Tennessee Housing Modification and Ramps Program

The Home Access Program administered by United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee (UCP of Middle Tennessee) aims to improve mobility access for individuals with disabilities across the state of Tennessee. The program centers on the construction of wheelchair ramps for residents whose homes lack adequate accessibility. This initiative is supported by a grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), which covers the cost of lumber and supplies for eligible low-income applicants. Since its inception, the program has successfully constructed more than 2,000 ramps, significantly enhancing the independence and quality of life for people with mobility impairments. The program leverages community involvement, engaging volunteers from civic clubs, churches, and other organizations to construct ramps statewide. UCP of Middle Tennessee coordinates these efforts, while partner agencies across the state supply the human resources needed for ramp construction. Although UCP is not a construction company, it facilitates this process as a free service for those who qualify, using a volunteer-driven model. Ramp construction is usually completed in a single day, depending on volunteer availability. However, due to demand and funding limitations, applicants may be placed on a waiting list. Eligibility for the program is open to Tennessee residents with any disability resulting in mobility impairment requiring the use of a wheelchair. To qualify for ramps funded by the THDA grant, applicants must also meet household income criteria established by THDA. Those who do not meet the income threshold can still receive services if they agree to pay for the lumber themselves. All applicants must provide detailed documentation, including proof of household income, a signed permission form from the homeowner, and a release of liability form. UCP requires this information before an applicant can be added to the waiting list for a THDA-funded ramp. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and submission does not guarantee ramp installation. After receipt of all required documents and eligibility confirmation under current THDA guidelines, UCP conducts a site evaluation to determine if the home is suitable for ramp construction. This evaluation is critical because not all homes are structurally appropriate for the standard ramp design used by UCP. If deemed eligible, the construction will be scheduled, subject to volunteer availability. The submission package includes a completed application form, income verification for all household members (including Social Security letters, bank statements, or pay stubs), a signed homeowner permission form, and a signed liability release. Application materials can be mailed or faxed to UCP’s office in Nashville. The program director, John Pickett, is the primary contact for inquiries and can be reached by phone or email. The materials may also be downloaded from UCP’s website. Given the ongoing nature of the program and its dependence on state funding and volunteer availability, no formal application deadlines are published. Instead, the program operates on a rolling basis. Recipients are served based on submission order, income eligibility, and site suitability. The program provides a critical resource for Tennesseans with disabilities and remains a central component of UCP’s mission to support a life without limits for people with disabilities.