Wheelchair ramps will make it easier to get around your home and business. All types and options of wheelchair ramps are available to you. We offer a variety of wheelchair ramps: modular ramps, customized ramps made from concrete or wood, aluminum ramps that can be moved, semi-permanent ramps, and permanent ramps.
Accessible Systems can assist you in choosing the right metal modular ramp, concrete or custom wood ramp, or portable ramp. Accessible Systems also offers information about lift chairs (recliners), manual wheelchairs, scooters, and power mobility devices.
What are the steps that you have to take? How high is your vertical height? It is important to know how many steps are required to determine the length of your wheelchair ramp.
A wheelchair ramp can be defined as an inclined plane that is installed alongside or in place of stairs. Ramps allow wheelchair users and people to push strollers, wagons, or other wheeled items to gain easier access to buildings. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that wheelchair ramps or other means for disabled people to access buildings are included in any new construction.
A metal wheelchair ramp may be portable, semi-permanent, or permanent. A permanent ramp is designed to be bolted, or attached in place. Semi-permanent ramps are placed on top of concrete pads or ground and are often used for short periods. A wheelchair ramp provides wheelchair users with greater accessibility in areas where there is a need to travel a long distance.
Some things to keep in mind when designing an access ramp:
Permanent ramps can have problems such as inclines that are too steep, uneven, poorly supported slopes or landings, lacks railings or side barriers, or ramps that reach some height. Portable ramps can be difficult to use because they are too short, too steep, or too unevenly placed. This can lead to instability and can also cause the ramp to slide off the elevated surface, whether it is a porch, van floor, or another elevated platform.
When constructing or placing a ramp, it is important to consider the manual wheelchair user’s ability to push up steeper inclines, the strain on their motors, and the potential for tipping if they descend a steeper ramp.
The ramp must have a level landing between the ramp’s top and the ground. It can be a surface like a porch, sidewalk, or built as part of the ramp. To accommodate the whole wheelchair, landings must be at least equal in width to the ramp. They should also be at least 60 inches (152.4cm) long. You should have enough room to open doors if the landing is located in front of a doorway.
American Disabilities Act recommends a 1-foot ramp for every inch of height. For every step of 7-8 inches, you need 7-8 feet of the ramp to ensure a safe and secure ramp. If you feel a steeper ramp would be safer for you, you can go beyond this recommendation. Although it may sound strange, a steeper ramp is necessary for those who are strong walker/manual wheelchair users.
A scooter or power wheelchair has safety features such as a powerful motor and automated brakes which allow you to use a steeper ramp. Remember to be careful and not make a mistake.
