Rita Ebel's inspiring journey is a testament to resilience and positivity. At 67 years old, she has faced significant challenges, including a car accident that left her with incomplete paralysis, two divorces, and a battle with cancer. Yet, through it all, Rita radiates joy and a determination to see the good in every situation.

As she beautifully puts it, “There is no situation that is just bad. We all need to find this tiny good part in the negative circumstance ourselves.” This optimistic outlook fuels her actions and her mission to improve accessibility in her community.

Living in Hanau, Germany, Rita, who uses a wheelchair for most of her mobility, discovered that many local businesses were not accessible after her accident. The common response from shop owners was that she could simply knock on the door for assistance. However, Rita knew that for someone like her, who values independence, this was not a viable solution.

Taking initiative, Rita decided to create her own wheelchair ramps, but with a creative twist. Instead of traditional materials, she began constructing ramps using vibrant Lego bricks. However, as she started her project, she quickly realized that acquiring enough Legos was a challenge in itself.

“Getting the Legos is actually the hardest part,” Rita explained, noting that many people hold onto their Lego collections with fondness. Furthermore, she found that most available sets were not suited for her ramp designs.

In a moment of vulnerability, she reached out on social media for assistance. To her delight, the response was overwhelming. “My first donor asked how many pieces of Lego I would need to finish my very first ramp,” she shared. After estimating that she might need around 1,000 pieces, she was thrilled when he arrived with two large boxes of Lego bricks.

Since embarking on this heartwarming endeavor in 2019, Rita has built numerous ramps, earning her the endearing title of "Lego Oma," or "Lego Grandma." Her colorful creations have transformed shops across Hanau, including sweet shops and breweries, making them more accessible, one brick at a time.

While German regulations specify that official wheelchair ramps must have a 6% incline or less, Rita's ramps, while not meeting these exact standards, are wholeheartedly supported by city officials. “In the end, wheelchair users don’t care much about regulations if the ramp allows them to independently enter and exit the shop,” she wisely noted. Her work not only benefits those with mobility challenges but also enhances accessibility for families with strollers and individuals on crutches.

The colorful ramps also serve as a helpful visual cue for those with low vision, signaling an incline ahead. Building a ramp typically takes Rita just three to four hours, and as donations continue to pour in, she is grateful for the support. Her landlord even provided her with extra space to store the growing Lego collection.

Recently, Rita received a delightful surprise when children from a local kindergarten visited, bringing along a generous donation of assorted Lego bricks. She shared photos of the joyous occasion on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the young helpers who brought smiles and excitement to her workshop.

Rita Ebel's journey is a beautiful reminder of the power of community, creativity, and the unwavering spirit to uplift others. Through her colorful Lego ramps, she is not only paving the way for greater accessibility but also spreading happiness and hope throughout her beloved Hanau.