Tina's Table
True inclusion matters - everyone is welcomed at Tina's Table!
Unveiling Tina's Table
"This Rhode Island Woman Believes This Table Can Change Lives"
from GoLocalProv
RAMP CEO Tina Guenette cuts the pink ribbon held by RAMP supporters at the unveiling of Tina's Table
One of the state’s biggest inclusion and accessibility advocates will be unveiling a new project on Tuesday in Providence — that she believes has the ability to change lives.
Tina Guenette, along with members of The Steel Yard, will be unveiling “Tina’s Table,” which will feature bench seating designed to look like powered or manual wheelchairs — as well as room for up to three functional wheelchairs.
For Guenette, a four-time cancer survivor, four-time stroke survivor, survivor of two heart attacks, and motorized wheelchair-user, it’s all about having “a seat at the table.”
“Every time I go to an event — I just want a seat on a table,” said Guenette, the founder of RAMP Real Access Motivates Progress. “I want to make the statement that when we sit down, we’re all the same and we can share our ideas from the same place. There’s always room to make space for us at the ‘end.’ I want it in the middle — I want to be there and speak my mind."
"I want to provide space for service dogs, moms with strollers... there is no part of this table this isn’t accessible and functional and just plain beautiful,” said Guenette. “This table represents everyone.”
The first Tina's Table is ready for the ribbon cutting
Click on any image to play video of ceremony.
Partnering with The Steel Yard
Guenette spoke with GoLocal about partnering with The Steel Yard several years ago — and strengthening the bonds since then.
“Back in 2019, we started working together. I love their space, but found there was a lot I couldn’t get to, so I became fast friends with them,” said Guenette.
That partnership led to increased accessibility at the location, to allow wheelchair users the ability to take part in jewelry-making to blacksmithing — “everything down to the bathrooms,” said Guenette of the effort. That was just the beginning.
“Because RAMP doesn’t charge for what we do, and we’re both nonprofits, I said let’s partner for an event, and to reach out to businesses to be more accessible,” said Guenette. “That’s where ‘Accessibility is Beautiful’ came from. I said let’s offer a public project about disability in art — I had this idea for some time and said I just need someone to bring it to life.”
“This design was developed with our apprentices and staff, and fabrication will be completed in our accessible metal shop. There is room for everyone at Tina’s Table,” said Howie Sneider with The Steel Yard.
Representatives of Rhode Island speak at the unveiling of Tina's Table in Kennedy Plaza
The project will be officially unveiled at 11:30 AM on Tuesday morning in Kennedy Plaza — but Guenette hopes the design gains traction, especially among local businesses.
“Right now, it’s the perfect time for this table,” said Guenette. “‘Take it Outside’ — what did it do? It took the closest parking spots [next to restaurants] for outdoor tables. So then what happened? We can’t get to the [parking] spots that were there before. People need these tables.”
For Guenette, there are no excuses for businesses and restaurants not to be accessible. “There’s a lot of money for businesses to be ADA federally compliant,” said Guenette. “The good thing about this table, it can be made to fit your dimensions.”
RAMP CEO Tina Guenette cuts the pink ribbon held by RAMP supporters at the unveiling of Tina's Table
RAMP CEO Tina Guenette and supporters are all seated at Tina's Table in Kennedy Plaza.
Order Tina's Table
The Steel Yard is currently taking orders for custom Tina's Tables
Sketch of Tina's Table, an inclusive public seating area designed by The Steel Yard in partnership with RAMP
Tina's Table is functional, beautiful, and inclusive. It creates a statement that when we gather at the table, we are all the same. Each table is custom made and available in a variety of Powder Coated colors. All labor is performed at The Steel Yard's fully accessible industrial arts studios in Providence.
A portion of proceeds from each table supports ongoing collaborations between The Steel Yard and RAMP. Discounts available with orders larger than 4.
For more information or to place an order email projects@thesteelyard.org or call 401-369-7776