Wheelchair Ramps Significantly Increase the Mobility of Disabled Individuals

A wheelchair ramp basically is an inclined plane that can help wheelchair users to access a building or roll on the side walk. There are some design standards to make this wheelchair ramp so it can be used properly. The basic standards normally specify the minimum width of the ramp and the steepness of the slope should not exceed a certain degree. A lesser degree will obviously provides easier navigation for a wheelchair and it will be safer to be accessed in icy condition. However, a lesser degree will also require more space to locate the wheelchair ramp.

In designing the wheelchair ramp, the length of the ramp should be determined based on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Of course the length of the ramp will determine the inclination of the ramp as well. There are several types of wheelchair ramp and each has its own functionality. Some ramps are permanent and some are semi-permanent, while others are portable.

Permanent wheelchair ramps usually are fixed in place using bolts or cement. Semi-permanent ramps, on the other hand, are only placed on top of the ground or cement pad and intended only for short period of time. The portable ones usually are made of aluminum. They are lightweight and can be transported easily everywhere as required.

ADA has stated that wheelchair ramps must be placed in new constructions intended for public accommodation. Manufacturers have made various types of wheelchair ramp to meet this demand and to help with every situation. Some well-known models are Invacare, EZ-Access Threshold Ramps, single fold, and multi-fold ramps.

Many people select the Invacare because it can be folded, durable, and easy to use. It shows great performance to improve accessibility for both manual and electric wheelchairs. On the other hand, the EZ-Access model is light weight and it is modular so can be catered to doorways, sliding glass doors, and raised landings. It can be used alone or combined with another to make an exit and entry access.

If you consider installing a wheelchair ramp, you should check with the community to find out whether they have an assistance program that helps disabled seniors to modify their homes by adding wheelchair ramps. Normally, you can find various community service agencies that provide low-cost or even free construction service to fix a home with wheelchair ramps. Government agencies and some non-profit organizations also provide help to fix or modify wheelchair ramps.

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