forward.
- Build scheduling – Once the project has received final approval, the applicant will be placed in line for scheduling with a volunteer build team.
Please note: Completing an application does not guarantee that a ramp will be approved or constructed. Eligibility, documentation, site conditions, and the ability to safely construct a compliant ramp must all be considered.