For the abled, leaving ones house or flat for a walk in the park or for a quick trip to the shop is something that is done everyday and given little thought as their feet easily make the necessary steps up and down flights of stairs. For the disabled, however, what is considered to be easy for those that have the full mobility of their legs, is not so straightforward. Simply getting down a flight of stairs or even one step is a task that takes planning and care. It’s then that some extra help is needed.
Those that have the full use of their legs often take for granted their ability. When one is confined to a wheelchair or in need of a walker for assistance, the tasks that appear easy to the abled are in fact quite difficult and special assistance is in order. Special assistance doesn’t necessarily mean physical help, but instead certain everyday items or actions need to be adjusted to suit those that need it.
A set of stairs, for the disabled, must be fitted with a ramp which connects an elevated entrance to the ground via an incline. This simple incline is a vital and indispensable part of the everyday life of those that have mobility problems, both at home and in their town or city. These inclines, which are also referred to as wheelchair ramps, are often installed to allow easy access to raised entrances and exits and permit easy wheelchair access to anyone with limited lift in their legs and although not disabled, it also benefits those pushing strollers, carts and wheeled objects.
Wheelchair ramps come in all shapes and sizes to compliment the area of their installation. As they can often be installed as a permanent, semi-permanent or portable building extension, no two ramps are exactly of the same dimensions. Ramps that are permanent are usually cemented into place or crafted with bolted aluminum. Semi-permanent rams are designed only for short term use while portable ramps are only intended for home use or in situations such as loading a van. Portable ramps are usually light enough to be moved by one person.
Cities or towns that closely manage the rules and regulations of zoned building access for those with disabilities, most ramps require careful design with established minimum widths and maximum slopes. Problems always have the possibility of coming up. Some problems with permanent wheelchair ramps include inclines which are too steep or uneven, improperly supported slopes and a lack of railings and side barriers.
Wheelchair ramps which are not used properly for their intended purpose or designed or constructed improperly without consideration of the intended user in mind will not only counteract the benefits of the ramp but also create dangerous situations for any ramp user. With such a great variety of wheelchair ramps available on the market, it should be noted that if there are any further questions about the rules and regulations of the wheelchair ramp in question, it is best to check with the local government or the area in question.