Wheelchair Ramps
Posted on 16. Feb, 2009 by Dave in Mobility Aids
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Wheelchair ramps are inclined planes used to provide access of places by individuals in wheelchairs. Wheelchair ramps may be constructed alongside or in lieu of stairs in some buildings. Some wheelchair ramps are portable to allow individuals access to places without permanent wheelchair ramps.
Types of wheelchair ramps
There are two basic types of wheelchair ramps: the permanent or the semi-permanent wheelchair ramp and the portable wheelchair ramp. Permanent or semi-permanent wheelchair ramps are usually constructed as part of the building, usually with concrete or wood. Portable wheelchair ramps may be made of durable plastic polymers and metal alloys, and are used for smaller vehicles and doorways.
How to select a wheelchair ramp
Wheelchair ramps are important mobility and access devices. They should be constructed carefully with a design that prevents accidental falls, slips, and other injuries. For a comprehensive guide to choosing the right wheelchair ramp specifications, it is advisable that you read the ADA spefications (Americans with Disabilities Act), which contains guidelines on the right specifications for wheelchair ramps.
If you are an experienced builder who wants to build a wheelchair ramp at home, there are some factors that you need to consider. These include the degree of incline or how steep or shallow the ramp is, the kind of landing that you want in your ramp, the transition to landing, weight specifications, and the presence of handrails.
The degree of incline is perhaps the most important feature you need to consider when building or choosing a wheelchair ramp. Permanent wheelchair ramps should be built with a shallow incline, as a steep wheelchair ramp can be very difficult to climb because it raises the risk of the wheelchair falling backwards. Guidelines specify the maximum acceptable incline for wheelchair ramps at a ratio of 1:12. This means that there should be at least 12 inches of ramp for every 1 foot of height. The presence of a landing and transition to landing is also important. Landings in the middle of wheelchair ramps allow the user to rest before continuing with the descent or ascent, while landings at the top or the bottom allow the user to open any doors unassisted.
The weight capacity of the wheelchair ramp is also important. Most contractors know how to calculate the weight capacity when constructing a cement wheelchair ramp for a building. If you are buying a portable wheelchair ramp on the other hand, make sure that your ramp is designed for the weight of your wheelchair plus the weight of the user.
