One of the biggest problems for people with mobility issues is being able to cope with steps. This seems obvious if they are in a wheelchair, or travel about using an electric scooter, however steps also cause problems for people with visual impairments, or that use crutches. Going up one step might not be a problem, but multiple steps might make their destination inaccessible.
In many cases it is a legal requirement for disabled ramps to be made available for people who need them. These can vary in size and construction. They cannot be too steep, as this would be hazardous, though they might just be a small wooden strip on a threshold to a door to make it a smooth ride for a wheelchair. The ends of a ramp should also not lead into sharp turns.
A person using crutches will also find these ramps easier to use than steps. Likewise, people with visual impairments prefer to go down ramps than steps. This is because they find it very difficult to judge when steps begin and end if they are not marked clearly with a bright strip of paint.
There are a few things you must consider before you install a ramp. It should be easy for somebody using a mobility scooter or wheelchair to get on and off easily, and not be so steep that it is difficult to go up, and dangerous to come down. It is also good idea to use some form of anti-slip material to allow some traction for wheels. A method of ensuring that the ramp is not too steep is to design it in an S shape, extending the distance thereby lowering the angle of the slope.
There are also portable ramps available for purchase. These are extremely useful to allow access to vehicles, and can also be stored on the vehicle to be used once the destination has been reached. Many train services carry them so that their passengers have no problem getting on and off the train.
If a member of your household is a wheelchair or electric scooter user you will find that there is a wide range of ramps available to make their life easier. It is important that you make sure they are durable enough to deal with constant use, and can also support the combined weight of the wheelchair and the user. You should also consider the accessibility of parts of the garden area.
If the wheelchair user makes a lot of visits to relatives where access is difficult there are also some very portable products available. These are known as suitcase ramps. They can be easily folded, and carried about, however they should not be considered as a substitute for a more permanent installation.
When you come to select a ramp, or a series of them, analyse your requirements carefully. This will include the regularity that it will be used, and the budget you have available. The choice available these days is tremendous, and you are almost certain to find something to meet your budget. Getting a wheelchair ramp will make your disabled friends lives a lot easier, and pleasanter.
In many cases it is a legal requirement for disabled ramps to be made available for people who need them. These can vary in size and construction. They cannot be too steep, as this would be hazardous, though they might just be a small wooden strip on a threshold to a door to make it a smooth ride for a wheelchair. The ends of a ramp should also not lead into sharp turns.
A person using crutches will also find these ramps easier to use than steps. Likewise, people with visual impairments prefer to go down ramps than steps. This is because they find it very difficult to judge when steps begin and end if they are not marked clearly with a bright strip of paint.
There are a few things you must consider before you install a ramp. It should be easy for somebody using a mobility scooter or wheelchair to get on and off easily, and not be so steep that it is difficult to go up, and dangerous to come down. It is also good idea to use some form of anti-slip material to allow some traction for wheels. A method of ensuring that the ramp is not too steep is to design it in an S shape, extending the distance thereby lowering the angle of the slope.
There are also portable ramps available for purchase. These are extremely useful to allow access to vehicles, and can also be stored on the vehicle to be used once the destination has been reached. Many train services carry them so that their passengers have no problem getting on and off the train.
If a member of your household is a wheelchair or electric scooter user you will find that there is a wide range of ramps available to make their life easier. It is important that you make sure they are durable enough to deal with constant use, and can also support the combined weight of the wheelchair and the user. You should also consider the accessibility of parts of the garden area.
If the wheelchair user makes a lot of visits to relatives where access is difficult there are also some very portable products available. These are known as suitcase ramps. They can be easily folded, and carried about, however they should not be considered as a substitute for a more permanent installation.
When you come to select a ramp, or a series of them, analyse your requirements carefully. This will include the regularity that it will be used, and the budget you have available. The choice available these days is tremendous, and you are almost certain to find something to meet your budget. Getting a wheelchair ramp will make your disabled friends lives a lot easier, and pleasanter.
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