Ramps can be very difficult. Generally, we specify that the maximum acceptable
gradient for a ramp is 1:12,
but preferably 1:15, so for every 100 mm height of steps, you will need 1500 mm of
ramp (or 1200 mm if
necessary). This can be very difficult at the front entrance of houses (particularly
here in London where
the front path is often very short). Also worth noting is that ramps should always
have a slip-resistant
surface and upstands at the side to prevent the wheels slipping off, but that's pretty
obvious. The other
difficulty is that with longer ramps to be used at a communal entrance, where the ramp
needs to be removed
and replaced as required, the weight of the ramp becomes important, as a heavy ramp
can pose a significant
moving and handling risk for carers.
You can also get semi-permanent modular ramps that are fixed in place but can later be
removed and recycled,
but as these aren't portable, the access needs of other residents need to be taken
into account.
The following websites have some useful examples of different types of ramp. They are
all UK suppliers, but
you can get an idea of the type of ramps available.
http://www.ablecare.co.uk/accessibility.htm#Ramps
http://www.epc-wheelchairs.co.uk/products/mobility.htm
http://www.brookmobility.co.uk
http://www.hewerdine.co.uk
http://www.portaramp.uk.com
http://www.shineinternational.co.uk
http://www.thewheelchaircentre.co.uk
For US therapists, http://www.abledata.com is a very useful resource to find out about
products and
suppliers, and they have quite a lot of information on ramps.
For these sort of design considerations, it is very useful to refer to a design guide.
Here in the UK we
often use Selwyn Goldsmith's "Designing for the Disabled" -- it's like a bible of
adaptations, with guides
on turning circles, worksurface heights, ramp width, and pretty much everything else
you could ever need to
know.
Good luck with it.
Mike
Dale and Lisa wrote:
> HI Brigid. Standard wheelchair (18" seat width) will be approximately 24.5
> inches wide. How many steps are there? Are they 8" tall each? Temporary
> rams are available to lengths in 10 feet. Unless there is just one 8" step,
> you are probably out of luck. There are modular ramps in some cities for
> rent. Check the quick ramp systems from www.alumiramp.com Where are you
> located?
>
> Lisa
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brigid Lally <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Date: Thursday, March 22, 2001 10:00 PM
> Subject: Need help re:wheelchair ramp
>
> >Not sure who to turn to-is there a way to make a temporary ramp up into
> >a house-it is an old house and the stairs are steep. Also what is the
> >standard width of a wheelchair, sorry I have been out of the profession
> >for awhile. I wonder if there isn't a way for people to rent a temporary
> >ramp...hmmm...so many questions, can't wait until I am
> >recertified...Brigid
> >
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