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Access for All: Creating an accessible Ronald McDonald House
Spring is a time for renewal, and this year, our Ronald McDonald House is embracing transformation like never before by completing an Access for All project. This life-changing renovation and construction project will make the 130-year-old house accessible, allowing everyone, regardless of any mobility challenges, to enter the front door and into the heart of the home.
Creating an accessible Ronald McDonald House means individuals like Monika Simkova, a double amputee who uses a wheelchair and faced challenges access out House, will soon be able to move around the house with ease.
I was excited about the possibility of having Monika join me at the Ronald McDonald House. I felt it would be the perfect place to help Monika transition to live outside of the hospital...Unfortunately, it was determined that the House was not accessible and therefore unsafe for my sister.
Construction for this $1 million Access for All project started in April, and we’re reaching out to you for your support in helping us secure the remaining funding to make this vision a reality.
Your contribution will help fund the renovations and impact the lives of countless families who rely on our programs. By supporting Access for All, you are helping us create a more inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Monika and I visited Buffalo's Ronald McDonald House before returning to Slovakia. Although the front stairs kept my sister from entering the house, we were able to enjoy the beautiful grounds. I will always remember my stay at the House where I was surrounded by love and support of the staff.
Monika’s story as well as so many others like Monika inspired us to launch our Access for All campaign.
Renovations and enhancements will include
- Welcoming Entrance: A ramp will be added to the house’s main entrance allowing everyone to enter through the front door with ease.
- Common Area Enhancements: Saying goodbye to carpeting and hello to smooth flooring! In addition, on the first floor, a bathroom designed for people with disabilities and mobility limitations will be installed. These enhancements will ensure that all areas of the house are accessible, providing families with mobility challenges the freedom to move around comfortably.
- Multi-Level Access: A new multi-person use elevator is being installed that will travel from the bottom, main and second floors. In addition, ramps will be installed on the second floor to ensure everyone can easily get to the accessible suites on that level.
- Updating the Guest Kitchen to Meet Accessibility Requirements: These renovations include lowering some of the countertops’ height and adding an accessible sink, eliminating an island to allow for the removal of a wall to gain level access to where the elevator will be in the rear of the house.
RMHC of WNY is a proud chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities global network. RMHC of WNY is managed by a local volunteer board of directors. RMHC of WNY is responsible for its own fundraising and programs and is 100% funded by generous donations.
The mission of RMHC of WNY is to create and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Since 1983, our Buffalo Ronald McDonald House has served more than 21,411 families from New York, neighboring states, and globally. Since opening in late 2017, our Ronald McDonald Family Room located in John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH) receives more than 1,000 visits each month, and our Ronald McDonald Hospitality Cart at OCH makes more than 360 bedside visits each week. Our recently launched Ronald McDonald Hospitality Cart visits the Mother/Baby and NICU units at Sisters of Charity Hospital each week.
For more information about RMHC of WNY and how you can help, visit rmhcwny.org.
