Wheelchair Ramps | Long Tread-Low Riser Stairs

Wheelchair Ramps allow easy maneuverability of wheelchairs in and out of buildings, over thresholds and steps, and easier walking for those using a walker or cane. The recommended riser to tread length ratio is 1" on 12". What that means is a 4" riser/threshold requires a 4 ft long ramp; a 6" riser/threshold requires a 6 ft long ramp; and a 12" rise/threshold requires a 12 ft long ramp. Where a porch area is say 30" in height requires a 30 ft long ramp, which usually means a turn and a landing to allow for the required length.

Several types of Wheelchair Ramps are available and consideration should be given before building or buying one.

1. What type of wheelchair and maneuverability
1a. Manual operation by occupant
1b. Manual operation by an assistant
1c. Electric Operation Wheelchair or Scooter

2. Wheelchair Ramp at a residence
2a.Height of threshold - step or porch
2b.Space available - limited or not
2c.Sidewalk approach
2d.Permanent or Temporary
2e.Portable or Fixed

3. Wheelchair Ramps for a vehicle
3a.Side door access to SUV or van
3b.Rear door access to SUV or van

Maneuverability

Ramps are designed for safety and maneuverability and the capability of the user to manually propel the chair up and down inclines. The weight of the chair and its user play the major role as the propulsion is accomplished by upper arm strength with some agility and skill as the natural tendency of the wheels is to roll down an incline. The steeper the incline the more difficult and more dangerous for the chair to tip. The 1" rise on 12" run ratio has been determined to be the safest and most practical for ramps.

The same principles hold true when someone is pushing the chair as the combined weight of the chair and the occupant are now being handled by the attendant, and their physical ability is being applied to pushing the chair up the incline and braking the chair on the decline.

Electrically motorized chairs, of course, function well on the ramps, but they need some help sometimes, and there is even more weight to be handled.

Not all attendants are young and strong. Some of us are older and don't possess the same strength to handle a chair. Wheelchair Ramps make it possible for those with limited ability to enjoy more of life. We could go into the mechanics and theories as to how these ratios were derived, but it doesn't change the fact that ramps are needed for thresholds and risers greater than 1".

If a ramp is to be installed at a residence and will be permanent or semi-permanent, you may want to consider wood construction. Pressure treated lumber should be used and the construction based on good structural design to carry the weight of the construction, the chair and occupants or scooter. 36" minimum width is recommended with handrails installed at the outside edge of 2" to 4" edge curbs. Proper support and tie-ins to the house or porch is required.

Where a home has a raised porch or a natural incline, the ramps length needs to accommodate that height/rise. Where space is not available for a straight run, it may be necessary to turn a basic 90 degree landing to satisfy the length for the height requirement.

Portable metal ramps can be purchased with a standard of 36" width, 2" edge curbs, and lengths up to 5 ft. These usually have a single lengthwise fold and can be carried like a suitcase. Longer ramps are multi-fold for up to 12 ft ramps and allows it to be folded lengthwise and widthwise into a suitcase type unit. A unit can be heavy, so be sure someone is available to carry it.

Threshold Ramps and Solid Ramps are available for installation with security pins. They vary in width based on the door width dimension and risers needed.

Vehicle Ramps are designed for side-door vans, utility type vehicles and rear door vehicles. Proper installation and instructions on using these ramps is imperative as the slope for these ramps is much steeper and required additional attention to use them safely.

According to data published on the Prairie View Industries, Inc. literature, the slope recommendations are that 1:12 slope = 4.8 degrees is the ADA recommended slope for most unassisted manual chair users, although assistance on ramps is alway recommended. The 2:12 slope = 9.5 degrees is acceptable for a portable ramp use by occupied chairs and scooters with qualified assistant. 3:12 slope = 14.5 degrees is for loading unoccupied chairs and scooters.

Low Rise- Long Tread stairs may be a consideration in lieu of a ramp if mobility allows it. Wheelchairs can negotiate this type of stair with assistance. People who have trouble walking and negotiating normal stairs, and persons on walkers and canes handle this type of stair with greater ease and safety. A handrail adds to stability and safety. When my mother broker her hip they told her to remember "down with the bad and up the good". Not a bad memory device. The handrail should be on the uninjured side going up or down.

When investigating wheelchair ramps and stairs be sure the agency is certified and a fully accredited home care organization by ACHC. Contact Dura-Med Mobility of Florida at Telephone No. 904-296-9339 and they can refer you to an agency in your area if you are not in their territory, or send them an e-mail and ask. http:www.dura-med.net.

In some cases insurance will pay for ramps and stairs. Your equipment supply agency can tell you what Medicare and insurance will help with. If you are a veteran check with the administration to see if you qualify.