Individuals, business owners, organizations and care providers are now able to receive a subsidy from the Town of Orangeville for portable ramps purchased after Sept. 11, 2006.

The Town’s Accessibility Committee developed the Portable (suitcase) Ramp Subsidy Program after member Larry Rankin had the idea of trying to make businesses on Broadway more accessible.

The committee took his idea and tried to think of a way to help more people without leaving any of the downtown businesses open to liability.

Committee members discussed the issue over the past year and decided a subsidy program would be the best route.

“It will give people access to places they possibly wouldn’t have had access to otherwise,” said Carrie Cunningham, administrative assistant in the building and bylaw enforcement department at the Town. “It will help individuals who may not have been able to visit relatives or the doctor’s office,” because of limited accessibility.

The total eligible amount is $150. To receive the subsidy an application needs to be filled out indicating proof of address (either a business or home) in Orangeville. The applicant must be a resident, care provider, organization or business of the town and submit a receipt showing proof of purchase. Each applicant is entitled to one subsidy.

Since program funds are limited the subsidy will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information call 519-901- 0440 ext. 228.