Today, the inauguration of the last ramp in the Ramp Up Iceland project was celebrated in front of the Main Building of the University of Iceland. A special event was held in the University's ceremonial hall to mark the occasion. Nearly 1,800 ramps have now been installed across the country, far exceeding the project's initial goal of improving accessibility for people with mobility impairments by building 1,000 ramps; a number later increased to 1,500 ramps. The total number of ramps far surpassed these plans. The project has also been completed at record speed since it began in the fall of 2021 and is now finished, a year ahead of schedule.
Today's event began with the inauguration of the last and most impressive ramp at the University of Iceland's Main Building. This was followed by a programme in the University's Ceremonial Hall, where project supporters and guests gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.
Several people who have been involved in the project in various ways delivered speeches at the festival. Among the speakers were 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, and Haraldur Ingi Þorleifsson, founder and main sponsor of the project. Musical performances were also offered by KK, children from the Bakkaborg preschool, and members of the Reykjavík Brass Band.
"Accessibility issues are fundamental in university operations because equal access to university education also means equal access to opportunities in society and the labour market. Thus, accessibility issues in education are one of the most impactful social equalization tools available. I understand that 210 ramps have been built on the university campus alone in this initiative, Ramp Up Iceland. That makes a significant difference," said Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, today as he celebrated this important milestone.
From 100 ramps to 1,756
This major initiative began as a pilot project under the title Ramp Up Reykjavík in 2021, which involved building 100 ramps in the city centre. When they were completed in just eight months, it became clear that it was possible to expand the project. In 2022, it was decided to build 1,000 ramps across the country over four years. That same year, the plan was changed to 1,500 ramps, and the project continued due to urgent need, now reaching 1,756 ramps, a year ahead of schedule.
The project has positively affected the quality of life for countless people, as it has systematically made buildings across the country more accessible to everyone. So far, 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 individuals from all over the community, we built 1,756 ramps. These are 1,756 places where people who use wheelchairs can now go to eat, learn, laugh, shop, kiss, and live. Joy was at the helm throughout the journey, taking us much further than the most optimistic forecasts. Thank you," said Haraldur Ingi Þorleifsson, founder of the project, as he recounted its history and impact at the University of Iceland today.
The last ramp is the largest
The ramp inaugurated today at the Main Building of the University of Iceland is the largest, and information about all the ramps that have been built, and other related matters, can be found on the website rampur.is.
Although the actual construction is now complete, the group behind the project continues to work on special projects that promote improved accessibility, such as infrastructure at Lágafellslaug in collaboration with Mosfellsbær, and improved accessibility to restaurants at Geirsgata in collaboration with the City of Reykjavík.
This ambitious project would never have become a reality without the support of numerous companies, institutions, and individuals who have contributed. Among those who have supported the project are: The Municipal Equalization Fund, Haraldur Þorleifsson, Össur, Deloitte, Brandenburg, Aton, Lex Law Firm, BM Vallá, Icelandair, Orkan, ÞG Verk, Sjálfsbjörg, ÖBÍ, the City of Reykjavík, and many others as can be seen on rampur.is.
Photos from the event can be seen below.
