Staff Presentation: Enrico Cartei on Ramps

Not All Ramps are Created Equally !

Enrico presented on Ramps on 07/24/2013 to help educate our staff.  His presentation showed that ramps are not only important for the safety of the patient, but also will preserve the integrity of the equipment being used.

ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act)

Twenty-three years ago this week our nation established a comprehensive mandate to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities by enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Department of Justice is proud to play a critical role in enforcing the ADA and opening up the gateways to full participation and opportunity for people with disabilities. Today, the Department of Justice is working towards a future in which all the doors are open to equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, integration and economic self-sufficiency for all for persons with disabilities.

General Rule

For Businesses and other Public areas, for every 1" of rise (height), the ramp has to be 12" in length. In a home setting it can be 12" length for every 2" in rise. It should be noted that although in residential setting the ramp can be steeper, if the equipment user is using a manual wheelchair, having the ADA standard for public areas will be much safer and easier.

Types of Ramps

Fixed Ramps, which include concrete and wood style ramps.  Wood fabricated ramps can be inexpensive if you have a handy person who is good with carpentry. Wood although inexpensive, needs to be treated, and inspected regularly due to wear and exposure to the elements. Concrete ramps are very durable, need little maintenance; however can be expensive, and may not be desirable for re-selling a home. 

Modular Ramps, are a good option when the rise is high, or when there are obstacles in the way. These ramps are typically made from Aluminum. Typically constructed with a platform off the door, and can be configured as needed to allow safe egress to/from the location. Many times when the equipment user is in a rental home, this type of system is required as it can be dismantled and taken with them. These ramps can get costly but in many cases are less than concrete or wood.

Portable Ramps- the most common ramps, these can be used for thresholds, for steps or for entry into vehicles.
These ramps are offered with and without rails, with and without side rails and folding and non-folding.  Threshold ramps are offered in Rubber, Aluminum and Fiberglass. They can be configured for a small step or over sliding glass door tracks. The 2-5 foot ramps are offered in a single folding style. When getting over 5 foot, the ramps typically fold twice allowing the ramp to be transported in a vehicle.

Concerns When Choosing a Ramp

Care is needed when dealing with an outward swinging door.   Most ramps have edges for safety, and typically front doors open outward. Many times the ramp edges interfere with opening and closing a door. There are ways to overcome this and a mobility consultant should be contacted to help these issues.

Securing a ramp is important for safety. If a ramp is used intermittently, securing may not be as
important. If a ramp is left at a step, it should be secured with proper hardware or pins to ensure it does not move or create an unsafe condition.

Ramps have different coatings for traction. Some have grooves within the material and others use gritty adhesive paper which offers traction.

Popular Manufacturer's of Ramps

There are many ramp manufacturers today. The most common is EZ Access, Guldmann, PVI, and Pride.  There are others, and a consultation can guide you on which may be right for your application.

Conclusion

If you are uncertain on what type of ramp is for you, it is important to have a trained professional consult you over the phone or visit your location; measure and make recommendations on what equipment is right for your and your needs.

Great Job Enrico ! your information not only helped our staff, but also will help our customers. Active Mobility Center offers a wide range of assistive and rehab technology equipment. Their staff is expert in listening and matching equipment to your specific needs.  If you or someone you know needs advice or equipment, we can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or sales@wheelchairguys.com