Wheelchair Ramp: Allows Users Easy Access To Buildings

By A. M. Kelly

The wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane that can be installed in place of stairs or as an addition to them. A ramp will allow users of wheelchairs to easily access a building. To create a wheelchair ramp one would need to carefully design it so that it meets the desired functionality and, also conforms to any established standards. Such specifications could be that the ramp should be of minimum width and, also have a slope not steeper than a certain degree. Having a lesser incline will certainly facilitate easier wheelchair navigation as well as be safer to use in icy conditions.

Determining Proper Length

One should also determine what the proper length of the ramp for access by handicapped persons would be and, for this, it may require determining the incline that the user’s wheelchair can climb. In addition, ADA requirements need to be followed. The wheelchair ramp may be of many different varieties with each one being used for different purposes. Some are permanent while others may be semi-permanent or even portable. Permanent wheelchair ramps may be bolted or cemented in place while semi-permanent ones could be resting on top of the ground or cement pad and, be used for short durations of time. Aluminum and lightweight ramps can be ported around and typically will fold for ease of transportability.

According to ADA rules and regulations, wheelchair ramps need to be in place in new constructions for public accommodations. There are many types of wheelchair ramps available that should help meet every need and, these include, among others, Invacare, EZ-Access Threshold ramps, single fold and multi-fold ramps. The Invacare model is a folding ramp that is easy to use as well as being durable and, it helps in improving access for manual or power wheelchairs.

The EZ-Access threshold ramps are light in weight and, are modular that cater to doorways, sliding glass doors as well as raised landings and, can be used alone or in combination with another to make an exit and entry combine. To be able to install a wheelchair ramp, one can check with their community to see whether they have an assistance program to help seniors with disabilities in modifying their homes for using wheelchair ramps. There are sure to be many community service agencies that will provide free or low-cost construction assistance to help the home are fitted with a wheelchair ramp. In addition, there are also government agencies as well as local non-profit organizations that help in wheelchair ramp modifications.

Author Details:
A. M. Kelly writes for various web sites including The A-Z of Wheelchairs and other information portals such as information junkie and the A-Z of.com

Source: Site Content by Simply Top

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