Chris Baldwin smiles as his son Orion, 6, goes outside, leaving the door wide open for bugs to enter. But Baldwin is not the least bit annoyed; he is happy to see his son enjoying his first summer of going in and out on his own. Born three months premature and with cerebral palsy, Orion uses a wheelchair to get around. With assistance from Independence, Inc., his parents recently were able to install a ramp.

“It’s so great to see a kid happy and expressing his own independence,” says Baldwin. “The help from [Independence, Inc. housing specialist] Cindy Pippert was indispensable. ‘Thank you’ just doesn’t express it.”

Not enough funds to meet the need. Pippert coordinated the Baldwins’ project, funded by the City of Lawrence’s Accessible Housing Program, which funds about six housing modification projects per year for Lawrence renters with disabilities who need things like ramps, roll-in showers and widened doorways. Independence, Inc. receives just $33,000 annually for the project, meaning that some applicants must always be turned away once funds are exhausted for the year.

“A typical ramp costs $4,500,” says Pippert. “Renters can’t afford it, and the need is great. Some people wind up living in nursing homes because they can’t get into their own homes.”

Compounding the problem, last year the state cancelled its Kansas Accessible Modifications Program (KAMP), which provided funds for low-income homeowners to make their properties accessible. Although loans are available, many who need the service do not qualify. And tax breaks only cover part of the cost, plus require up-front construction money.

Win a Harley. Independence, Inc. is responding by holding its second annual Ramp Up for Independence Poker Run on July 23. The winner of the poker run will win a cash prize plus the chance to win a Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide motorcycle at the event, which starts and ends at Slow Ride (10 a.m. registration). Proceeds from the event, as well as those from sales of “Independence martinis” at the Eldridge and Oread hotels throughout the month of July, will go to support construction of wheelchair ramps and other accessible housing modifications in Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties.

Not a biker? You can still help. “I am excited about all the great events we have planned. There is something for everyone,” said Meghan Kinley, Development Director of Independence, Inc. To celebrate the July 26 anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will hold its first annual Champions of Independence luncheon on July 26 as well as a wine tasting and jazz event, Wine Down for Independence, at Eudora’s Davenport Winery on July 29. Sponsorships and tickets are available by calling 841-0333.

“People should never give up on finding the money,” says Baldwin. “The ramp made such a difference for Orion.”

And what does Orion himself most treasure about his newfound independence? “Playing with the hose.” In the hands of a 6-year-old boy, that could spell trouble! But, then again, his dad probably won’t mind.