Written by: Tedfuel
RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities) is a public-facing coalition of established music creators with diverse disabilities dedicated to amplifying Disability Culture and inclusion in the music industry. Launched in January 2022, RAMPD has collaborated with Folk Alliance, the American Association of Independent Music and other leading music firms to promote disability equity, as well as working with the Recording Academy to make the 64th GRAMMY’s more accessible–with a visible ramp to the stage, ASL on the red carpet, and live captioning and Audio Description.
In August 2022, RAMPD announced the election of its new Executive Committee who will usher the fast-growing organization to new heights while ensuring its mission of elevating and advocating for music creators and professionals with disabilities.
This new leadership:
Lachi (Founder/President) is an award winning recording artist, writer and vocal inclusion advocate who’s collaborated with major and international labels and brands. From hosting PBS segments on disability, appearing in national accessibility ads and sitting on the Grammys New York Chapter board to founding RAMPD, Lachi has dedicated her platform and craft to amplifying Disability Culture, visibility and representation. “At this critical time in history, I believe RAMPD is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in amplifying the professional Deaf/Disabled music creator within the pop culture music community,” Lachi says. “Being this voice for change is an honor and a privilege, and requires a poise, dedication and know-how that the individuals in our new executive team have and continue to exemplify in everything they do. I am committed to serving our mission with utmost fire and grace, and am confident in our new guard to pioneer this charge and grow RAMPD to new heights.”
Precious Perez (Vice President) is a Pop/R&B and Latin singer/songwriter, educator, and disability advocate. She has served as RAMPD Memberships Chair and is a New York Chapter Recording Academy voting member. Her personal goal is to uplift her community and become the first blind Latina at the forefront of the Latin music industry. “I am incredibly excited to serve as the new Vice President of RAMPD. Our mission is not only necessary, but it is empowering for myself and other disabled artists and music professionals. I am proud to do my part to help RAMPD flourish, and to continue uplifting and advocating for disability within the space of the music industry.”
Stephen Letnes (Treasurer) is a pianist and composer with over 100 credits for film and television music, ranging from award-winning short films and international documentaries, to feature films. Letnes is also the founder of Able Artist Foundation, which supports artists with disabilities on fixed incomes. “I am honored,” Stephen says. “Recognizing our organization’s expeditious growth in such a short time and the positive responses from industry corporations, agencies, media, and influential leaders in music, the next year portends even greater magic from and for our members, and substantive change for professional musicians with disabilities everywhere.”
Lisa Sniderman aka Aoede (Secretary) is a San Francisco-based artist, playwright, author and disabled artist advocate. She’s been honored with more than 100 accolades/awards while living with chronic illness. Lis has served as RAMPD Events Co-chair, helping make award shows more accessible, especially to online audiences. “As the new Secretary and Events Co-chair for RAMPD, I’m thrilled to continue to act to promote inclusion, celebrate disability culture and advocate for accessibility, and excited for the opportunity to co-lead and directly affect change for disabled artists and musicians.”
About RAMPD
RAMPD is a fast-growing coalition dedicated to making disability inclusion and access a reality in the mainstream music industry. It was founded in May of 2021 by recording artist and advocate Lachi after a public talk between the Recording Academy and several disabled artists revealed a serious lack of visibility, access, and representation for professional disabled artists.
Co-founder and touring artist Gaelynn Lea — along with a team of esteemed founding members — put out a call through RAMPD for artists, music professionals to sign up pre-launch and received hundreds of responses. Demonstrating what accessibility and inclusion looks like in the real world, RAMPD meets with leaders from top music firms, labels, publishers, and nonprofits, forging visionary partnerships to forever advance the industry.
