Contact:
David Hunt, WisDOT Division of Transportation System Development
(608) 261-6121; david.hunt@dot.wi.gov
Workers/30-year-old partnership play vital roles in public safety, tourism, and quality of life
Today, workers associated with the state’s 30-year-old Rest Area Maintenance (RAM) program were honored at the State Capitol as Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch hosted an event to thank the workers for their dedication and service.
Since 1987, the RAM program has provided employment opportunities to workers with disabilities who enhance public safety and the state’s tourism industry by handling maintenance duties at Wisconsin’s 30 rest areas and 13 Safety and Weight Enforcement Facilities (SWEFs). Earlier this year, Governor Scott Walker issued an official commendation of the RAM program anniversary.
“This unique state and local partnership has benefited travelers, workers and taxpayers for three decades,” Lt. Gov. Kleefisch said. “The RAM program helps greatly to maintain Wisconsin’s well-deserved reputation for hospitality while also empowering so many workers to live independently through the power of a paycheck and greater inclusion in the economy.”
More than 17 million people stop at Wisconsin rest areas every year. A recent Rest Area Visitor Survey revealed over 95 percent of respondents reported cleanliness of restrooms as excellent or good.
Along with overseeing the State Highway System, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) operates rest areas and SWEFs. To handle daily maintenance duties at these facilities, WisDOT has a long-standing partnership with 23 community vocational rehabilitation programs across the state that provide job opportunities to about 350 workers with disabilities. Rehabilitation for Wisconsin oversees the state’s Rest Area Maintenance Program.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
###
Rest Area Service Providers (Community Rehabilitation Programs) in WI
To reach any of the service providers listed below, contact: Tom Packard with Rehabilitation for Wisconsin, (608) 244-5310 – ext. 107, or email: tpackard@rfw.org
· Barron County DDS, Barron, WI
· Black River Industries, Medford, WI
· Chippewa River Industries, Chippewa Falls, WI
· Clark County Adult Development Services, Greenwood, WI
· Curative Care Network, West Allis, WI
· Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin, Inc., Waukesha, WI
· Endeavors Adult Development Center, Balsam Lake, WI
· Handishop Industries, Tomah, WI
· Headwaters, Inc., Rhinelander, WI
· Highline Corporation, Hurley, WI
· Holiday House of Manitowoc, Inc., Manitowoc, WI
· Indianhead Enterprises, Inc., Menomonie, WI
· Kenosha Achievement Center, Inc., Kenosha, WI
· L.E. Phillips Career Development Center, Eau Claire, WI
· Northwoods, Inc. of Wisconsin, Portage, WI
· Opportunities, Inc., Fort Atkinson, WI
· Riverfront, Inc., La Crosse, WI
· Superior Vocations Center, Inc., Superior, WI
· Ventures Unlimited, Inc., Shell Lake, WI
· Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center, Viroqua, WI
· VIP Services, Inc., Elkhorn, WI
· Waupaca County Industries, Inc., Manawa, WI
