Do-It-Yourself Wheelchair Lifts

Are Wheelchair Ramps Special Treatment for a Few?

A wheelchair ramp adds value to almost any home. A minor change in ground level may not even be noticed by someone without a disability, but could represent a significant obstacle to a wheelchair user. Wheelchair ramps are specifically designed to help overcome these types of barriers. A wheelchair ramp shouldn't be viewed as special treatment, but rather as access for all. Wheelchair ramps are available for use in many different situations, from permanent installation in buildings, to portable use outdoors, to everyday access into vehicles.

Concern about the impact on normal foot traffic is common when people consider installing wheelchair ramps. The truth is that ramps often make things safer for everyone. Most ramps can be installed so there's space left for people who are walking.

Wheelchair ramps come in several different designs for different applications. Threshold ramps ease the passage over doorways or any other small raised areas. Track ramps have two tracks that line up with a wheelchair's wheels. Portable wheelchair ramps come in folding or telescoping versions.

One solution if you need a wheelchair ramp is to do it yourself. DIY wheelchair ramps are certainly possible, but make sure to put in some research before taking on a project like this. It's a little more complicated than throwing down a wooden board to roll on. One important issues to consider is the pitch of the ramp. The pitch refers to how steep a ramp should be. The Americans with Disabilities Act published guidelines for how steep wheelchair ramps can be. ADA plans for wheelchair ramps specify a maximum pitch of 1 to 12. That means that for every foot of ramp length, it shouldn't rise more than one inch.

Other things to think about when you're building wheelchair ramps is the width of the ramp, the sharpness of turns in the ramp, and whether or not to add handrails. If you're building your own wheelchair ramp at home, then you'll probably want to find plans for pressure treated wheelchair ramps. Pressure treated wood is immersed in liquid preservative and then placed in a pressure chamber. The high pressure forces the preservative into the wood fibers. Pressure treated wheelchair ramps will withstand weather and moisture for many more years than ramps made from regular wood. Check with your local governmental authority to make sure there aren't any specific building codes or permits for building wheelchair ramps.

In addition to providing access to buildings and over minor obstacles, wheelchair ramps are also perfect for easily loading your wheelchair or power scooter into a van or SUV. When you choose a wheelchair ramp for use with a vehicle, make sure you get the correct length. Wheelchair ramps for a GMC Safari or similar sized vehicle should probably be at least 10 feet long. Typical vehicle ramps are made of anodized aluminum and telescope to their full length. They are covered with a non-skid surface and often include a carrying case. They can also be used to negotiate steps and curbs.

Wheelchairs provide mobility to individuals who are unable to walk or have difficulty walking because of illness, disability or injury. Wheelchairs make it possible for people to move around with relative ease. It makes the difference in their ability to lead independent and active lifestyles. Wheelchair ramps extend their mobility even further.

For more information, visit: http://www.bestwheelchair4u.com/


home \| powered wheelchairs \| wheelchair accessories	Friday, July 30, 2010