Ramp Up Iceland Finishes Ahead Of Schedule And Exceeds Goals
Today, Ramp Up Iceland officially completed the project started by Haraldur Thorleifsson in 2022. Wrapping up a full year ahead of schedule and building almost double what they set out to do.
Margrét, a former student who was forced to drop out because of the lack of access previously, cuts the ribbon on the final ramp in front of the University of Iceland.
The inauguration of the last ramp in the Ramps Up Iceland project was celebrated in front of the University of Iceland's Main Building today, while a harvest festival was held in the school's Hall to mark the milestone.
Since the project began, 1,756 ramps have been built across the country. The initial goal was to improve accessibility for people with disabilities to buildings across the country by building 1,000 ramps, which was later increased to 1,500 ramps. The total number of ramps thus exceeded those plans. The project has also been completed at record speed, according to the announcement, and has been completed a year ahead of schedule.
Today's event began with the inauguration of the last ramp at the Main Building of the University of Iceland. This was followed by a program in the University Hall, where project supporters and guests gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.
At the ceremony, a number of people who have been involved in the project in one way or another gave speeches. Speakers included Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, former President of Iceland, Eyjólfur Ármannsson, Minister of Transport and Local Government, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister, Dagur B. Eggertsson, Member of Parliament and former Mayor of Reykjavík, Jón Atli Benediktsson, University Rector, Bryndís Thors, a primary school student, and Haraldur Ingi Þorleifsson, the project's founder and main sponsor. There were also musical performances by KK, children from Bakkaborg Kindergarten, and members of the Reykjavík Marching Band.
Equal access
"Accessibility issues are fundamental issues in university work, because equal access to university education also includes equal access to opportunities in society and the economy. Thus, accessibility issues in school work are one of the most effective social equalizers available. I understand that on the university campus alone, a full 210 ramps have been built in this initiative, Ramp Up Iceland. It makes a difference," Jón Atli Benediktsson, rector of the University of Iceland, is quoted as saying.
The project has had a positive impact on the quality of life of countless people from the beginning, and that through it, there has been a systematic effort to make buildings around the country increasingly accessible for all. Until now, most of the ramps have been built at private buildings, but the final stages of the project have been in collaboration with public entities.
“By working together with countless partners, from all over the community, we built 1,756 ramps. There are 1,756 places that people who use wheelchairs can now go to eat, learn, laugh, shop, kiss, live. Joy was at the helm the whole way and joy brought us much further than the most optimistic predictions. I want to thank everyone who made this possible.” said Haraldur Thorleifsson, the founder of the project when he recounted its history and impact at the University of Iceland today.
The last ramp is the largest
The ramp that was inaugurated today at the Main Building of the University of Iceland is the largest.
The group behind the project continues to carry out special projects that contribute to improved accessibility, including infrastructure in Lágafellslaug in collaboration with Mosfellsbær and improved accessibility to restaurants on Geirsgata in collaboration with the City of Reykjavík.
