My story

But despite all of life’s challenges, I wake up every day with an optimistic outlook, because there is so much still to do.

I’m a motivational speaker and the CEO, President and Founder of the national non-profit RAMP, Real Access Motivates Progress.

My health issues didn’t stop me, instead I persevered and learned to navigate the world with a positive attitude. I devote myself to helping others by raising awareness of accessibility for all. From talking to school age children, on introduction to engaging the disability community, to bullying and dealing with life’s curve balls. I work with all businesses, professions and first responders on all areas of communication and best practices of working to include the disability community.

I sit on the Governor’s commission on disability as Vice Chair and Chair of the Awareness committee. I love the opportunity to share my story, meet new people and advocate for all. I’m actually the first person of physical disability to win a national title for the USA Ambassador organization or any main stream pageant. It’s all based on community service and to date in the last year I have completed 4735 community service hours. Community service is part of my DNA. It’s who I am at the very core.

With all I have been through in my life, I’m still happy to get up everyday with a positive attitude and to help others. That’s a true testament to Life and the person I want to continue to be.

I was crowned your USA SLICC Ambassador 3 months ago and what an incredible journey it’s been so far.

It’s such an honor and a blessing to serve so many. From making tons of appearances, helping organizations get more attention, to my work with the state and running a national nonprofit has truly kept me busy.

Having this national platform to speak on Accessibility, Inclusion and defying the odds has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.

I prove everyday we can do anything we put our minds too and hope to inspire more individuals to do the same no matter your ability.

Now I need to ask for you help. I’m in desperate need of reliable transportation, an adaptive van.

This van would allow me to continue to travel all over to raise awareness for accessibility and inclusion.

It would allow me to continue to provide rides to those that need it for Rhode Island has only ONE wheelchair accessible taxi in the entire state.

It would allow me to continue my work for my nonprofit RAMP with roll throughs to business, speaking engagements, commission meetings and do much more to make our state and beyond fully accessible.

Equally important, It would allow me to keep my independence, make doctors appointments on my schedule ( around my work) and be a voice for so many.

My family and friends are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live in my honor, to fund an accessible van to keep me working for accessibility and inclusion for all.

I chose to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please share my page on your social media platforms. Every little bit helps.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!

Tina G Pedersen