Disabled access is becoming an important priority in many public buildings, as well as private business and college campuses. Including ramps in new development and installing them in older buildings gives people with disabilities more choices in their living situations. Low cost, reusable ramps have been developed, allowing for more cost-effective accessibility. In addition to helping people with disabilities, ramps also help people who need to push strollers, carts, or anything else with wheels into a building.
There are several different kinds of wheelchair ramps: permanent, semi-permanent, and portable. Which is most appropriate in a given instance depends on the use required of the ramp. Permanent ramps are designed to be bolted or cemented in place. They may be made of wood, concrete, or other materials. Semi-permanent ramps, on the other hand, rest on the ground, or on a cement pad. They're usually put in place when disabled access is required for a short period. They can then be reused in other locations later. These ramps can be very useful if you're disabled and living in an apartment, or plan to move to a new home. The ramp can simply be taken along when you leave. Portable wheelchair ramps are generally made of light materials, like aluminum, and are foldable for easy transportation.
A ramp has to meet certain criteria if it's going to be useful for accessibility. Many local areas have standards for permanent ramps. If you're thinking about installing one, consult your local guidelines to find out what's appropriate. Generally, the minimum width of wheelchair ramps is thirty-six inches. The slope shouldn't be steeper than one inch of rise per foot of length, to allow wheelchair and scooter users to climb the ramp without fear of slipping. Many ramps, however, are less steep, since this makes them easier to navigate, and safer in winter weather.
Wheelchair ramps should also be built with a lip on the edge. Usually, this lip is attached to a side rail, and is around two inches tall. The existence of this barrier prevents scooter and wheelchair wheels from slipping off the edge of the ramp, which could be potentially dangerous. If possible, when building a wheelchair ramp, bevel the edge so that a smooth transition is provided between the ramp and the ground. This makes it easier for wheelchair users, particularly those in manual chairs, to get from the ground onto the ramp.
To accommodate the gradual slope required by wheelchair ramps, many must incorporate switchbacks. This produces a long ramp, and can take up a lot of space in front of a building. Take into account the area that will be covered by the ramp before you start building. In addition, landings for switchbacks should be at least five feet across, to accommodate the turning radius of a wheelchair or scooter. Remember to include anti-slip surfaces, like grit, rubber, or paint with sand incorporated, to prevent sliding in wet or icy conditions. If you're building a concrete ramp, a rough finish works just fine for this.
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